Percina evides. Jordan & Copeland, 1877.
Geographic Range Gilt darters are native to North America and can be found from eastern Minnesota to western New York, south to northern Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Currently, its geographic range is declining due to erosion, siltation, man-made water obstructions, and pollution. (“NatureServe”, 2010)
Habitat Gilt darters inhabit relatively clear, freshwater streams and rivers. Inhabited streams and rivers range from 20 to 100 m wide, with flow rates ranging from 0.5 to 1.2 m/sec, year round. Gilt darters migrate to different depths depending on season. During spring and early summer, they spawn in shallow, swift moving riffles and raceways of the stream. After breeding season, gilt darters reside in the deeper caverns and sediment-free, gravelly beds where they remain for the rest of the year. (“Minnesota Department of Natural Resources”, 2011; Hatch, 2004).
Gilt darters are polyandrous, as multiple males mate with a single female. Demonstrates dramatic nuptial color changes in males. Different color morphs may be found within different locales.
Range length 5.08 to 7.62 cm 2.00 to 3.00 in
Source: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Percina_evides/
Photo credits: NANFA.org
