Three new darter species of the Etheostoma percnurum species complex (Percidae, subgenus Catonotus) from the Tennessee and Cumberland river drainages

Abstract

The federally endangered Duskytail Darter, Etheostoma percnurum Jenkins, is known from only six highly disjunct populations in the Tennessee and Cumberland river drainages of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Only four are extant. Variation in morphology including meristics, morphometrics, and pigmentation was examined among the four extant populations and limited specimens from the two extirpated populations (Abrams Creek and South Fork Holston River). Analyses of these data found each of the extant populations is morphologically diagnosable. The few specimens available from Abrams Creek and South Fork Holston River prevented thorough assessment of variation, and these were grouped with their closest geographic counterparts, Citico Creek, and Little River, respectively. Three new morphologically diagnosable species are described: E. sitikuense, the Citico Darter, from Citico Creek, Abrams Creek, and Tellico River (Tennessee River system); E. marmorpinnum, the Marbled Darter, from the Little River and South Fork Holston River (Tennessee River system); and E. lemniscatum, the Tuxedo Darter, from the Big South Fork (Cumberland River system). Each species warrants federal protection as an endangered species.

Full text

Accepted by L. Page: 3 Nov. 2008; published: 15 Dec. 2008 1
ZOOTAXA
ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition)
ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition)
Copyright © 2008 · Magnolia Press
Zootaxa1963: 1–24 (2008)
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Three new darter species of the Etheostoma percnurum species complex
(Percidae, subgenus Catonotus) from the Tennessee and Cumberland
river drainages
REBECCA E. BLANTON1 & ROBERT E. JENKINS2
1Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. E-mail: rjohansen@flmnh.ufl.edu
2Department of Biology, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153, USA. E-mail: jenkins@roanoke.edu
Abstract
The federally endangered Duskytail Darter, Etheostoma percnurum Jenkins, is known from only six highly disjunct pop-
ulations in the Tennessee and Cumberland river drainages of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Only four are extant.
Variation in morphology including meristics, morphometrics, and pigmentation was examined among the four extant
populations and limited specimens from the two extirpated populations (Abrams Creek and South Fork Holston River).
Analyses of these data found each of the extant populations is morphologically diagnosable. The few specimens avail-
able from Abrams Creek and South Fork Holston River prevented thorough assessment of variation, and these were
grouped with their closest geographic counterparts, Citico Creek, and Little River, respectively. Three new morphologi-
cally diagnosable species are described: E. sitikuense, the Citico Darter, from Citico Creek, Abrams Creek, and Tellico
River (Tennessee River system); E. marmorpinnum, the Marbled Darter, from the Little River and South Fork Holston
River (Tennessee River system); and E. lemniscatum, the Tuxedo Darter, from the Big South Fork (Cumberland River
system). Each species warrants federal protection as an endangered species.
Key words: Duskytail Darter, southeast fishes, morphological variation, conservation, federally endangered
Introduction
The federally endangered Duskytail Darter, Etheostoma percnurum Jenkins, is a member of the E. flabellare
species group of the subgenus Catonotus (Page 1975; Page 2000). Unlike most other members of the subge-
nus, E. percnurum occupies both larger and smaller streams and rivers where it occurs in silt-free, rocky, gen-
tly-flowing pools and runs (Jenkins 1994). The species is endemic to the upper Tennessee and middle
Cumberland river drainages of Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky (Etnier & Starnes 1993; Jenkins 1994;
Eisenhour & Burr 2000) but is only known from six relict populations (Fig.1; Etnier & Starnes 1993; Jenkins
1994). Extant populations of E. percnurum in the upper Tennessee drainage are known from Copper Creek in
Virginia, and Citico Creek and Little River in Tennessee. Only one extant population occurs in the Cumber-
land River drainage, an approximately 19 km stretch of the Big South Fork Cumberland River, in Tennessee
and Kentucky (Eisenhour & Burr 2000).
The species is also known from two additional collections, one from the South Fork Holston River in Ten-
nessee, and one from Abrams Creek of the Little Tennessee River in Tennessee, but is now considered extir-
pated from these streams. Using Citico Creek as a source population, Conservation Fisheries Inc. (CFI)
successfully propagated and reintroduced E. percnurum into nearby Abrams Creek (reflecting efforts since
1993) and introduced the species into the Tellico River (since 2003), which it probably also inhabited within
the Little Tennessee system. These efforts have resulted in a viable reproducing population in Abrams Creek

BLANTON & JENKINS
2 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
(Shute et al. 2005), and it appears that stocking efforts in the Tellico River will have a similar outcome (J.
Shute, pers. comm.). Additional efforts have been made by CFI to increase populations in the Little River
(using the Little River as the source population) and Citico Creek (using Citico Creek as the source popula-
tion; Rakes et al. 1992; Shute et al. 2005).
FIGURE 1. Distribution of the Etheostoma percnurum species complex. For E. sitikuense, a closed circle represents the
extant population in Citico Creek; open circles represent the extirpated but recently introduced population in Abrams
Creek and the introduced population in Tellico River. For E. marmorpinnum, the black square represents the extant pop-
ulation in the Little River; the gray square denotes the extirpated South Fork Holston population.
Due to the concern regarding the conservation status of E. percnurum, several studies were conducted to
estimate population size, discover required habitat, and study reproductive biology, as well as other life his-
tory characteristics (e.g., Layman 1984, 1991; Jenkins 1994; Eisenhour & Burr 2000). These studies revealed
important ecological and morphological differences among the extant populations and suggested the possibil-
ity of unrecognized species diversity.
Layman (1984) found that E. percnurum nuptial males in the Little River established nest territories in
flowing pools, whereas Jenkins and Musick (1980) and Jenkins (1994) reported nuptial males from Copper
Creek moved into riffles during the spawning season. Eisenhour and Burr (2000) found a nesting behavior
similar to that described by Layman (1991) for the Big South Fork population, but noted several differences in
meristic, morphometric, and ecological characteristics among the four extant populations of E. percnurum
including: (1) Big South Fork (Cumberland drainage) E. percnurum had more lateral-line scales and a shorter
soft-dorsal fin height, anal-fin height, and anal-fin base, a more posterior positioned anal fin, and a more

Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press · 3
THREE NEW SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA
robust body compared to other populations; (2) Citico Creek (Little Tennessee system) specimens had fewer
caudal-fin rays, scales above the lateral line, scales below the lateral line, caudal-peduncle scales, and lateral-
line scales, and more pored lateral-line scales; (3) Big South Fork and Little River males attained larger maxi-
mum standard lengths than Copper Creek males; (4) higher mean egg and ova counts for Big South Fork
females compared to counts for Little River females; (5) nest-rock size averaged larger in Big South Fork than
in Little River; and (6) sheared PCA of 17 morphometric variables separated Tennessee drainage populations
(excluding Copper Creek) and the Cumberland drainage population into non-overlapping groups. Based on
these differences the authors concluded that E. percnurum from the Big South Fork represented an indepen-
dent evolutionary unit. Jenkins (1994) also examined morphological variation and found that Copper Creek E.
percnurum differed in the color pattern of fins and several scale counts and indicated the need for further
investigation of variation among the known populations of E. percnurum.
The relictual distribution of E. percnurum suggests that gene flow has not occurred between the extant
populations for thousands of generations. Such isolation has likely led to genetic divergence. Further, the mor-
phological and ecological variation documented indicates the possibility of deep phylogenetic divisions in this
species (Eisenhour & Burr 2000). Based on this information, we examined morphological variation among
extant and extirpated populations to test the hypothesis that E. percnurum represents a species complex, and
herein describe three new species previously recognized as E. percnurum. We also discuss the implications of
these findings for future conservation efforts.
Materials and methods
Specimens were examined for meristic, morphometric and pigmentation variation. Numbers in parentheses of
non-type material examined indicate the number of specimens examined for meristics, morphometrics, and
pigmentation, respectively. Institutional abbreviations follow Leviton et al. (1985). Values provided in diagno-
ses are modes unless otherwise noted. Values in descriptions are range followed in parentheses by mean and
standard deviation.
Meristics. A total of 29 meristic counts were taken from 201 specimens. Counts of bilateral features were
made on the left side. Methods largely followed Hubbs and Lagler (1958), except transverse scale counts were
made from the anal-fin origin anterior-dorsad to the base of the first-dorsal fin, and counts of caudal-fin rays
included only branched rays. Squamation of the breast, nape, cheek, opercle, belly, and along the base of the
first dorsal fin was recorded as percentage of area scaled (in increments of 10). In estimating the percentage of
scales along the first dorsal fin base, only the area of the first two scale rows below the fin were considered.
Embedded scales were included in all regions. The term ‘usually’ indicates that a characteristic was observed
in 90% or more of the individuals examined. Meristic data were analyzed using univariate frequency distribu-
tions to observe variation in ranges and modal values for each character (SYSTAT v. 8.0).
Morphometrics. Measurements were taken on 120 specimens from the four extant populations. Compar-
isons of body shape were made using a truss network (Bookstein et al. 1985) of 20 interlandmark distances
(Fig. 2). An additional 15 measurements largely following the methods of Hubbs and Lagler (1958) were used
to assess shape variation and included: gape width (GW), inter-orbital width (IOW), head width (HW), head
length (HL; measured from front of lip to posterior tip of opercle membrane), pectoral-fin length (P1L), pel-
vic-fin length (P2L), first-dorsal fin height (D1H; measured from base to tip of third spine), first dorsal-fin
length (D1L), second dorsal-fin height (D2H; measured from base to tip of third ray), second dorsal-fin length
(D2L), anal-fin height (AFH, measured from base to tip of third ray), anal-fin length (AFL), caudal-fin length
(CFL; measured along medial ray), body width (BW), first-dorsal fin origin to pelvic-fin base (BD1) and
depth at second-dorsal fin origin to anal-fin origin (BD2). Measurements were made on the left side of the
body. Males and females were examined separately, and only individuals greater than 35 mm SL were mea-
sured to remove the effects of allometry.

