Quillback Posted June 21 Posted June 21 Gilt darter - I have never heard of it until this post from AGFC: This spring, the Rivers and Streams program conducted a series of surveys on the Spring River in Northeast Arkansas. These surveys help us better understand fish communities and document species distribution. The Spring River is home to a very diverse fish community and houses some of the most beautiful fish species in the state. One of those spectacular species is the Gilt Darter (Percina evides). The Gilt Darter inhabits the White, Buffalo, Strawberry, Spring, Current, and Black Rivers. They like clean water, permanent flow, and rocky riffle habitat. Males in beautiful breeding colors were observed during our spring surveys. We captured them in shallow, rocky riffles, and they were presumed to be actively spawning. These stunning fish were safely released. Historically, stream degradation has reduced the range of the Gilt Darter. That's why stream monitoring is so crucial: it allows us to detect changes in water quality and habitat, identify threats to aquatic species like the Gilt Darter, and ultimately work to protect and restore these vital ecosystems so that incredible fish like these can continue to thrive. WestCentralFisher, Johnsfolly, BilletHead and 3 others 6
Ham Posted June 23 Posted June 23 Guilty as charged. I know we are supposed to have Gilt Darters, but I’ve never seen one. In some areas, they are a very aggressive fish and not a small Darter. I’m still looking and hoping. BilletHead, Quillback, Johnsfolly and 1 other 4 Every Saint has a past, every Sinner has a future. On Instagram @hamneedstofish
Johnsfolly Posted June 23 Posted June 23 @Quillback you know I wouldn't pass up a chance to catch one of these darters. I need more time out that way. The local darters are just not that colorful. The gilt darter would be a great snorkel fishing candidate 😉! Some of the more spectacular darters that I know about: Candy darter - found WV and VA Tangerine darter - found in NC, VA, Cherry darter - found in TN nomolites, Quillback and Ham 3
Quillback Posted June 23 Author Posted June 23 Cool looking fish. More fish species I had no idea existed. 😀 Johnsfolly 1
Johnsfolly Posted June 24 Posted June 24 5 hours ago, Quillback said: Cool looking fish. More fish species I had no idea existed. 😀 I always say that there far greater number of small species out there than the large ones. So many cool fish out there and I want to catch as many as possible. I will post photos when I do😉😁. Quillback and Ham 2
Johnsfolly Posted June 24 Posted June 24 Here is a gilt darter caught this week in SE MO by a guy I know on INAT Quillback, Ham and nomolites 3
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