I have also seen and heard the blackbanded darter described this way (i.e.,
as turbidity tolerant) but am not convinced.
In 1995-1996, we studied fish-habitat relationships in small streams near
Augusta, Georgia. Abundance of blackbanded darter there was negatively
correlated with turbidity - the clearer the water, the more blackbanded
darters.
I am not aware of any studies of water quality preferences of this species,
but would like to know any that have been done. I wonder, too, if its
possible that this darter is more susceptible to capture in turbid water
using certain techniques (e.g., light-colored seines), which makes it seem
more abundant.
>>>The speaker, Ken Marion of the Univ. of Alabama in Birmingham, referred
to blackbanded darters, Percina nigrofasciata, as very tolerant of turbid,
low quality waters and presented an increase in their numbers as symptomatic
of degrading water quality. Has anyone else heard of
such a use of blackbanded darters?<<<
>>>The last two trips had elicited more P. nigrofasciata than we ever seen
before and very few
rainbows. Also, there were less plantlife in the river and more
turbidity.<<<
>>>Between Sajjad and Steven the Ellis I think we're building a case for
blackbanded darters as very tolerant of funky water conditions. Now, I
believe it...<<<
/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
/"Unless stated otherwise, comments made on this list do not necessarily
/ reflect the beliefs or goals of the North American Native Fishes
/ Association"
/ This is the discussion list of the North American Native Fishes Association
/ nanfa_at_aquaria.net. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or get help, send the word
/ subscribe, unsubscribe, or help in the body (not subject) of an email to
/ nanfa-request_at_aquaria.net. For a digest version, send the command to
/ nanfa-digest-request_at_aquaria.net instead.
/ For more information about NANFA, visit our web page, http://www.nanfa.org