(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

TAXONOMY

NAME - DARTER, MARYLAND

OTHER COMMON NAMES - DARTER and MARYLAND

ELEMENT CODE -

CATEGORY - Fish

PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,

CLASS AND SUBCLASS - OSTEICHTHYES,

ORDER AND SUBORDER - PERCIFORMES,

FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - PERCIDAE,

GENUS AND SUBGENUS - ETHEOSTOMA,

SPECIES AND SSP - SELLARE,

SCIENTIFIC NAME - ETHEOSTOMA SELLARE

AUTHORITY -

TAXONOMY REFERENCES -

COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Maryland Darter

Etheostoma sellare (Radcliffe and Welsh, 1913)

KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Fish

PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Osteichthyes
ORDER: Perciformes FAMILY: Percidae

The Maryland darter (Etheostoma sellare) is a small
(adult size 45-70 mm) member of the freshwater perch family
(04,05). Adults may be separated from other darters by using
the following combination of characters: gill membranes slightly
conjoined, presence of approx. four dark saddles across the back,
complete lateral line and presence of a small dark spot behind the
lower rear margin of the eye (01). A complete description and
cautions regarding the use of the above characters can be found in
Knapp (02).
Radcliff & Welsh (1913) first described the species as
Hadropterus sellaris. Noting the lack of caducous scales, Hubbs and
Black reassigned the species to Poecilichthys and discussed its
relationships with the P. variatus group (10 as cited in 02). Bailey
and Gosline envisioned the subgenus Etheostoma as including
Etheostoma sellare and 14 other species (11 as cited in 02).
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

The rediscovery of the Maryland darter was briefly reported by Knapp
et al. (12). Collette placed E. sellare with the nontuberculate
E. inscriptum species group (13 as cited in 02). Richards used
differences in dentition, tuberculation, body shape, color pattern
and habits to distinguish three species groups within the subgenus
Etheostoma and two specialized relatives, E. blennius and E. sellare
(14 as cited in 02). Because of its specialized head shape and naked
body, Tsai concluded that "E. sellare diverged very early from other
members in the evolution of the subspecies Etheostoma."
(15 as cited in 02).
Photos and description presented by Knapp (02) are useful
for identification. Holotype (USNM 74346) and paratype (USNM 74347)
are both located at the National Museum of Natural History (02).

Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

STATUS

Coded Status
Maryland; Federal Endangered
Maryland; State Listed

E: Federal Endangered

COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Maryland darter (Etheostoma sellare) has been designated an
Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540),
as amended. The species has this status wherever found
including the State of Maryland. Critical Habitat has been designated
for this species in portions of Deer Creek and Gasheys Run (Gasheys
Creek), Harford, MD. (50 CFR 17.95 (e)).
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild animal
(alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.

RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:

USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.

All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.

STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:

STATE: Maryland
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Maryland Dept. of Nat. Res., MD Forest,
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

Park and Wildlife Service
STATE STATUTE: MD Nongame and Endangered Species
Conservation Act of 1975, 10-2a01 et seq.

INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The Maryland darter is listed as "rare" in the Western Hemisphere
Convention Annex (1970) and listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red Data
Book, vol. 4, 1977, and the IUCN Red LIst of Threatened Animals.

ECONOMIC STATUSES:
None.

67/03/11:32 FR 04001/ - Listed as Endangered
78/05/12:43 FR 20518/20519 - Critical habitat proposed
79/05/06:44 FR 12382/ - Critical habitat proposal withdrawn
79/05/21:44 FR 29565/29577 - Five year review
80/08/28:45 FR 57680/57682 - Critical habitat reproposed
84/08/29:49 FR 34228/ - Designation of Critical Habitat
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Notice of review.
87/07/07:52 FR 22552/ - Notice of 5 year review completion

Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS

HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC

LAND USE -
Industrial
Transportation, communications, and Util
Cropland and Pasture
Deciduous Forest Land
Streams and Canals

NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES

NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC

Riverine, upper perennial UB1
Riverine, upper perennial AB3
Riverine, upper perennial AB2
Riverine, lower perennial UB1

COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Because of the extreme rarity of the Maryland darter, little is
known of the specifics of its life history and habitat requirements
(03). Like many other darters, it evidently prefers rock crevices and
similar shelters in clean, well-oxygenated, swiftly flowing parts of
streams: the riffle habitat (03,04,08). Radcliffe and Welsh (1913)
write of their collection of the type specimen: "The examples of the
new species herein described were seined... in water 6 inches deep, on
a long stony riffle, where the bottom was comparatively free from
boulders and the current so swift that one would not have expected to
find fishes of any kind." (09 as cited in 02). The lower portions of
Swan Creek are now heavily silted over, and the only known permanent
population of the Maryland darter now resides in a short
(approx. 25 meters x 100 meters) riffle segment of Deer Creek, about
a mile upstream from the Creek's junction with the Susquehanna River
(01,02,03).
The substrate of the Deer Creek riffle is composed of rocks,
rubble and gravel (01). Rooted aquatic plants, primarily riverweed
(Podostemum ceratophyllum), are moderately abundant on rocks in the
riffle area (01). Water moss (Fontinalis sp.) is also prominent on
submerged rocks (01). Two genera of blue-green algae, probably
indicators of pollution, were found along the stream margins during
August 1974 (01). Gurley flowmeter readings were taken in October,
1974 in swift water over the maximum depth (61 cm) at the foot of the
riffle. At heights of 51, 20.3 and 45.7 cm above the bottom, the
flowmeter readings were 29, 84.8 and 79 cm/sec, respectively (01).
The Maryland darter is apparently not always restricted to the riffle
proper, however. During very low flow conditions in November, 1965,
several juveniles were taken up to 30 meters below the riffle area,
and up to 60 to 90 meters upstream from the Stafford Bridge spanning
the riffle area (02).
Areas immediately shoreward of the Deer Creek riffle are
dominated by woodland and a two-lane access road which parallels one
side of the stream (16). Upstream reaches of Deer Creek are bordered
by forested areas and agriculture. Pasture and hayland are the
primary land uses, although crops such as corn and soybeans are also
common (16). The Deer Creek watershed occurs in the oak-hickory
forest region; the Swan Creek/Gashey's Run collection sites (primarily
historic occurrence areas) lie within the oak-gum-cypress forest
Habitat Associations - 1 region (17).
The municipality of Stewartstown, PA, built a sewage treatment
plant and applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for
permission to release chlorinated wastes into Ebaugh's Creek, a
headwater tributary to Deer Creek. The permit was granted effective
Oct 30, 1974 (01). A warning concerning possible detrimental effects
of chlorinated wastes on the darter was given by Knapp (18).

Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

FOOD HABITS

TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE

LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Arthropods
General Molluscs

Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae

LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Aquatic Features: Pool areas
G

Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

LIFE HISTORY

FOOD HABITS:
Information on food habits is incomplete due to extreme
rarity of this species. Knapp (02) summarized information on
feeding habits from the few specimens available (02,05). Radiographs
of MD darters collected from Deer Creek on Nov. 10, 1965, indicated
that 28 of 35 of the darters had from one to 11 (mean=6.2) snails in
their digestive tracts (02). Digestive tracts were removed from 5 of
the remaining 7 specimens; contents included more snails (Clappia
virginica), 11 caddisfly larvae (Hydropsyche sp.), 2 stonefly nymphs
(Perlidae) and one mayfly (Heptageniidae). Snails and caddisfly
larvae appear to be major constituents of fall diet (05), but it
cannot be assumed that snails are the principal item of the diet
throughout the year (01).

HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Information at this level of detail is not yet available (02).

PERIODICITY:
Unknown (02).

MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Migratory behavior probably does not apply to the Maryland
darter. The only known permanent population of this species
appears generally confined to a short riffle (ca. 25 m x 100 m)
in Deer Creek, Harford Co., MD (01,02). Despite the presence of
seemingly good habitat further upstream and the lack of any
appreciable physical barrier, the darter does not move upstream much
above base level (02). Precise spawning areas are unknown (06).

COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
The substrate of the Deer Creek riffle is composed of rocks,
rubble and gravel (01). Maryland darters apparently prefer rock
crevices and similar shelters (03,04,08). Rooted aquatic plants,
primarily riverweed, are moderately common in the riffle area (01).
At normal flows, the riffle is approximately 25 meters wide (at
the crest) by 100 meters long (01). Maximum depth of the riffle
is approx. 60 cm under these conditions. On 23 October 1974
(when the riffle was approx. 25 meters wide), Gurley flowmeter
readings were taken in swift water at the maximum depth of the riffle
(61 cm) (02). Flowmeter readings at heights of 5.1, 20.3 and 45.7 cm
above the bottom were 29, 84.8 and 79 cm/sec. respectively (02). On
that date, a Maryland darter was collected from the deepest part of
the riffle; the following month, darters were collected from the
shallow parts of the riffle (02). The Maryland darter can apparently
tolerate rather swift daily fluctuations in water level (02). Under
extremely low flows, the width of the riffle is still 9 m to 15 m
wide at the crest (02).
Maryland darter specimens were collected in 1965 from Gashey's Run.
Riffles in this creek are only 1 m to 3 m in width under normal flow
and have a gravel and silt substrate (01,02). During drought
conditions, Gashey's Run barely maintains a flow (02). It is probable
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

that this habitat is unsuitable for a viable Maryland darter
population, and that specimens found here are stragglers from the
Deer Creek site (01,02).

REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Specific spawning sites of MD darters have not been located (06).
For general information on characteristics of inhabited riffles, see
Cover/Shelter Requirements section.

REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
High and turbid water conditions typical of lower Deer Creek
during the spring make collecting and observation of breeding darters
difficult (02). Spawning is believed to occur in late April or early
May, but no specimens have actually been taken during the reproductive
period (01,06).
No breeding tubercles have been found in the MD darter (02). As
the breeding season approaches, the female urogenital papilla develops
a swollen white pad that nearly reaches the first anal spine (02).
The short urogenital papilla of the male shows little seasonal
variation in size and shape (02). Gonads and urogenital papillae
appear well developed in adults collected in Deer Creek in November,
1965. The right ovary from a specimen (64.2 mm SL) collected in
November contained 407 eggs with an average diameter of 1 mm (02).
Egg counts of gravid females are needed to estimate the number of
eggs that actually mature (02).

PARENTAL CARE:
Not known.

POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Limiting factors unknown. Some potential threats to the species
are discussed in the status narrative (Field "N-STATUS") or Reasons
narrative (Field "N-REASON)
Most population parameters are unknown, although some information
is available on longevity based on scale and length analysis (06).
The life span of a Maryland darter probably averages 3 years (06).
The largest specimen captured to date (about 3 inches long) may have
been 4 years old (06).

SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
No other information is known at this time.

OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.

Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE

Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Developing/maintaining/protecting wetlands
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Road Maintainance Actions
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human use of habitats
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Water Right Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Siltation
Existing Siltation
Adverse Water Temperature Alteration
Existing Water Temperature Alteration
Adverse Dissolved Oxygen Reduction
Existing Dissolved Oxygen Reduction
Adverse Water Level Stabilization
Existing Water Level Stabilization
Adverse Water Level Fluctuation
Existing Water Level Fluctuation
Adverse Flooding
Existing Flooding
Adverse Irrigating
Existing Irrigating
Adverse Reservoirs
Existing Reservoirs
Adverse Migration barriers
Existing Migration barriers
Adverse Dredging
Existing Dredging
Adverse Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Existing Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Adverse Applying fertilizers
Existing Applying fertilizers
Adverse Applying herbicides
Existing Applying herbicides
Adverse Applying pesticides
Existing Applying pesticides
Adverse Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Existing Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse
Existing

Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Unless otherwise indicated, the following information is taken
from the Maryland Darter Recovery Plan (01).
Any attempt to interpret the distributional history of the
Maryland darter requires considerable speculation. Perhaps, like a few
other darters, it is restricted to swift riffles of the Coastal Plain.
If so, its range in the lower Susquehanna River could have been
markedly reduced when submergence of coastal areas resulted in the
formation of the Chesapeake Bay. A further restriction of the range
may have occurred with the completion of the Conowingo Dam in 1928 and
other impoundments further upstream toward Harrisburg, PA. This
species has been collected only from the mouths of streams, and
habitat needs may limit the species to that area (04). The mouths of
streams above Conowingo Dam are now inundated, and comparable sites on
many streams such as Swan Creek below the dam are heavily silted and
more or less polluted. Dams also effectively block movement of
darters upstream. If the above reasoning is correct, the Deer Creek
riffle site may support the only remaining permanent population
of the Maryland darter. It is probable that the lack of suitable
habitat prevents the species from becoming established in Gashey's Run
and that only stragglers from the Deer Creek population are
periodically found there. Survey efforts are continuing to determine
if remnant populations of the Maryland darter exist in any streams
other than Deer Creek (03). Some authors feel, however, that surveys
to date indicate it is unlikely that other breeding populations exist
(04,08).
Pollution, siltation and water withdrawals (along with associated
dissolved oxygen reduction and water temperature alteration) are
considered the principal threats to the Deer Creek population (07,08).
The Maryland Darter Recovery Plan indicates that detrimental effects
of unrestricted water and land use within the Deer Creek watershed
would threaten the remaining known Maryland darters. Some of these
detrimental effects may include (but are not limited to):
1. prolonged periods of high turbidity (i.e., from erosion/siltation);
2. impoundments and related operational procedures;
3. run-off containing pesticides, herbicides and excessive nutrients
(fertilizers) (i.e., from agriculture, etc.);
4. sewage plant malfunction or flooding resulting in excessive
chlorine and untreated sewage being introduced into the stream;
(The municipality of Stewartstown, PA, built a sewage treatment
plant and applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for
permission to release chlorinated wastes into Ebaugh's Creek, a
headwater tributary to Deer Creek. The permit was granted
effective Oct 30, 1974 (01). A warning concerning possible
detrimental effects of chlorinated wastes on the darter was given
by Knapp (18).)
5. long term effects of chloramines;
6. reduction of stream flow for consumptive uses; and
7. construction projects including potential for spills and lethal
run-off.
Low population levels hamper experimental approaches to learning the
exact habits of this fish.

Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

APPROVED PLAN
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Survice. 1985. The Maryland Darter Recovery
Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Newton Corner, MA 38 pp.

The following actions are outlined in the Maryland darter
recovery plan:
1) Determine species biological and physical requirements through
research.
2) Sample Susquehanna River drainage in MD and PA, and upper
Chesapeake Bay tributaries to locate all Maryland darter
populations.
3) Protect and maintain the existing Maryland darter population by
controlling Federal and state collecting permits, and enforcing
protective laws and regulations.
4) Protect, maintain and enhance existing Maryland darter habitat by:
1. Establishing a state-owned refuge (sensitive management area)
at the Deer Creek riffle and obtain easements, cooperative
agreements, etc., to manage a streamside buffer zone upstream
from the Stafford Bridge site.
2. Insuring sufficient water for maintenance of the species (i.e
controlling water withdrawl during low flows and undertake
wetland management practices that would also aid in protection
of this species).
3. Maintaining and improving water quality with the cooperation of
the MD Water Resources Administration.
4. Providing input to watershed development activities and
establish protection zoning standards through coordination of
local authorities.
5. Enhancing Deer Creek watershed by working with appropriate
agencies to facilitate improved land use practices to reduce
sedimentation (from construction, road maintenance or
agricultural practices) and agricultural pollution (herbicides,
pesticides and other pollutants).
5) Develop public and scientific awareness through news releases,
informative brochures and public information sessions.

Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

References

*****REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE*****

01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. The Maryland Darter
Recovery Plan. USFWS, Newton Corner, MA. 38 pp.
02 Knapp, L.W. 1976. Redescription, relationships and status of the
Maryland darter, Etheostoma sellare (Radcliffe & Welsh), an
endangered species. Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 89(6):99-118.
03 Frisbie, C.M. 1983. [Letter of 5/10/83 to Bruce S. Manheim, MD
Tidewater Admin., Dept. Nat. Resour., Annapolis, Wildl. Prog.
Env. Def. Fund, Wash., D.C. ].
04 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 1980. Endangered and threatened
wildlife and plants; proposed designation of critical habitat for
the endangered Maryland darter. Fed. Reg. 45(169):57680-57682.
05 Hocutt, C.H. and J.R. Stauffer, Jr. 1980. Etheostoma sellare
(Radcliffe & Welsh), Maryland darter. In: Atlas of North American
Freshwater Fishes. NC Biological Survey Publ. No. 1980-12, NC
State Mus. of Nat. Hist. 867 pp.
06 Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 1977. The Maryland
darter, an endangered species. Information pamphlet prepared under
contract with the USFWS. 5 pp.
07 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1978. Maryland darter. Endang.
Spec. Tech. Bull. 3(6):8.
08 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1980. Critical habitat proposed
for Maryland darter. Endang. Spec. Tech. Bull. 5(9):5-6.
09 Radcliffe, L. and W.W. Welsh. 1913. Description of a new darter
from Maryland. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 32:29-32.
10 Hubbs, C.L. and J.D. Black. 1940. Percid fishes related to
Poecilichthys variatus, with description of three new forms. Mus.
Zool. Univ. Mich. Occ. Pap. No. 416. 33 pp.
11 Bailey, R.M. and W.A. Gosline. 1955. Variation and systematic
significance of vertebral counts in the American fishes of the
family Percidae. Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich. Misc. Pub. No. 93. 44 pp.
12 Knapp, L., W.J. Richards, R.V. Miller, and N.R. Foster. 1963.
Rediscovery of the percid fish, Etheostoma sellare (Radcliffe and
Welsh). Copeia 1963 (2):455.
13 Collette, B.B. 1965. Systematic significance of breeding
tubercles in fishes of the family Percidae. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus.
117(3518):567-614.
14 Richards, W.J. 1966. Systematics of the percid fishes of the
Etheostoma thalassinum species group with comments on the subgenus
Etheostoma. Copeia 1966 (4):823-838.
15 Tsai, Chu-fa. 1966. A study of the systematics of Etheostoma
zonale (Cope) and its relatives, and the phenology of the subgenus
Etheostoma Rafinesque (Percidae, Teleostei). Ph. D. thesis.
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. 356 pp.
16 Moser, Andy. 1983. Pers. comm. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv.,
Annapolis, MD.
17 Eyre, F.H., ed. 1980. Forest cover types of the United States and
Canada. Soc. of Am. Foresters. 148 pp.
18 Knapp, L. 1974. Darter in danger. Env. Action 6 (5&6):21.

References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species DARTER, MARYLAND
Species Id ESIS255001
Date 13 MAR 96

*****REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY*****

References - 2