Overview
The Percina nasuta, also known as the longnose darter, is a species of fish that was initially classified as Hadropterus nasutus. It was later reclassified into the Swainia group within the larger Percina group. Prior to recent studies defining new species within the Longnose Darter group, this species inhabited various river basins, including the Arkansas, Little Red, St. Francis, and White River basins. Longnose darter currently is recognized as inhabiting only the Little Red River basin.
Threats
This species faces numerous threats such as urban development, road construction, agriculture, deforestation, dams and barriers, and climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.
Learn more about climate change . These threats have resulted in deteriorating water quality, increased sedimentation, and altered flow patterns.
Scientific Name
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Physical Characteristics
The longnose darter is a medium-sized darter with a maximum size of about 3.9 inches (10.1 cm). It is characterized by a long head and pointed snout.
This species exhibits a series of 12–15 vertically elongated dark blotches that usually form bars. Their backs and upper sides are yellowish-brown with irregular brown blotches.
Habitat
To complete its life cycle, The longnose darter requires clear streams with cobble and gravel bottoms. They need deeper pools during the summer and fall seasons, areas of pools with moderate to strong current and depths of 0.98–2.95 feet (0.3–0.9 meter) in the spring for spawning habitat, and sufficient food availability.
Life Cycle
In this species, there are no breeding tubercles, which are small, hard growths that can appear on fish during the breeding season. There is little information about spawning behavior and habitat; however, spawning occurs in April and May at a water temperature of approximately 64°F. They move into riffles and runs for spawning.
Geography
The range of the longnose darter includes parts of the Little Red River basin of Arkansas.
Timeline
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