Western sand darter

The western sand darter occurs in river systems from Lake Michigan to Texas, including several sections of the Mississippi Basin.[1]

Distribution map

This species is up to 7.1 centimeters in length.[2] It is slender and nearly cylindrical in shape. It is pale, translucent silvery white with yellowish coloration along the back. It is distinguished from other sand darters the lack of dark bands or blotches, and by a spine on its operculum.[3]

This fish lives in medium and large rivers, over sandy and gravel substrates. It requires loose substrate, because it spends much of its time buried in the sand with just its head protruding.[3] This behavior helps it reach cooler temperatures.[4]

It feeds on invertebrates, especially the larvae of aquatic insects.[3]

It spawns in summer, starting in June in northern regions and May farther south.[3] Females produce an average of 57 eggs at a time, with larger females producing more eggs.[5]

This is considered to be a vulnerable species because it has a fragmented distribution and its habitat is degraded in many areas.[1] Increased silt and pollution in river systems reduces the quality of its habitat. The Mississippi River and associated streams and tributaries are heavily channelized and partitioned by locks and dams, eliminating sites where the fish might live.[1]

• Ammocrypta clara. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. USGS.