The Gulf Darter is a widespread and common species found in lowland streams and rivers from western Kentucky to northeast Louisiana and east to western Georgia and the panhandle of Florida. Gulf Darters are often found in aquatic vegetation, along the shore in overhanging terrestrial vegetation and in woody debris. This is a species complex containing multiple undescribed species. A distinguishing character for the Gulf Darter (and other species in the Gulf Darter species group) is a depigmented stripe on their back in front of the dorsal fin.