The Warrior Darter (Etheostoma bellator) is a species found only in Alabama’s Black Warrior River drainage above the Fall Line. One of its populations has a close relationship with the endangered Vermilion Darter (Etheostoma chermocki). The Vermilion Darter, confined to just a 12 kilometer range, is the only snubnose darter species in that system, making its survival critically important. Because of the similarities between these two species, the Warrior Darter serves as an invaluable surrogate for understanding and protecting its endangered relative.

We first worked with the Warrior Darter in 2004. This was our very first attempt at propagating snubnose darters, a group belonging to the Ulocentra subgenus. To our excitement, we successfully produced nearly 600 individuals. This project provided crucial insights into their life history and reproductive behaviors, strengthening our foundation for potential Vermilion Darter conservation efforts.

Though we haven’t yet had the opportunity to work directly with the Vermilion Darter, our experience with the Warrior Darter has been invaluable. By studying this close relative, we’ve gained knowledge that can be applied to future Vermilion Darter conservation and propagation efforts. These insights guide our understanding of how to best protect and care for these rare fish, and we remain optimistic about their recovery.

Our success with the Warrior Darter also opened the door to working with other members of the snubnose darter group, including the fascinating Blueface Darter. One unique trait of snubnose darters is their unusual spawning behavior. Unlike many other fish that cluster their eggs, snubnose darters deposit them in scattered locations. The female selects each egg deposition site by nipping at it, signaling the pair to spawn there before moving on to the next spot.

Each new project adds to our growing expertise and passion for protecting these remarkable species. From the Warrior Darter to the Vermilion Darter and beyond, our work continues to strengthen conservation efforts for some of the rarest fish in North America. With collaboration and dedication, we hope to secure a future where these darters thrive for generations to come.