Life History of the Stippled Darter, Etheostoma Punctulatum
Date of Graduation
Fall 1984
Degree
Master of Science in Biology
Department
Biology
Committee Chair
Charles Taber
Abstract
Aspects of the life history of the stippled darter, Etheostoma punctulatum, were studied in the Spring River, Missouri. A total of 481 specimens was collected from 3 March, 1983 to 19 April, 1984. Females attained a maximum standard length of 85 mm and males 83 mm. Both sexes had a longevity of slightly over four years. Spawning began in early February and continued through late May. All males were mature at one year. Yearling females that reached a minimum of 49 mm SL produced mature ova. Females matured two or more clutches of eggs per season, averaging 447 with a range of 46 to 1322. Fertilized eggs were demersal and adhesive and 1.6 mm in diameter. Hatching time in 16°C water was eleven days. Males and females had similar length-weight relationships. Diet was made primarily of small crustaceans and aquatic insect larvae.
Subject Categories
Biology
Copyright
© Donal R Hotalling
Recommended Citation
Hotalling, Donal R., "Life History of the Stippled Darter, Etheostoma Punctulatum" (1984). MSU Graduate Theses. 188.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/188
Dissertation/Thesis
