Crystallaria cincotta
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_darter
Overview
The diamond darter is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish, a darter from the subfamily Etheostomatinae, part of the family Percidae, which also contains the perches, ruffes and pikeperches. It is named for the sparkling light it reflects during nighttime collections. The diamond darter was first described in 2008 and is only the second known member of its genus, which also includes the crystal darter, C.
asprella. On July 26, 2013, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service formally designated the diamond darter as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Crystallaria cincotta faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to sedimentation and pollution in its native river systems. Dam construction and water diversions have altered natural flow regimes critical for this darter's spawning and feeding behaviors. Agricultural runoff and urban development have increased nutrient loading and reduced water quality in the limited watersheds where this species persists.
Habitat
This freshwater darter inhabits clear, fast-flowing streams and small rivers with rocky or gravel substrates in the Ohio River basin. It requires well-oxygenated waters with minimal sedimentation and stable flow patterns for successful reproduction and foraging.
