Bluemask darter

📖 Overview

This species is observed in slow to moderate current over sand and fine gravel at depths of 10-50 cm, mainly just downstream of riffles, in runs, or along margins of pools. Breeding males collected in April at the type locality were most abundant in gravelly runs, while breeding females were more common in slower water over sandier substrates adjacent to runs. It is reported to be spawning in May and June in gravelly runs, burying their eggs in small sand patches among the gravel, a similar behavior of E. stigmaeumin aquaria. After the spawning period, it moves to sandy substrates in low-velocity areas of intermediate depth .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12. This species is distinguished from all other species under the subgenus Doration by the combination of the following set of characters: completely scaled cheeks (or nearly so); lateral line usually complete; breeding males possess an intense blue mask of pigment completely covering lower face and operculum, snout, lips, underside of head, and branchiostegal membranes; breeding males with soft dorsal and anal fins dark gray to black with no orange spots on rays or blue pigment in membranes .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Bluemask darter is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Bluemask darter is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Bluemask darter is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous . Subtropical North America: USA.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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