Family: Percidae, Perches and Darters view all from this family

Description 1 3/4" (4.25 cm). Olive to brownish overall, with reddish dots on sides and dark bar on face. Male fins red to orange; female fins with dark spots; both sexes have 1-2 dark blotches at base of tail fin.

Endangered Status The Bayou Darter is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as threatened throughout its range in Mississippi. This tiny fish (under two inches long) lives only in the Bayou Pierre drainage, a small Mississippi River tributary in southwestern Mississippi. Like many species that live in a very restricted range, the Bayou Darter has suffered from the degradation of its habitat. Gravel pit operations, agricultural runoff, and road-building have been among the culprits.

Habitat Riffles of clear creeks and rivers with moderate to swift current over coarse gravel or rocks.

Range Bayou Pierre drainage system, Copiah and Claiborne Counties, southwestern Mississippi.