sand to brown in color with a small dark spot on each scale, can tolerate very low oxygen levels for short periods
commonly collected in streams throughout northeast Iowa
midge larvae, isopods, amphipods and other aquatic insects
The fantail darter ranges from southern Quebec across the southern Great Lakes to the head of the Mississippi basin in Wisconsin and Minnesota, southward to northern Arkansas, and eastward throughout the Ohio River basin. Collections are fairly common in streams throughout the northeast region of Iowa.
The fantail darter is a slender species typically about 2 inches in length. The spinous dorsal fin is low with tips on dorsal spines forming fleshy knobs in adult males. Body color is sand to brown with a small dark spot on each scale. The dorsal fin rays number 12 to 14, and the anal rays are 7 to 9. Scale numbers along the lateral line are usually more than 50.
The fantail darter occupies riffles with gravel or rubble substrate. In large streams it may be found in shallow areas away from the main current. It appears to have the ability to tolerate very low oxygen levels for short periods, thereby aiding its survival during periods of low flow.
Spawning begins in spring as males establish and defend territories around rocks which have a slight clearance above the substrate. The spiny dorsal fin is used to clean the underside of the rock. A female moves under the rock and lays an average of 38 eggs. Spawning position is head to tail, the female inverted and the male upright except at the moment of fertilization. About 450 eggs per female are laid, several spawnings with the same or different males being common.
Midge larvae and other aquatic insects tend to be the primary food items of this species. Isopods and amphipods may be quite important seasonally.