Microhabitat Use, Spawning Behavior, and Spawning Substrate Use of the Tallapoosa Darter (etheostoma Tallapoosae)

Habitat use information for many headwater fish species in the southeastern United States is lacking, despite this group's contribution to regional biodiversity. The Tallapoosa Darter Etheostoma tallapoosae is an endemic species to the Tallapoosa River system, found within Georgia and Alabama. In this study collected data from four streams within the upper part of the species' range to provide estimates of habitat use for this rare percid. Our results indicate the Tallapoosa Darter is a microhabitat specialist and typically spawns in areas composed of coarse substrates and characterized by moderate depths (22-31 cm) and current velocities (0.09-0.18 m.s(-1)). This species also appears to use coarse gravel more than expected for egg-deposition, in relation to other substrate classes. Any future management plans within this river system should feature this endemic given the Tallapoosa Darter is a microhabitat specialist.