The Watercress Darter is only native to five springs and associated spring runs, all in the Black Warrior River System in the vicinity of Birmingham, Alabama. These darters typically live and spawn in aquatic vegetation. Because they live in a relatively constant temperature year-round, Watercress Darters spawn in all months, but peak spawning is in the spring like most other darters. A distinguishing character for the Watercress Darter (and other species in the Gulf Darter species group) is a depigmented stripe on their back in front of the dorsal fin.