Life History of the Stippled Darter, Etheostoma Punctulatum

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