background

etowah aquatic HCP overview

about the etowah

about the species

about esa & hcps

maps

faqs

press

etowah darter (Etheostoma etowahae)

Status: Federally listed endangered

Description:
The Etowah darter is a slender fish two to three inches in length. While spawning in late spring and early summer male Etowah darters display brilliant red and blue colors in their fins, tails and bodies. The Etowah darter is an endemic of the Etowah River basin, which means it is found nowhere else in the world. Its range includes the mainstem of the Etowah River and eight tributaries: Amicalola Creek, Shoal Creek in Dawson County, Long Swamp Creek, Yellow Creek, Smithwick Creek, Stamp Creek and Raccoon Creek. Even within those streams, however, it is rare and confined to small rapids and riffles where the streambed consists of gravel and small pebbles. It is protected as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.

Printer-friendly fact sheet (PDF)

Distribution of Etheostoma etowahae within the Etowah basin

View larger map

Complete known range of Etheostoma etowahae

For more information on this species, see Description and Distribution of Species Covered by the Etowah Aquatic HCP, November 2006, Byron Freeman and Seth Wenger.