Where Does Ozark Darter Live?

Ozark Darter lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Ozark Darter

Water type

freshwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow to moderate depths (0.1-1.5 meters) of streams and rivers.

Environment

Inhabits clear, cool to warm, moderate to high-gradient streams and small to medium-sized rivers. Prefers areas with gravel, rubble, or bedrock substrates, often associated with riffles, runs, and the margins of pools where there is good current and interstitial spaces for cover. Vegetation is generally sparse in its preferred microhabitats.

Geographic range

Endemic to the Ozark Highlands of Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Primarily found in tributaries of the White River, Black River, and St. Francis River systems.

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