Overview
The bluestripe darter (Percina cymatotaenia) is a small, freshwater fish species that lives in the Niangua and Gasconade River drainages in Missouri. In these larger river systems, you can find bluestripe darters in riffles and runs with rocky or gravelly substrates. This long, slender fish is marked by distinct blue horizontal stripes along its sides, which help it blend in with its rocky habitat. Bluestripe darters primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates, including small crustaceans and insects, and rely on well-oxygenated waters for survival. Though once considered common, the bluestripe darter’s population has declined, with its range and abundance reduced by habitat degradation and water quality issues. Recent surveys indicate that the species persists in portions of its historical range, particularly in the Niangua and Big Piney rivers.
Scientific Name
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Habitat
The bluestripe darter lives in the mainstem of the Niangua and Gasconade river drainages, preferring moderate to fast-flowing water with rocky or gravelly riffle and run habitats. This species is sensitive to water quality and requires clean, well-oxygenated water for feeding and reproduction. For spawning, the bluestripe darter seeks gravel or cobble substrates in fast-flowing water, where eggs are hidden among rocks. Seasonal habitat shifts have been observed, with the species moving to deeper, slower-moving water during colder months.
Physical Characteristics
The bluestripe darter is a small-sized fish with a long slender body giving it the ability to navigate strong currents. It typically reaches lengths of 6 to 8 centimeters, with a maximum length of about 10 centimeters. Its coloration includes distinctive blue horizontal stripes along its sides, which contrast with its pale background, aiding in camouflage among the rocky bottom of the rivers it calls home.
The bluestripe darter’s distinctive coloration and patterns that aid in camouflage. The body is generally light tan or pale yellow, with five to seven blue horizontal stripes running along its sides from head to tail. These stripes are most prominent in breeding males, where they appear brighter and more vivid. The dorsal region is typically darker, ranging from olive to brownish hues, while the ventral side is lighter, often white or pale yellow. The species also displays a series of darker vertical bars across the body, contributing to its cryptic coloration against rocky substrates.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of the bluestripe darter includes spawning in spring, when females lay eggs in clean gravel or cobble substrates. Males guard nests for one to weeks until eggs hatch. The young darters grow quickly, reaching sexual maturity within their first year. By the end of their first year, they can reproduce, completing their life cycle in two to three years.
The lifespan of the bluestripe darter (Percina cymatotaenia) is typically two to three years. While some individuals may survive slightly longer under optimal conditions, the majority of bluestripe darters do not exceed three years, as they face various environmental pressures such as predation and fluctuating water conditions. Their relatively short lifespan is common among darter species, which often have rapid reproductive cycles to compensate for higher mortality rates.
Similar Species
Several species within the same range can be visually and taxonomically confused with the bluestripe darter. The Niangua darter (Etheostoma nianguae) has similar body shape and inhabits similar river systems. However, it has more pronounced vertical bars and a less vibrant color pattern compared to the bluestripe darter’s blue horizontal stripes. The bandfin darter (Percina evides) shares a similar body shape and size but has dark vertical bars and a more uniform pattern, which can be mistaken for the bluestripe darter's stripes, especially in fast-moving waters. The tangerine darter (Etheostoma cephalum), although smaller, shares a similar orange and blue pattern, which could be confused with the bluestripe darter in murky water. The blackside darter (Percina maculata) has dark vertical bars and lacks horizontal stripes, making it distinct but potentially confusing at a glance. The rock darter (Etheostoma rupestre) has an elongated body and subtle horizontal striping. It could be mistaken for the bluestripe darter when co-occurring.
Geography
The bluestripe darter is found exclusively in the mainstem of the Niangua River and parts of the Gasconade River drainage, including the Big Piney River, Osage Fork, Gasconade River and Roubidoux Creek. Within these Missouri River systems, the species is confined to the mainstem sections and does not inhabit smaller tributaries or headwater streams.
Prior to 1940 it was considered common throughout its range. However, by the late 1990s, the species was found in a reduced, more restricted range with lower abundance. In the early 2000s, surveys showed that the species had increased in abundance across most of its range, excluding the Osage Fork. More recent surveys have found the bluestripe darter in several areas of its range. Notably, visual surveys of the Niangua River, associated with the Niangua darter, have recorded frequent sightings of the bluestripe darter in the upper sections of the river and recent findings in the lower Niangua River near Tunnel Dam. These recent surveys suggest that the species is still present in parts of its historical range, although the full distribution has not been comprehensively assessed.
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