Boulder Darter | Nothonotus wapiti

Status: IUCN: Vulnerable; USFWS: Endangered (1988)

Threats: Agricultural practices, climate change, dams, pollution, and sedimentation (What do these terms mean?)

CFI Status: Propagated at CFI from 1998-Present to develop propagation protocols, restoration, and monitoring. (What do these terms mean?)

Native Range: Elk River and Shoal Creek systems (Tennessee River drainage) s. TN and n. AL

Spawning Habitat Preferences: Spring spawners in medium-sized rivers with high flow; spawn in crevices of and under large, flat rocks and boulders.

Fun Fact: Our work with the Boulder Darter was the first time that a benthic fish was documented to have a pelagic larval stage! This discovery encouraged the Tennessee Valley Authority to no longer use their electric turbine from late May to early October, which prevents impacts on pelagic larvae in that system.

In Partnership With: Tennessee Technological University; Tennessee Valley Authority; Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; USFWS (Asheville & Cookeville)