BLANTON & JENKINS
4 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
FIGURE 2. Truss network used for morphometric analysis of E. percnurum. Letters and numbers represent points of
measurement.
Measurements were analyzed using a principal component analysis (SPCA) conducted in SAS v.9.0 (Sta-
tistical Analysis Systems Institute, Cary, NC 2002) with a shearing algorithm (Swofford, unpublished) to
remove the effect of size. Principal components were determined from a covariance matrix of the 32 log-
transformed variables. Variables with high component loadings were considered potentially informative taxo-
nomically and to have contributed most to any separation among taxa or populations in the PCA scatterplots.
Measurements are presented as thousandths of SL; SL is in mm.
Pigmentation. Pigmentation was examined on 177 well-preserved specimens and from photographs of
live individuals. Markings were counted on the left side of the body. Lateral-bar counts included vertical bars,
rectangular or ovoid blotches, and obvious smudges. The first bar was the first posterior to and disconnected
from the humeral spot. At the caudal base, if the last lateral mark was quite large and elongated it was counted
as a lateral bar as well as a caudal spot. Saddles were counted just below the dorsal midline; each component
of a saddle partially split at that level was counted. Caudal-fin stripes or tessellations were counted along the
medial ray, starting with the mark nearest or partly beneath the posterior-most scale row; the contiguously pig-
mented portion of the ray was excluded from the count. Description of pigmentation patterns of other fins fol-
lowed Jenkins and Burkhead (1994: 631-633; Fig. 55, 56, 75). For nuptial males, the width of the distal bands
of the pectoral, second dorsal, anal, and caudal fins were measured as a percentage of the respective fin height
or length. Illustrations of nuptial males represent composites of each species drawn from several well-pre-
served and live-photographed nuptial males.
Results
Variation in meristics, morphometrics, and nuptial male pigmentation among the four extant populations of E.
percnurum was substantial. Each population is diagnosable as a species using a combination of characteris-
tics. Meristic variation among each of the newly described species of E. percnurum is summarized in Tables
1–7 and in the descriptions. Comparisons of the primary diagnostic meristic characters are provided in Table
8.

Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press · 5
THREE NEW SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA
FIGURE 3. Sheared principal components analysis of morphometric characters for males of the E. percnurum species
complex. Component loadings are provided in the text.
Table 9 displays truss and other measurements for males of all species; measurement data for females are
given separately in the descriptions because significant differences were noted between the sexes in several
aspects of body shape. SPCA of all measurements found informative body shape variation among males only
(Fig. 3). Individuals examined from the Big South Fork (E. lemniscatum) showed complete separation from
Citico Creek (E. sitikuense) individuals, nearly complete separation from Little River (E. marmorpinnum)
individuals, and only minimal overlap with E. percnurum from Copper Creek, primarily along PC3. Those
from Citico Creek showed nearly complete separation from E. percnurum from Copper Creek along PC2 and
PC3. Substantial overlap in morphometric characteristics was observed between the Little River and Citico
Creek individuals. Variables that loaded heavily on PC2 include: B4–B6 or BD1, (component loading= -0.29),

BLANTON & JENKINS
6 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
FIGURE 4. Nuptial male pigmentation patterns for (A) Etheostoma percnurum, Copper Creek, VA, (B) E. marmorpin-
num, Little River–Tennessee drainage, (C) E. sitikuense, Citico Creek, Abrams Creek, and Tellico River–Little Tennes-
see system, and (D) E. lemniscatum, Big South Fork–Cumberland drainage. Illustrations by J. Sipiorski, 2008.

Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press · 7
THREE NEW SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA
FIGURE 5. Photographs of a live (A) male and (B) female E. lemniscatum, Big South Fork Cumberland River, showing
typical color and pigmentation of females and non-nuptial males. Photographs by M. R. Thomas, 2008.
B7–B8 or BD2 (-0.20), GW (-0.30), P1L (0.37), P2L (0.30), D1H (-0.38), D2H (0.31), BW (-0.32). Variables
that loaded heavily on PC3 include: H1–H5 (0.20), B6–B8 (0.23), P2L (-0.22), D1H (-0.60), D2H (-0.32),
AFH (-0.20), and CFL (-0.31).
Little to no variation was observed among the four populations in the number of caudal-fin tessellations
along the medial ray (Copper Creek =5.8, mode=6 and 7; Big South Fork, =5.6 mode=6; Little River,
=5.8 mode=7; Citico Creek, =5.8 mode=6; numbers exclude individuals with zero values for this trait and
include males and females) or saddles (E. percnurum =7.0, mode=7; Big South Fork, =7.1 mode=7; Little
River, =7.1 mode=7; Citico Creek, =7.2 mode=7; numbers exclude individuals with zero values for this
trait and include males and females). Slight variation was noted in the number of transverse bars on the side of
the body. The Big South Fork population had a higher modal (13 vs. 12 in all others) and mean ( =12.6 vs.
12.3 or less) number of transverse bars.
General in-life coloration and in-life and preserved pigmentation was largely consistent across all species
and was as described by Jenkins (1994) for E. percnurum, except variation was observed in fin pigmentation
of nuptial males (see diagnoses, descriptions, Table 8, and Fig. 4). Figure 5 shows typical pigmentation for
live, non-nuptial males and females.
Etheostoma percnurum species complex. Morphological synapomorphies that unite members of the E.
percnurum species complex and distinguish them from the sister lineage, E. flabellare include: macromelano-

BLANTON & JENKINS
8 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
phores or “freckles” on the heads of sub-adults (< 35 mm SL; freckles become proportionally smaller in large
adults) vs. smaller stipples on heads of E. flabellare (Fig. 6); distal, black band on pectoral, anal, second dor-
sal, and caudal fins of nuptial males vs. bands absent on E. flabellare or only occurring on pectoral fins; larger
eye (eye diameter equal to or larger than snout length vs. equal to or less than snout length in E. flabellare);
more narrowly joined gill membranes vs. more broadly joined gill membranes in E. flabellare; larger knobs
(egg mimics) on first dorsal-fin spines vs. smaller knobs in E. flabellare; and with moderate first dorsal-fin
height vs. lower height in E. flabellare.
FIGURE 6. Typical head pigmentation of juveniles of the (A) E. percnurum species complex and the (B) E. flabellare
species complex (modified from Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). Figures also show variation in snout pigmentation and fin
pigmentation characteristic of both adults and juveniles of each.
Etheostoma percnurum Jenkins
Duskytail Darter
(Fig. 4a)
Holotype. UMMZ 220237, male, 37.6 mm SL, Copper Creek just below mouth of Obeys Creek, 5.1 air km
NNE center of Gate City, Scott County, Virginia, 19 May 1971, R. Jenkins, N. Burkhead, and M. Kuhl.
Paratypes. Tennessee River drainage—Clinch River system
Virginia: Scott County: UMMZ 220238 (45; 23–45 mm SL), taken with holotype; INHS 93045 (10),
taken with holotype.

Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press · 9
THREE NEW SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA
TABLE 1. Frequency distribution of lateral-line scales for the E. percnurum species complex. Numbers in bold highlight
modes for each species.
TABLE 2. Frequency distribution of pored lateral-line scales for the E. percnurum species complex. Numbers in bold
highlight modes for each species.
Additional Material (nontypes).
Tennessee River drainage—Clinch River system
Virginia: Scott Co.: Clinch River: UF 172554 (0, 1, 0); Copper Creek: CU 62842 (1, 0, 1); CU 63459
(10, 7, 8); NCSM 49832 (3, 2, 3); OSM 34604 (0, 2, 0); RC REJ-365 (1, 0, 0); RC REJ-386 (1, 0, 1); RC REJ-
397 (2, 0, 2); RC REJ-431 (2, 0, 0); RC REJ-501 (2, 0, 2); RC REJ-521 (2, 0, 3); TU 69270 (4, 0, 4); TU
70413 (1, 1, 1); TU 71976 (10, 0, 10); TU 200485 (1, 1, 1); TU 200486 (1, 1, 1); TU200487 (4, 3, 4); TU
200488 (2, 2, 2); TU 200489 (5, 7, 5); TU 200490 (10, 7, 10); TU 200491 (4, 2, 4); UF 43659 (1, 0, 1); UF
172553 (10, 2, 10); USNM 393570 (5, 0, 5); USNM 393572 (10, 0, 10); UT 91.1927 (1, 0, 1).
Diagnosis. Etheostoma percnurum is distinguished from all other members of the E. percnurum species
complex by the following combination of characteristics: fewer pored lateral-line scales (22 vs. 26 or higher);
lower percentage of body area along first dorsal-fin base covered by scales (20% vs. 60% or higher); wider,
dusky, distal band on caudal fin (range = 17–25% of fin length vs. 12–18% in others) and pectoral fin (range =
Number of Lateral-Line Scales
Species/Populations 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 N SD
Tennessee R.
E. percnurum 13862022 20 13 7 3 103 43.1 1.9
E. marmorpinnum
Little R. 2426596 6 2 42 43.4 2.2
South Fork Holston 11——
E. sitikuense
Citico Cr. 1 3 1 85 1 1 20 43.0 1.5
Abrams Cr. 111 3 42.0 1.0
Cumberland R.
E. lemniscatum 1210 466213245.31.7
Species/Popula-
tions Number of Pored Lateral-Line Scales
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 N SD
Tennessee R.
E. percnurum 1—6411720 10 15 7 7 8 4 2 1 103 23.0 2.9
E. marmorpin-
num
Little R. 3 1 1 6 3 5 2 5 74 1 2 2 42 25.0 3.2
South Fork
Holston 11——
E. sitikuense
Citico Cr. 4 1 1 6 712032.71.6
Abrams Cr. 1 — 2328.31.2
Cumberland
R.
E. lemniscatum 12—14 747411 3226.62.3

