Description:
This federally endangered species is restricted to streams in the Caney Fork River System in north-central Tennessee. Bluemask Darters are threatened from reservoir construction, invasive species (Redbreast Sunfish, Lepomis auritus), an unusual habitat where rivers seasonally dry, and a small native range. The common name reflects the bright blue cheek and throat coloration (mask) that male Bluemask Darters develop during the breeding season.
Literature:
- (Articles, if available online, are hyperlinked)
- 2013
- Robinson, J.D., J.W. Simmons, A.S. Williams, and G.R. Moyer. 2013. Population structure and genetic diversity in the endangered bluemask darter (Etheostoma akatulo). Conservation genetics 14(1): 79-92.
- Shaw, T. 2013. Bluemask Darter (Etheostoma akatulo) 5-year review. Southeast Region. Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office, Cookeville, Tennessee.
- 2011
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2011. Recovery plan action status, bluemask darter.
- Smith, E. K. 2005. Gene flow among seemingly isolated populations of the endangered bluemask darter, Etheostoma (Doration) sp. Unpublished M.S. thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee. December 2005. 61pp.
- Simmons, J. W. 2004. Selected life history aspects of the endangered bluemask darter, Etheostoma (Doration) sp. Unpublished M.S. thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee.
- Simmons, J.W., and J.B. Layzer. 2004. Spawning behavior and habitat of the endangered bluemask darter, Etheostoma (Doration) sp. Copeia 2004(2):412-417.
- Layzer, J.B., and T.R. Brady. 2003. Summer microhabitat of the endangered bluemask darter Etheostoma (Doration) sp. Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science 78(2):55-57.
- Simmons, J. W. 2003. Tagging study evaluating seasonal movement of the bluemask darter in the Rocky River and Laurel Creek, Van Buren County, Tennessee. Final report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cookeville, Tennessee.
- Layman, S.R. 1994. Phylogenetic systematics and biogeography of darters of the subgenus Doration (Percidae: Etheostoma). Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
- 2005
- 2004
- 2003
- 1994
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