Life histories of the bandfin darter, Etheostoma zonistium, and the firebelly darter, Etheostoma pyrrhogaster, in western Kentucky

Life Histories of the Bandfin Darter, Etheostoma zonistium, and the Firebelly Darter, Etheostoma pyrrhogaster, in Western Kentucky Bailey and Etnier (1988) described the bandfin darter, Etheostoma zonistium, from Leath Creek, Chambers Creek drainage, Hardin County, Tennessee, and the firebelly darter, E. pyrrhogaster, from Clear Creek, North Fork Obion River drainage, Henry County, Tennessee.Both species are members of the subgenus Nanostoma, which encompasses E. zonale and all species previously referred to in the subgenus Ulocentra (Page 1981).Nanostoma includes thirteen taxonomically described species, eight of which were described as new species (Bouchard 1977; Page & Burr 1982; Bailey & Etnier 1988; Etnier & Bailey 1989) or elevated from synonomy (Etnier & Starnes 1986) in recent years.At least five species of Nanostoma remain taxonomically undescribed.1983).Unit-effort sampling consisted of five seining efforts in each of four subjectively identified habitat types:Riffles, defined as shallow areas with swift current and surface turbulence over gravel and sand substrate.Raceways, defined as moderately shallow areas with swift current and little to no surface turbulence over gravel and sand substrate.Stream margin zones, defined as areas of moderate depth and current next to a bank (often undercut) and primarily over sand (sometimes sand with large stones or gravel).Pools, defined as deep areas with sluggish current over sand and detritus.