Bluntnose Darter (Etheostoma chlorosomum)

Status: State Endangered (1979).

Occurrence: Found only in the Mississippi River and closely adjacent waters. This is the northern limit of their range. A map outlining Pre-1977 and 1997 to Present Distribution is available.

Aid to ID: Bluntly rounded snout. Pale yellow or whitish overall with five or six small brown saddles, numerous brown flecks and small patches of pigment scattered over the sides. Adult length: 1.5-2 inches (38-46mm).

Habitat: Quiet waters of oxbows, ponds, sloughs, creeks, pools and sluggish currents.

Food Habits: Bluntnose darters search for chironomid and blackfly larvae, cyclops and daphnia by darting around from one perching site to another among the organic debris in sand, mud or clay along the benthic (bottom) surface.

Natural History: They lay eggs on plants or plant debris in early May. Bluntnose darters search for chironomid and blackfly larvae, cyclops and daphnia by darting around from one perching site to another among the organic debris in sand, mud or clay along the benthic (bottom) surface.

Management Considerations: Despite their wide ecological tolerances, bluntnose are perhaps the rarest of Wisconsin's fish. Their decline is caused by siltation related to agricultural runoff and elimination of creek populations during drought periods when streams dry up.

Information compiled from publication ER-091.