Etheostoma nianguae Gilbert & Meek, 1887
Niangua darter

Family:  Percidae (Perches), subfamily: Etheostomatinae
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 4 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: Osage River drainage (Missouri River basin) in southern central Missouri, USA.
Diagnosis:  Distinguished by having the following characters: caudal fin base with 2 jet-black spots (unfused); lateral line with 72-82 scales; breeding males with large bright orange and green bars along side, orange and green bands on dorsal and caudal fins (Ref. 86798).
Biology:  This species inhabits rocky pools and runs of creeks and small to medium rivers (Ref. 5723). Its eggs are found buried in the substrate (Ref. 7043).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 21 December 2011 (B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.