BLANTON & JENKINS
10 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
27–32% of length vs. 14–21% in others) of nuptial males; absence of tessellations or bands in medial portion
of caudal fin of nuptial males (vs. presence of tessellations or bands); fewer scales around caudal peduncle (23
vs. 24 or 25); more caudal-fin rays (18 vs. 15 or 16); longer pectoral fin ( =252 vs. =248 or less); and higher
anal fin ( =127 vs. =123 or less). Further distinguished from E. marmorpinnum and E sitikuense by absence
of marbling in second dorsal fin (medial fin region dusky overall vs. strongly or diffusely marbled); and wider
distal band on second dorsal fin (23–25% of fin height vs. 14–21%) and anal fin (49–58% of fin height vs.
29–39%); and from E. marmorpinnum by less belly area scaled (0% vs. 60-80%). Means of other measure-
ments were also informative for distinguishing E. percnurum (Table 9).
TABLE 3. Frequency distribution of transverse scales for the E. percnurum species complex. Numbers in bold highlight
modes for each species.
TABLE 4. Frequency distribution of scales around the caudal peduncle for the E. percnurum species complex. Numbers
in bold highlight modes for each species.
Description. Meristic counts are given in Tables 1–7 or provided below. Scales below lateral line 7–11 (8,
=8.4±0.8); scales above lateral line 5–8 (6, =6.5±0.6); caudal peduncle scales below lateral line 10–14 (11,
=11.3±0.9); caudal peduncle scales above lateral line 9–12 (10, =10.1±0.7). Opercle, breast, and nape
devoid of scales. Branchiostegal rays six; gill membranes narrowly to moderately joined. First dorsal-fin
spines 6–8 (7, =7.0±0.3); second dorsal-fin rays 10–13 (11, =11.6±0.6); pectoral-fin rays 12–14 (13,
Number of Transverse Scales
Species/Populations 14 15 16 17 18 19 N SD
Tennessee R.
E. percnurum 10 29 38 16 8 2 103 15.9 1.2
E. marmorpinnum
Little R. 1 15 10 13 3 42 17.1 1.0
South Fork Holston 11——
E. sitikuense
Citico Cr. 4 94 2 1 20 15.4 1.1
Abrams Cr. 11—1315.31.5
Cumberland R.
E. lemniscatum 2415 8 3 32 16.2 1.0
Number of Scale Rows Around Caudal Peduncle
Species/Populations 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 N SD
Tennessee R.
E. percnurum 91337 26 10 5 2 1 103 23.4 1.3
E. marmorpinnum
Little R. 1 4 10 6 12 6214224.31.6
South Fork Holston 11——
E. sitikuense
Citico Cr. 1 1 1 3 5 722023.01.6
Abrams Cr. 111 322.01.0
Cumberland R.
E. lemniscatum 4614 623223.91.2

Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press · 11
THREE NEW SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA
=12.9±0.5); anal spines 2–3 (2, =2.0±0.1); anal-fin rays 6–8 (7, =7.3±0.5); caudal-fin rays 15–18 (18,
=17.4±0.7). Preopercular-mandibular pores 10 (10, =10.0±0.0); infraorbital pores usually 6, rarely 5 or 7
(6, =6.0±0.4); anterior infraorbital pores usually 4, rarely 5 (4, =4.1±0.3); posterior infraorbital pores usu-
ally 2, rarely 1 (2, =1.9±0.2); supraorbital pores usually 4, rarely 5 (4, =4.1±0.2); supratemporal pores usu-
ally 4, rarely 3 (4, =4.0±0.2); left supratemporal pores usually 2, rarely 1 (2, =2.0±0.2); right
supratemporal pores 2 (2, =2.0±0.0).
TABLE 5. Frequency distribution of branched caudal-fin rays for the E. percnurum species complex. Numbers in bold
highlight modes for each species.
TABLE 6. Frequency distribution of the percentage of the belly covered by scales for the E. percnurum species complex.
Numbers in bold highlight modes for each species.
Measurements for males (nuptial and non-nuptial) are in Table 9. Females (n=22): SL 32.1–43.9
( =36.6±3.1); GW 60–100 ( =81±11); IOW 40–60 ( =49±8); HW 100–130 ( =116±10); HL 280–340
( =318±14); P1L 230–270 ( =253±11); P2L 190–230 ( =206±11); D1H 80–120 ( =104±11); D1L 170–210
( =184±12); D2H 130–160 ( =147±9); AFH 100–140 ( =125±10); CFL 180–210 ( =205±9); BW 50–90
( =67±11); H1–H2 100–130 ( =112±7); H1–H3 200–240 ( =220±10); H1–B4 350–380 ( =365±10);
H1–H5 110–160 ( =128±12); H1–B6 290–360 ( =315±21); H2–H5 110–140 ( =119±9); H3–B6 150–190
Number of Caudal-Fin Rays
Species/Populations 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 N SD
Tennessee R.
E. percnurum 1123258 103 17.4 0.7
E. marmorpinnum
Little R. 2 19 4 7 10 42 16.1 1.3
South Fork Holston 11— —
E. sitikuense
Citico Cr. 1 3 4 84 20 14.6 1.1
Abrams Cr. 11 2 16.5 0.7
Cumberland R.
E. lemniscatum 131013 5 32 15.6 1.0
Percentage of Belly Scaled
Species/Populations 0 102030405060708090100N SD
Tennessee R.
E. percnurum 63 24 12 4 103 5.7 8.6
E. marmorpinnum
Little R. 4 2 2 5 3 7773 2 42 57.9 25.4
South Fork Holston 11— —
E. sitikuense
Citico Cr. 2 72411—2——1 2028.0 26.5
Abrams Cr. 11—13 43.3 15.3
Cumberland R.
E. lemniscatum 513 9 4 1 32 14.5 10.2

BLANTON & JENKINS
12 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
( =171±12); B4–B6 or BD1 130–200 ( =166±15); B4–B7 230–280 ( =250±15); B4–B8 290–340
( =313±13); B6–B7 270–390 ( =343±26); B6–B8 290–370 ( =318±19); B7–B8 or BD2 130–170
( =151±10); B7–B9 or D2L 190–240 ( =211±15); B7–B10 190–230 ( =213±11); B8–B9 200–270
( =227±14); B8–B10 or AFL 100–160 ( =143±15); B9–10 100–130 ( =113±8); B9–C11 150–190
( =170±10); and B10–C11 200–230 ( =215±11).
TABLE 7. Frequency distribution of percent squamation along the first dorsal fin base for the E. percnurum species
complex. Numbers in bold highlight modes for each species.
In-life and preserved pigmentation and coloration were described by Jenkins (1994). For all individuals
examined: number of transverse bars for males 10–14 (13, =12.3±1.0), for females 10–15 (12, =12.4±1.2);
number of dorsal saddles for males 6–8 (7, =7.1±0.3), for females 5–8 (7, =7.0±0.4); number of caudal-fin
tessellations along medial ray for males 3–6 (3, =3.8±1.3), for females 3–10 (7, =6.5±1.7); tessellations not
forming bands; and caudal peduncle with no spots, or with 1 or 2 light smudges or spots. For nuptial males:
wide, dusky, distal band on caudal (range = 17–25% of fin length), anal (range = 49–58% of fin height), pec-
toral (range = 28–32% of fin length), and second dorsal fin (23–25% of fin height). Medial portion of second
dorsal fin and caudal fin without tessellations or marbling pattern in nuptial males; medial regions overall
dusky.
Distribution. The Duskytail Darter occupies Copper Creek of the Clinch River (Tennessee River drain-
age), Scott County, Tennessee. In Copper Creek from its mouth upstream for approximately 29 river kilome-
ters (rkm); one specimen taken in 1980 in the mainstem Clinch River at Speers Ferry, 1 rkm below mouth of
Copper Creek. The species varies from rare to common at different sites within Copper Creek (CFI pers.
comm.). Post–1980 surveys of the Clinch River (by CFI personnel) have not found additional specimens of E.
percnurum.
Ecology. Etheostoma percnurum occupies the lower main channel of Copper Creek, which is a clear,
warm, moderate-gradient, intermontane stream in the Ridge and Valley Province of Virginia. Adults occur pri-
marily in pools, and much less frequently in swift runs, and are associated with relatively clean gravel, cobble,
and boulders. The range of habitats includes slack water, detritus, slightly silted stones, and bedrock (Jenkins
1994). In Copper Creek, E. percnurum is syntopic with the widespread E. flabellare (Jenkins 1994: map 189).
Etheostoma flabellare is uncommon to common in the middle and upper portions of mainstem Copper Creek
and some of its tributaries whereas, E. percnurum occupies lower reaches of the mainstem and has not been
found in tributaries (Jenkins 1994). Areas of syntopy are in the mid to upstream distributional limits of E. per-
cnurum (Jenkins 1994). Hybrids between the two species have not been observed.
Percentage of First Dorsal-Fin Base Scaled
Species/Populations 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 N SD
Tennessee R.
E. percnurum 725 22 15 22 8 4 103 35.5 16.6
E. marmorpinnum
Little R. 7 12 23 42 93.6 8.2
South Fork Holston 11——
E. sitikuense
Citico Cr. 2 4 4 4 5— 1 20 55.0 15.7
Abrams Cr. 11 2 65.0 7.1
Cumberland R.
E. lemniscatum 12413 8 4 32 61.6 11.9

Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press · 13
THREE NEW SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA
TABLE 8. Primary diagnostic features for the E. percnurum species complex. Values provided for pigmentation are
ranges. All individuals examined for pigmentation characters fell within the listed range. Values for morphometrics are
for males only and are means. Values in parentheses for meristic and morphometric characters are percentage of individ-
uals with a given range of values.
Diagnostic Characters E. percnurum E. marmorpinnum E. sitikuense E. lemniscatum
Meristics
Modal no. lateral-line scales 43 (77% < 44) 44 (67% < 44) 43 (91% < 44) 44 (90% > 44)
Modal no. pored lateral-line
scales 22 (72% < 24) 27 (76% with 22–28) 34 (87% > 30) 26, 28 (81% with
25–29)
Modal no. caudal-fin rays 18 (88% > 17) 15 (60% < 16) 15 (96% < 16) 16 (84% < 16)
% Belly area scaled 0 (84% < 10%) 60–80 (81% > 40%) 10 (70% < 30%) 10 (97% < 30%)
% First dorsal-fin base scaled 20 (88% < 50%) 100 (100% > 80%) 70 (68% with
50–70%; 96% < 70%
)
60 (78% with
50–70%)
Nuptial Male Pigmentation
Caudal-fin band width as %
fin length 17–25 12–15 15–18 18
Anal-fin band width as % fin
height 49–58 29–33 33–39 50
Pectoral-fin band width as %
fin length 27–32 17–20 14–21 14–18
Second dorsal-fin band width
as % fin length 23–25 14–21 9–16 25
Pectoral-fin pigmentation Distal black band
on all to all except
last 1–3 ventral
rays
Distal black band on all
except last 3–4 ventral
rays
Distal black band on
all except last 2–3
ventral rays
Distal black band
confined to rays of
the dorsal half or
less of fin
Medial region of second-dor-
sal fin pigmentation No tessellations or
marbling; dusky
overall
Dark, distinct marbling Diffuse stippling;
occasionally dif-
fusely marbled
Light stippling; not
distinctly marbled
or tessellated
Medial region of caudal-fin
pigmentation No tessellations; or
bands; dusky over-
all
Strongly tessellated;
forming wavy bands on
distal half of fin
Strongly tessellated;
confined to rays, not
forming bands
Tessellated; con-
fined to rays not
forming bands
Morphometrics
D1H = 99 (90% < 110) = 117 (70% > 120) = 105 (75% < 110) = 99 (80% < 110)
Pelvic-to-anal Origin (B6–B8) = 317 (65% <
320) = 314 (78% < 320) = 316 (75% < 320) = 332 (80% >
320)
P1L = 252 (75% >
250) = 284 (78% > 240) = 240 (75% > 240) = 245 (60% <
240)
AFH = 127 (90% >
120) = 123 (75% > 120) = 110 (75% < 120) = 107 (100% <
120)
BW = 66 (95% < 70) = 69 (78% < 70) = 80 (75% > 80) = 65 (87% < 70)
BD1 = 160 (75% <
160) = 173 (91% > 160) = 178 (100% >
170) = 163 (87% <
170)
BD2 = 148 (70% <
150) = 153 (61% < 150) = 158 (100% >
150) = 148 (73% <
150)

BLANTON & JENKINS
14 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
TABLE 9. Measurements for males of the Etheostoma percnurum species complex. Measurements are thousandths of
SL; SL in mm.
E. percnurum
n=21 E. marmorpinnum
n=23 E. sitikuense
n=5 E. lemniscatum
n=13
Measure-
ments Range ± SD Range ± SD Range ± SD Range ± SD
SL 30.2–46.2 40.2±4.2 30.8–52.1 38.3±5.5 33.6–51.7 44.6±8.3 26.0–53.8 39.0±8.3
GW 70–110 80±11 70–90 85±6 70–90 80±8 70–90 78±7
IOW 30–60 50±9 40–60 49±5 40–50 47±5 40–60 46±7
HW 110–140 123±10 110–150 125±10 120–140 130±8 100–140 118±11
HL 300–340 320±12 290–330 315±13 290–330 308±17 310–340 319±10
P1L 230–270 252±15 210–300 248±21 210–260 240±22 210–280 245±27
P2L 180–220 201±13 170–220 199±15 130–210 180±35 170–240 197±22
D1H 80–120 99±11 100–140 117±10 100–120 105±10 80–120 99±14
D1L 170–220 191±13 160–240 198±19 160–200 185±19 170–220 195±16
D2H 130–170 147±11 130–170 150±10 120–150 135±13 110–180 134±20
D2L 190–240 217±12 190–260 221±20 210–240 228±13 200–230 216±9
AFH 100–160 127±14 110–150 123±12 80–130 110±22 90–120 107±10
CFL 180–230 207±12 180–240 212±18 200–230 208±15 150–230 194±22
BW 60–90 66±7 50–90 69±9 60–100 80±16 50–80 65±9
Truss
H1–H2 90–120 108±7 90–130 112±9 100–120 106±9 100–130 109±10
H1–H3 200–240 217±12 190–240 216±14 190–240 210±19 200–250 222±16
H1–B4 350–370 361±8 340–380 364±12 330–390 356±22 350–390 368±15
H1–H5 110–140 122±9 110–150 130±9 100–130 118±13 110–150 133±10
H1–B6 280–320 304±11 290–320 302±11 290–320 300±12 290–340 312±15
H2–H5 100–130 116±8 110–130 122±7 110–130 124±9 110–120 118±4
H3–B6 150–180 167±9 160–200 173±12 170–200 184±11 160–180 168±7
B4–B6/
BD1 140–180 160±10 150–210 173±16 170–190 178±11 150–180 163±9
B4–B7 240–270 252±10 240–300 265±16 260–280 270±10 230–260 248±9
B4–B8 290–330 308±11 290–330 313±11 290–320 308±13 290–330 307±14
B6–B7 320–380 347±14 330–380 357±16 360–380 370±10 330–380 350±14
B6–B8 290–340 317±16 290–350 314±15 290–330 316±15 300–360 332±18
B7–B8/
BD2 130–180 148±12 130–180 153±13 150–170 158±8 140–160 148±8
B7–B9/
D2L 190–240 217±12 190–260 221±20 210–240 228±13 200–230 216±9
B7–B10 160–230 213±15 190–240 214±13 200–230 220±14 190–240 216±13
B8–B9 220–280 241±14 220–280 253±15 250–280 264±11 220–250 234±8
B8–B10/
AFL 140–180 152±11 130–180 153±14 150–190 166±17 130–170 148±13
B9–B10 110–140 121±9 110–150 130±13 120–140 130±7 100–120 116±7
B9–C11 150–190 170±10 120–190 161±19 140–170 162±13 140–170 162±10
B10–C11 200–240 219±12 190–260 220±17 210–250 226±17 190–230 207±10

Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press · 15
THREE NEW SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA
Conservation Status. Etheostoma percnurum is recognized as a federally endangered species. Impound-
ments, siltation associated with poor land-use practices, coal mining, and logging have contributed to its
decline (Burkhead & Jenkins 1991). Identification and correction of sources of erosion and other pollutants to
Copper Creek are strongly recommended.
Historically, the species has been regarded as rare (Burkhead & Jenkins 1991), and recent snorkel surveys
(by CFI) of Copper Creek and nearby portions of the mainstem Clinch River have confirmed that E. percnu-
rum is restricted to Copper Creek where it varies from rare to common at sites in the lower reaches of this
stream. A recovery plan was outlined by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service soon after the original
description of E. percnurum (Biggins & Shute 1994); however, this plan was designed under a different con-
cept of diversity. Etheostoma percnurum was thought to consist of four extant populations occurring in three
locations in the Tennessee drainage and one in the Cumberland drainage. Our study has found that E. percnu-
rum is actually restricted to Copper Creek. Other populations represent distinct species. Thus the number of
wild populations has been reduced from four to one, and a new plan that includes continued monitoring of
habitat quality and the population status in Copper Creek is much needed. Propagation may help ensure the
survival of the species and translocation outside Copper Creek to known extirpated portions of its range, such
as the mainstem Clinch River, may decrease the chance of extinction. Translocation to other areas outside the
known historical range of the species is strongly discouraged due to potential negative effects to other species.
Comments. Due to some confusion of the year of publication for the Freshwater Fishes of Virginia we
clarify that the official date of publication for the original description of E. percnurum (Jenkins in Jenkins and
Burkhead 1994) is 21 April 1994 as indicated by Burr (1995; Jenkins’s information).
Etheostoma marmorpinnum Blanton and Jenkins, new species
Marbled Darter
(Fig. 4b)
Holotype. UF 172572, male, 37.8 mm SL, Little River just below TN Highway 33 bridge, Blount County,
Tennessee, 26 April 1984, S. Layman and J. Shute.
Paratypes. Tennessee River drainage—Little River system
Tennessee: Blount County: ANSP 189238 (2), Little River, just downstream of TN Highway 33 bridge
in slabrock pool above riffle, 6 May 1985, S. R. Layman; INHS 102268 (2), Little River at TN Highway 33
bridge near Rockford, 26 May 1985, R. D. Suttkus and D. A. Etnier; NCSM 49701 (3; 37.5–40.6 mm SL),
Little River at TN Highway 33, 7.2 air km NNE center of Maryville (35.8195° N; 83.9381° W), 11 November
1974, W. C. Starnes, D. A. Etnier, G. Boronow, M. Hughes, G. Schuster, and Schraw; TU 140998 (2), same
locality as INHS 102268; UF 172573 (3; 28.8–36.5 mm SL), taken with holotype; USNM 394525 (2), same
locality as INHS 102268; UT 91.2615 (1), same locality as ANSP 189238.
Additional material (nontypes).
Tennessee River drainage—Little River system
Tennessee: Blount County: INHS 82442 (6, 7, 3); TU 140998 (6, 5, 6); UF 191714 (1, 0, 0); UT 91.1035
(13, 0, 13); UT 91.1916 (0, 1, 0); UT 91.2615 (3, 3, 3); UT 91.2675 (3, 3, 3); UT 91.2722 (0, 5, 0); UT
91.2723 (0, 6, 0); UT 91.2724 (0, 4, 0); UT 91.2725 (0, 1, 0); UT 91.584 (2, 2, 2); UT 91.781 (2, 0, 2).
Tennessee River drainage—South Fork Holston River system
Tennessee: Sullivan Co.: South Fork Holston River: UMMZ 197681 (1, 1, 0)
Diagnosis. Etheostoma marmorpinnum is distinguished from all other members of the species complex
by higher percentage of belly covered by scales (60–80% vs. 10% or less); higher percentage of body area
along the first dorsal-fin base covered with scales (100% vs. 70% or less); dark distinct marbling in second
dorsal fin of nuptial males (vs. lighter diffuse marbling or marbling absent); narrower band width for caudal-

BLANTON & JENKINS
16 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
fin (range = 12–15% of fin length vs. 15–25%) and anal-fin (range = 29–33% vs. 33–58%); more scales
around caudal peduncle (25 vs. 23 or 24); and higher first dorsal fin (D1H, =117 vs. 105 or less). The species
is further distinguished from E. percnurum by fewer caudal fin rays (15 vs. 18); narrower distal band on pec-
toral fin (range = 17–20% vs. 27–32% of fin length) and second dorsal fin (14–21% vs. 23–25% of fin
height); and by prominent tessellation of medial region of caudal fin of nuptial males (vs. uniformly dusky).
Further distinguished from E percnurum and E. sitikuense by an intermediate number of pored lateral-line
scales (27 vs. 22 or 33 respectively). Means of other measurements were also informative in distinguishing E.
marmorpinnum from other members of the complex (Table 9).
Description. Tables 1–7 provide meristic counts for most variables. Scales below lateral line 8–10 (8, 9,
=8.9±0.8); scales above lateral line 6–9 (7, =7.1±0.5); caudal peduncle scales below lateral line 11–14 (12,
=11.9±0.8); caudal peduncle scales above lateral line 8–12 (11, =10.4±1.1). Cheek, opercle, and breast
devoid of scales; nape usually devoid of scales, rarely with 5% scale coverage. Branchiostegal rays six; gill
membranes narrowly to moderately joined. First dorsal fin spines 6–7, (7, =6.7±0.5); second dorsal fin rays
11–13 (12, =11.8±0.3); pectoral fin rays 12–13 (13, =12.8±0.4); anal spines 2; anal rays 6–8 (7,
=7.3±0.5). Preopercular-mandibular pores 10 (10.0, =10±0.0); infraorbital pores usually 6, rarely 5 or 7 (6,
=6.0±0.3); anterior infraorbital pores 4 (4, =4.0±0.0); posterior infraorbital pores usually 2, rarely 1 or 3 (2,
=2.0±0.3); supraorbital pores usually 4, rarely 5 or 6 (4, =4.0±0.4); supratemporal pores usually 4, rarely 5
(4, =4.0±0.2); left supratemporal pores usually 2, rarely 3 (2, =2.0±0.2); right supratemporal pores 2 (2,
=2.0±0.0).
Measurements for males (nuptial and non-nuptial) and females are presented separately; male measure-
ments are presented in Table 9. Females (n=19): SL 27.7–44.3 ( =35.4±4.5); GW 70–100 ( =86±9); IOW
30–60 ( =45±7); HW 100–140 ( =124±10); HL 300–330 ( =321±10); P1L 220–290 ( =254±18); P2L
180–220 ( =203±13); D1H 90–140 ( =119±14); D1L 160–230 ( =198±19); D2H 120–170 ( =146±13);
AFH 100–150 ( =123±14); CFL 190–250 ( =221±16); BW 50–80 ( =67±8); H1–H2 100–130 ( =114±8);
H1–H3 190–240 ( =221±11); H1–B4 340–390 ( =368±13); H1–H5 120–150 ( =131±8); H1–B6 270–340
( =309±18); H2–H5 110–130 ( =119±7); H3–B6 150–190 ( =174±11); B4–B6 or BD1 150–210
( =175±16); B4–B7 240–300 ( =266±15); B4–B8 290–350 ( =321±14); B6–B7 320–390 ( =365±18);
B6–B8 290–360 ( =327±19); B7–B8 or BD2 130–170 ( =150±9); B7–B9 or D2L 180–230 ( =217±14);
B7–B10 190–220 ( =206±10); B8–B9 220–270 ( =243±15); B8–B10 or AFL 120–170 ( =143±14); B9–10
110–150 ( =126±10); B9–C11 130–190 ( =158±15); and B10–C11 200–250 ( =216±14).
Body color and general pigmentation of live and preserved individuals similar to that described for E. per-
cnurum by Jenkins (1994). However, nuptial males of E. marmorpinnum with strongly marbled second dorsal
fins and heavily tessellated caudal fins; tessellations on distal half of caudal fin often form wavy bands; nar-
rower dusky distal bands on pectoral (range = 17–20% of fin length) second dorsal (range = 14–21% of fin
height), caudal (range = 12–15% of fin length), and anal fins (range = 29–33% of fin height). For all individu-
als: number of transverse bars for males rarely too poorly developed to count (0), usually 11–15 (13,
=10.7±4.8), for females 11–14 (12 and 13, =12.6±1.0); number of dorsal saddles for males 7–8 (7,
=7.1±0.2), for females 7–8 (7, =7.1±0.4); number of rows of caudal-fin tessellations along medial ray for
males 4–8 (7, =6.2±1.2), for females 4–7 (4, =5.2±1.2); and caudal peduncle with 1 caudal spot, 2 diffuse
spots, or no obvious spots.
Distribution. Etheostoma marmorpinnum occurs in lower Little River (Tennessee drainage), Blount
County, Tennessee, from US Hwy 411 downstream to TN Hwy 33, but is generally rare in the upstream
reaches around US Hwy 411 (Layman 1991). The species does not appear to be continuously distributed
throughout this 14.5 km reach. The stronghold is just upstream of the backwaters of Fort Loudoun Reservoir
around the US Hwy 33 bridge (Layman 1991). Also known from a single specimen from the South Fork Hol-
ston River in Sullivan County, Tennessee, collected in 1947, three years before construction of the South Fork
Holston Dam was completed. The capture site was 0.6 rkm above the dam, whose tailwater has long been and

Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press · 17
THREE NEW SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA
continues to be cold-water. The species is now extirpated from the Holston River.
Ecology. The Little River has its headwaters in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, within the Blue
Ridge Province of Tennessee, and flows north through the Ridge and Valley Province where it enters Fort
Loudon Reservoir of the Tennessee River. The reach occupied by E. marmorpinnum is characterized by mod-
erate gradient with riffles, runs, and long pools. The species is primarily associated with pools and moderate
runs about 0.3–1.2 m deep with clean pebbles, cobble, and small boulders (Layman 1991). Etheostoma mar-
mopinnum was syntopic with E. flabellare in the South Fork Holston River; the one specimen from the South
Fork Holston was collected with two E. flabellare. The species is not known to overlap geographically with
any other species of Catonotus in the Little River. Etheostoma flabellare was thought to have been extirpated
from the Little River until recent populations were discovered by CFI personnel in Cane and Hesse Creek
inside Great Smoky Mountain National Park (P. Rakes, pers. comm.). Localities in these streams are well
upstream of their confluence with the Little River and well upstream of known E. marmorpinnum sites in the
Little River proper. The most common darters occurring with E. marmorpinnum in the Little River include
Nothonotus rufilineatus and E. simoterum. Layman (1991) provided detailed information on the life history
and general ecology of the Marbled Darter.
Conservation Status. Layman (1991) suggested that the range of E. marmorpinnum had been com-
pressed by impoundment of the lower 12.5 km of the Little River. Although no future impoundments are
planned, the habitat within the reach of river where E. marmorpinnum occurs is threatened by siltation,
municipal water withdrawal, toxic spills, and habitat degradation associated with poor agriculture practices
and bridge construction and maintenance (Layman 1991). The South Fork Holston River population was
extirpated by inundation of habitat by the South Holston Reservoir and by cold tailwaters (Jenkins & Burk-
head 1975). Federal protection and regular monitoring of the species status and habitat quality are needed due
to the current federal status as E. percnurum, its extremely limited distribution consisting of one extant popu-
lation within the Little River, evidence for past extirpations, and ongoing threats to larger river habitats. A
new recovery plan that incorporates these goals and includes plans to alleviate or remove ongoing threats to
the limited habitat of this species is greatly needed. Efforts to bolster numbers in upstream reaches and gener-
ate a more continuous population throughout the documented reach in the Little River should be a priority.
The species has benefited from past propagation efforts (conducted by CFI); captive propagation and re-intro-
ductions that utilized individuals from the Little River as stocks have helped bolster the number of reproduc-
ing individuals in the Little River. Continued propagation efforts that utilize Little River stock and focus on
capturing genetic diversity in the species would be worthwhile to its long-term survival. Translocation outside
Little River to known extirpated portions of its range, such as the South Fork Holston River, may further
decrease the chance of extinction. Translocation outside of the species known native range is not recom-
mended due to the potential negative impacts to other species.
Etymology. The name marmorpinnum comes from ‘marmor’ which means marbled and ‘pinna’ for fin
and refers to the distinct marbled pattern of the second dorsal fin of nuptial males, as does the common name
Marbled Darter.
Etheostoma sitikuense Blanton, new species
Citico Darter
(Fig. 4c)
Holotype. UF 172574, male, 43.7 mm SL, Citico Creek at pool just above bridge at Cherokee Forest Service
Boundary, Monroe County, Tennessee, 16 May 1992, J. Shute, P. Rakes, and R. Biggins.
Paratypes. Tennessee River drainage—Little Tennessee River system.

BLANTON & JENKINS
18 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
Tennessee: Monroe County: TU 191558 (2, 32.9–50.2 mm SL) Citico Creek, 4.8 km east of Tariffville,
off Citico Creek Rd, (35.508056° N, 84.104722° W), 9 April 2000, K. Piller, H. Bart, and J. Tipton; UF
172574 (2, 31.6–33.6 mm SL) same locality; USNM 394526 (2), Citico Creek at river km 9.5, 12 Feb. 1983,
G. Dinkins and C. Dinkins; UT 91.2558 (1), same locality.
Additional material (nontypes).
Tennessee River drainage—Little Tennessee River system
Tennessee: Blount Co.: Abrams Creek: UMMZ 129475 (2, 0, 0); UMMZ 201881 (1, 1, 1); Monroe
Co.: Citico Creek: INHS 78168 (1, 0, 1); NCSM 30728 (8, 0, 3); UT 91.1917 (2, 0, 2); UT 91.4573 (2, 4, 2).
Diagnosis. Etheostoma sitikuense is distinguished from all members of the E. percnurum species complex
by more pored lateral-line scales (34 vs. 28 or fewer); intermediate anal-fin band width (range = 33–39% vs.
49–58% in E lemniscatum and E. percnurum and 29–33% in E. marmorpinnum); fewer transverse scale rows
(15 vs. 16); shorter pectoral (P1L, =240 vs. 245 or greater) and pelvic (P2L, =180 vs. 197 or greater) fins;
and wider (BW, =80 vs. 69 or less), deeper (BD1, =178 vs. 173 or less and BD2, =158 vs. 153 or less)
body. E sitikuense is further distinguished from E. percnurum and E. lemniscatum by narrower distal band on
the second-dorsal fin (range = 9–16% of fin height vs. 23–25%). From E. percnurum and E. marmorpinnum
by distal caudal-fin band width (range = 15–18% of fin length vs. 12–15% in E. marmorpinnum and 17–25%
in E. percnurum); percentage of area along first-dorsal fin base scaled (70% vs. 20% in E. percnurum and
100% in E. marmorpinnum); and intermediate number of scales around caudal peduncle (24 vs. 23 or 25,
respectively). From E. lemniscatum and E. marmorpinnum by fewer lateral-line scales (43 vs. 44). From E.
percnurum by diffuse marbling or stippling in medial portion of second dorsal fin of nuptial males (vs. uni-
formly dusky); tessellations in medial portion of caudal fin of nuptial males (vs. uniformly dusky); narrower
distal band on pectoral fin (range = 14–20% vs. 29–32%); and fewer caudal-fin rays (15 vs. 18); and from E.
marmorpinnum by lower percentage of the belly covered by scales (10% vs. 60–80%). Means of other mea-
surements were also informative (Table 9).
Description. Tables 1–7 provide meristic counts for most variables. Scales below lateral line 7–9 (8,
=8.3±0.6); scales above lateral line 5–8 (6, =6.3±0.8); caudal peduncle scales below lateral line 8–12 (11,
=10.5±1.1); caudal peduncle scales above lateral line 8–11 (10, 11, =9.9±1.4). Cheek, opercle, nape and
breast devoid of scales. Branchiostegal rays six; gill membranes narrowly to moderately joined. First dorsal
fin spines 6–7 (6, =6.4±0.5); second dorsal fin rays 11–13 (12, =12.0±0.4); pectoral fin rays 11–13 (12,
=12.3±0.6); 2 anal spines; and anal rays 7–8 (8, =7.6±0.6). Preopercular-mandibular pores usually 10,
rarely 8 or 11 (10, =9.9±0.6); infraorbital pores usually 6, rarely 5 (6, =5.9±0.3); anterior infraorbital pores
4 (4, =4.0±0.0) ; posterior infraorbital pores usually 2, rarely 1 (2, =1.9±0.3); supraorbital pores 4 (4,
=4.0±0.0); supratemporal pores usually 4, rarely 2 (2, =3.9±0.5); left supratemporal pores usually 2, rarely
1 (2, =1.9±0.3); right supratemporal pores usually 2, rarely 1 (2, =1.9 ±0.3).
Measurements for males (nuptial and non-nuptial) and females are presented separately; male measure-
ments are presented in Table 9. Females (n=5): SL 30.6–34.0 ( =32.2±1.3); GW 80–100 ( =86±9); IOW
50–60 ( =52±4); HW 120–140 ( =128±8); HL 300–340 ( =322±15); P1L 260–280 ( =270±10); P2L
200–230 ( =214±11); D1H 110–160 ( =132±19); D1L 160–190 ( =172±16); D2H 130–170 ( =154±18);
AFH 130–150 ( =138±11); CFL 210–240 ( =226±11); BW 70–80 ( =74±5); H1–H2 100–120 ( =116±9);
H1–H3 220–240 ( =228±11); H1–B4 370–400 ( =382±13); H1–H5 110–140 ( =126±11); H1–B6 290–310
( =302±8); H2–H5 110–140 ( =122±11); H3–B6 170–180 ( =178±4); B4–B6 or BD1 160–200
( =178±18); B4–B7 240–290 ( =276±21); B4–B8 310–320 ( =316±5); B6–B7 360–390 ( =378±13);
B6–B8 310–340 ( =326±15); B7–B8 or BD2 140–160 ( =146±9); B7–B9 or D2L 190–230 ( =208±16);
B7–B10 200–220 ( =210±7); B8–B9 220–270 ( =240±20); B8–B10 or AFL 150–160 ( =152±4); B9–10
110–140 ( =118±13); B9–C11 140–170 ( =154±13); and B10–C11 200–220 ( =212±8).
Coloration and pigmentation in-life and preserved generally as described for E. percnurum (Jenkins
1994). However, medial portion of second dorsal fin of nuptial males with diffuse, stippling to diffuse mar-

Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press · 19
THREE NEW SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA
bling and medial portion of caudal fin with distinct tessellations; tessellations confined to rays, not forming
bands; distal band on anal (range = 33–39% of fin height), second dorsal (range = 9–16% of fin height), cau-
dal (range = 15–18% of fin length), and pectoral fins (range = 14–20% of fin length) narrower than in E. per-
cnurum. For all individuals, number of transverse bars for males rarely 0 (poorly developed), usually 11–13
(12, =6.0±6.6), for females 11–13 (12, =11.9±0.7); number of dorsal saddles for males rarely 0, usually 7
(7, =4.7±3.6), for females rarely 0, usually 7–8 (7, =6.3±2.8); number of tessellations along medial caudal-
fin ray for males rarely 0, usually 5–7 (0 and 5, =3.8±3.1), for females 5–7 (6, =5.9±0.7); and caudal
peduncle of nuptial males with 1 caudal spot, 2 diffuse spots, or no obvious spot.
Distribution. The Citico Darter occupies an approximately 3.5 river km reach of Citico Creek in Monroe
County, Tennessee, just downstream of a U.S. Forest Service boundary. The creek is a tributary of Tellico
Lake, an impoundment of the mainstem Little Tennessee River. The population in Citico Creek historically
extended further downstream than its current distribution suggests. One individual was collected 13 Decem-
ber, 1979 from lower Citico Creek prior to its inundation by Tellico Lake (D. Etnier, pers. comm.). The darter
is historically extirpated from Abrams Creek, a tributary of Chilhowie Lake also impounding the Little Ten-
nessee River, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blount County, Tennessee, where it is known from
three specimens collected in 1937 and 1940. This and other at-risk fish species (Jenkins & Burkhead 1984;
Simbeck 1990) apparently were extirpated from Abrams Creek by application of rotenone throughout the trib-
utary system below Abrams Falls during 1957, a plan designed to reduce food and habitat competition for a
Rainbow Trout fishery (Lennon & Parker 1959). Etheostoma sitikuense has been propagated and reintroduced
to lower Abrams Creek, below Abrams Falls and stocked in Tellico River using Citico Creek stocks (Rakes &
Shute 2005; Shute et al. 2005; Rakes & Shute 2008).
Ecology. Abrams Creek (Blue Ridge Province) and Citico Creek (Blue Ridge and Ridge and Valley) are
moderate-sized streams that are characterized by alternating riffles, runs, and pools with cobble and small
boulders. In Citico Creek, nests and nest-guarding by nuptial males have been observed beneath slab-rocks in
the margins of pools and in swifter runs (Rakes et al. 1992). Abrams Creek is divided by Abrams Falls at rkm
23.5, which divides the aquatic communities into two distinct portions (Simbeck 1990). Etheostoma sitikue-
nse was known to occur below the falls in the lower reaches of the mainstem of Abrams Creek; the few
records prior to extirpation are known only from several kilometers upstream of the confluence with the Little
Tennessee River. Etheostoma flabellare occurs above the falls, and it appears that the two were largely parap-
atric in Abrams Creek. Etheostoma sitikuense is the only known Catonotus in Citico Creek. There are no
known historic records of E. sitikuense from the Tellico River, but the species was recently stocked (using Cit-
ico Creek individuals as stock; Rakes & Shute 2008) downstream of the National Park boundary to TN Hwy
360 bridge. In Tellico River E. sitikuense is parapatric with a unique, but undescribed form of E. flabellare
found above the falls on the upper Tellico River inside the park boundary (Blanton 2001).
Conservation Status. Known threats to Abrams and Citico Creek include agricultural runoff, sedimenta-
tion due to bank erosion, and poor land use practices. For example, nearly the entire reach of Citico Creek
occupied by E. sitikuense flows through privately owned property where streamside habitat and buffer zones
are not monitored or regulated. Etheostoma sitikuense may represent the most stable member of the E. percnu-
rum complex because it is now found in three streams of the Little Tennessee system, although the popula-
tions are separated by large mainstem impoundments and cold tailwaters. The stocked, reintroduced
population in Abrams Creek appears stable; recruitment has been observed since 1995 (Shute et al. 2005;
Rakes & Shute 2008). The status of the stocked Tellico River population is not known, but the species appears
to be moderately abundant in the small reach occupied in Citico Creek (Shute et al. 2005). However, the
extremely limited distribution of E. sitikuense and the known extirpation of past populations point to the need
for federal protection. Continued monitoring of habitat quality, land use practices, and population status are
recommended. A recovery plan that focuses on these factors and includes goals to alleviate impacts to these
stream reaches is needed. While continued propagation may be beneficial to the long-term survival of the spe-

BLANTON & JENKINS
20 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
cies, further translocation outside the species known native range is not recommended. The distribution of the
introduced E. sitikuense population in Tellico River should be closely monitored to ensure it does not
encroach on the distinct, isolated population of Fantail Darter occurring above the falls in the upper Tellico
River.
Etymology. The name ‘sitikuense’ comes from the Cherokee Indian word ‘sitiku’ for a place of clean
fishing water and is the origin for the name of Citico Creek. Citico Darter refers to the type locality of the spe-
cies, where the only extant, non-introduced or propagated population of this species occurs.
Etheostoma lemniscatum Blanton, new species
Tuxedo Darter
(Fig. 4d)
Holotype. UF 172576, male 53.8 mm SL, Big South Fork Cumberland River, 1.2 km upstream of the mouth
of Troublesome Creek, McCreary County, Kentucky, 8 September 1995, B. Burr.
Paratypes. Cumberland River drainage—Big South Fork system
Kentucky: McCreary County: INHS 102269 (1; 40.0 mm SL), Big South Fork at Blue Heron River
access, approximately 6.4 km SW Steams, KY, 20 Sept. 2000, M. Moyer, S. Call, J. Metzmier; UF 172577 (2;
34.3–51.6 mm SL), taken with holotype; USNM 394527 (46.1–47.4 mm SL), taken with holotype.
Tennessee: Scott County: ANSP 189239 (2) Big South Fork at mouth of Station Camp Creek, 14.3 km
WNW Oneida, 20 May 1972, R. Jenkins, R. Bouchard, D. Etnier, N. Burkhead, Alexander, and Oakerg;
NCSM 49702 (3; 23.3–46.3 mm SL), Big South Fork Cumberland River at mouth of Station Camp Creek, at
terminus of Station Camp Road (formerly CR 2451), 14.3 air km WNW of Oneida (36.5465° N; 84.665° W),
4 October 1975, W. C Starnes, L. B. Starnes, and J. A. Louton; TU 200493 (2), same locality as ANSP
189239.
Additional Material (nontypes).
Cumberland River drainage—Big South Fork system
Kentucky: McCreary County: SIUC 24761 (1, 1, 1); SIUC 24744 (1, 1, 1); SIUC 24773 (5, 5, 5); SIUC
46940 (1, 1, 1).
Tennessee: Scott County: INHS 83894 (0, 1, 0); SIUC 24739 (1, 1, 1); UT 91.1465 (3, 3, 0); UT 91.4294
(1, 1, 1); UT 91.455 (12, 7, 11).
Diagnosis. Etheostoma lemniscatum is distinguished from all members of the complex by more posterior-
positioned anal fin (B6–B8, =332 vs. 317 or less); pectoral fin of nuptial males with dark, distal band con-
fined to rays of the dorsal half or less of fin (vs. across all rays or all but 1–4 ventral rays); and nuptial males
with dark and distinctly defined black bands on the distal margin of the caudal, anal, and second dorsal fins
(bands more diffuse in other species). Etheostoma lemniscatum is further distinguished from all members of
the complex except E. marmorpinnum by higher modal (44 vs. 43 or less) number of lateral scale rows; and
intermediate number of pored lateral line scales (26 or 28 vs. 22 in E. percnurum, and 34 in E. sitikuense).
From E. marmorpinnum and E. percnurum by intermediate percentage of the first dorsal base area covered by
scales (60% vs. 100% in E. marmorpinnum and 20% in E. percnurum); and an intermediate number of scales
around caudal peduncle (24 vs. 25 and 23, respectively). From E. marmorpinnum and E. sitikuense by wider
distal band on anal fin (50% of fin height vs. 29–39%) and second dorsal fin (25% of fin height vs. 14–16%);
and lack of marbling or tessellations in the medial portion of the second dorsal fin of nuptial males. From E.
marmorpinnum by lower percentage of belly covered by scales (10% vs. 60–80%); and wider, distal cau-
dal–fin band (18% of fin length vs. 12–15%). From E. percnurum by lower number of caudal-fin rays (16 vs.
18); presence of strong tessellations on medial portion of caudal fin of nuptial males (vs. no tessellations); and
narrower distal band on the pectoral fin (range = 14–18% vs. 27–32%). Means of other measurements were
also informative for distinguishing E. lemniscatum from members of the complex (Table 9).

Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press · 21
THREE NEW SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA
Description. Tables 1–7 provide meristic counts for many variables. Scales below lateral line 7–10 (8,
=8.2±0.8); scales above lateral line 6–8 (7, =7.0±0.4); caudal peduncle scale rows below lateral line 10–13
(12, =11.4±0.8); caudal peduncle scales above lateral line 9–12 (10, =10.6±0.8). Cheek, nape, breast, and
opercle devoid of scales. Branchiostegal rays 6; gill membranes narrowly to moderately joined. First dorsal-
fin spines 6–8 (7, =7.1±0.4); second dorsal-fin rays 11–13 (12, =11.9±0.4); pectoral-fin rays 12–14 (13,
=12.9±0.4); anal spines 1–2 (2, =1.9±0.3); and anal-fin rays 6–8 (8, =7.4±0.6). Preopercular-mandibular
pores 10 (10, =10.0±0.0); infraorbital pores usually 6, rarely 4 (6, =5.9±0.4); anterior infraorbital 4 (4,
=4.0±0.0); posterior infraorbital pores usually 2, rarely 0 (2, =2.0±0.2); supraorbital pores usually 4, rarely
5 (4, =4.1±0.3); supratemporal pores 4 (4, =4.0±0.0); left supratemporal pores 2 (2, =2.0±0.0); right
supratemporal pores 2 (2, =2.0±0.0).
Measurements for males (nuptial and non-nuptial) and females are presented separately; male measure-
ments are presented in Table 9. Females (n=12): SL 27.4–46.1 ( =36.5±6.2); GW 70–80 ( =75±5); IOW
40–60 ( =47±9); HW 100–120 ( =113±7); HL 280–330 ( =316±15); P1L 200–280 ( =239±21); P2L
180–220 ( =198±10); D1H 80–130 ( =104±14); D1L 170–210 ( =187±12); D2H 130–160 ( =135±11);
AFH 90–110 ( =106±7); CFL 170–220 ( =187±14); BW 50–80 ( =63±11); H1–H2 100–140 ( =113±11);
H1–H3 210–240 ( =222±10); H1–B4 360–390 ( =368±9); H1–H5 110–150 ( =136±12); H1–B6 280–320
( =307±12); H2–H5 100–130 ( =117±9); H3–B6 150–180 ( =168±9); B4–B6 or BD1 150–190
( =164±13); B4–B7 230–280 ( =252±16); B4–B8 280–340 ( =313±18); B6–B7 300–370 ( =342±21);
B6–B8 310–380 ( =335±23); B7–B8 or BD2 130–150 ( =142±9); B7–B9 or D2L 180–230 ( =205±12);
B7–B10 170–240 ( =209±21); B8–B9 200–240 ( =218±13); B8–B10 or AFL 130–170 ( =146±15); B9–10
100–120 ( =108±8); B9–C11 160–190 ( =171±10); and B10–C11 190–230 ( =204±12).
In-life and preserved coloration and pigmentation of individuals generally as described by Jenkins (1994)
for E. percnurum. However, nuptial males with distal bands of pectoral fins narrower (range = 14–18% of fin
length), confined to rays on dorsal half of fin; second dorsal (25% of fin height), caudal (18% of fin height),
and anal (50% of fin height) fins with dark, distinct, clearly defined distal band; second dorsal without distinct
tessellations or marbling, occasionally with light stippling; caudal fin strongly tessellated; tessellations not
forming bands. For all individuals: number of transverse bars for males 10–13 (12, =11.9±0.8), for females
10–14 (11 or 12, =11.7±1.0); number of dorsal saddles for males 7–8 (7, =7.2±0.4), for females 7–8 (7,
=7.1±0.3); number of caudal stripes for males 3–8 (6, =5.7±1.4), for females rarely 0, usually 4–8 (6,
=5.1±1.9); and caudal peduncle with 1 large caudal spot, 2 diffuse spots, or no obvious spot.
Distribution. The Tuxedo Darter occurs in an approximately 19 km mainstem stretch of the Big South
Fork Cumberland River, with most individuals observed from the mouth of Station Camp Creek, Scott
County, Tennessee, to Bear Creek, McCreary County, Kentucky (Eisenhour & Burr 2000).
Ecology. The Big South Fork flows through the Cumberland Plateau physiographic region of Tennessee
and Kentucky. Where E. lemniscatum occurs, the river is approximately 30–50 m wide and flows through a
deep gorge; it is characterized by long, deep pools with large boulders and bedrock substrates, fast, well-
defined riffles with cobble, boulders, and gravel, and is completely forested along the mainstem (Eisenhour &
Burr 2000). The species was always observed in silt-free pools or runs with low flow, immediately above rif-
fles where there were cobbles, boulders, and slabrocks (Eisenhour & Burr 2000). Eisenhour and Burr (2000)
provide detailed information on the life history of E. lemniscatum.
It is unclear whether E. lemniscatum is the only species of Catonotus in the mainstem Big South Fork. A
single E. flabellare-like specimen, possibly an E. flabellare x E. lemniscatum hybrid, was collected from the
River at the mouth of Station Camp Creek in Scott County, Tennessee, 30 July 1993. There are no other
known records of E. flabellare in the Big South Fork and additional collecting from this site has not produced
additional E. flabellare-like individuals. Eisenhour and Burr (2000) reported eleven other darter species found
syntopically with E. lemniscatum: E. baileyi, E. blennioides, Nothonotus camurus, E. caeruleum, E. cinereum,
N. sanguifluus, E. stigmaeum, E. tippecanoe, E. zonale, Percina copelandi, and P. caprodes.

BLANTON & JENKINS
22 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
Conservation status. Etheostoma lemniscatum was reported as the least common darter observed in the
Big South Fork, with an estimated 300–600 individuals in the entire 19 km reach studied by Eisenhour and
Burr (2000). The mainstem of the Big South Fork throughout this reach is entirely forested and is protected by
the National Park Service, but several tributaries contribute significant sedimentation and other pollutants
from mining in their watersheds (Eisenhour & Burr 2000). The small range of this species and its small popu-
lation size indicate it requires federal protection and regular monitoring of its habitat and population status. A
recovery plan that incorporates these objectives and which is designed to alleviate impacts from mining prac-
tices is greatly needed. The extremely limited distribution of this species and its known sensitivity to habitat
disturbances indicates that a single event that negatively impacts the population could lead to its extinction.
Propagation efforts to bolster numbers may be beneficial to the long-term survival of the species. Transloca-
tion outside of its known native range is not recommended.
Etymology. The specific epithet, lemniscatum, means adorned with ribbons referring to the black ribbon-
like distal bands of the second dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. The common name, Tuxedo Darter, was suggested
by R. Robins after seeing a photograph of a nuptial male, and commenting that it looked like it was ‘dressed
for a black-tie affair’.
Discussion
Given the odd, relictual distribution and known extirpation of two populations of the E. percnurum complex,
its members or ancestors were likely once more widespread in the Tennessee and Cumberland drainages. Fac-
tors such as increased siltation and loss of required habitat due to poor land-use practices and reservoir con-
struction have contributed to recent reductions in the ranges of the species (Etnier & Starnes 1993; Jenkins
1994). Other darters with similar habitat requirements, such as E. cinereum, have shown similar reductions in
historical range (Etnier & Starnes 1993).
Prior to its description, E. percnurum was recognized as state threatened in Tennessee and state endan-
gered in Virginia (Starnes & Etnier 1980; Burkhead & Jenkins 1991). However, due to its relict distribution,
the presumed extirpation of two populations, and the ongoing potential threats to water quality of streams
where the species formerly occurred and presently exists, Jenkins (1994) called for federal protection for E.
percnurum. In 1993, E. percnurum was listed as a federally endangered species (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-
vice 1993), and in 1994 a recovery plan was outlined by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Biggins
& Shute 1994).
The recognition of populations of the already federally protected E. percnurum as new species has obvi-
ous conservation implications. Due to the extremely localized distribution of the three new species and E. per-
cnurum, we recommend that each be given federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. Regular
monitoring of habitats and population numbers is also suggested to ensure the survival of each species. New
recovery plans will be needed that are designed to ensure protection of genetic diversity and habitat for each
and which will focus on restoring native habitat, riparian vegetation, and controlling pollution. Life history
information is needed for E. sitikuense.
The distribution of the E. percnurum species complex relative to other members of the subgenus Catono-
tus is interesting. First, unlike most other members of Catonotus, the E. percnurum complex occur in larger
rivers or are often associated with mainstem habitats, whereas other Catonotus are typically restricted to
smaller streams. Second, as expected, members of the E. percnurum complex are largely parapatric with its
hypothesized sister taxon, E. flabellare, and allopatric relative to other Catonotus species. However, there is
one well-documented zone of syntopy (Jenkins 1994) of E. percnurum and E. flabellare in Copper Creek, VA,
and a record indicating the syntopy of E. marmorpinnum and E. flabellare in the South Fork Holston River. In
Copper Creek, hybrids have not been identified between E. percnurum and E. flabellare, suggesting the two

Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press · 23
THREE NEW SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA
species are reproductively isolated. Examination of genetic data in the areas of syntopy may better explain
whether the two species have experienced past or ongoing gene flow through occasional hybridization, which
could have impacts on gene-based phyologenies and our understanding of evolutionary relationships within
Catonotus.
Given the paucity of specimens from Abrams Creek and South Fork Holston River, we were unable to
thoroughly assess variation in these extirpated populations. However, we chose to conservatively group each
with its nearest geographic counterpart. We recognize the South Fork Holston River individual as E. marmor-
pinnum because it is most similar morphologically and nearest in river-mile distance to Little River E. mar-
morpinnum. The Abrams Creek individuals are recognized as E. sitikuense because they are most similar
morphologically and geographically proximate to Citico Creek E. sitikuense. Further supporting this decision,
a graph of principal component factor scores describing meristic variation in the E. percnurum complex (data
not shown) recovered the South Fork Holston River individual within the cluster of E. marmorpinnum (Little
River) individuals and separate from clusters of other species. Abrams creek individuals were recovered
inside the cluster of E. sitikuense (Citico Creek) individuals and separate from those of the other species. It is
important to note, however, that in several cases meristic values of individuals from Abrams Creek and South
Fork Holston River were different from modal or mean values observed in E. sitikuense and E. marmorpin-
num, respectively.
Morphological evidence supports the monophyly of the E. flabellare species group, including the E. fla-
bellare complex, the E. percnurum species complex, and E. kennicotti (Porterfield et al. 1999; Page 2000).
Molecular studies, however, do not always recover the group as monophyletic (Porterfield et al. 1999; Page et
al. 2003; Blanton 2007). Genetic data suggest E. kennicotti may be more closely related to the barcheek dart-
ers of Catonotus (Page et al. 2003; Mendelson & Simons 2006; Blanton 2007). The monophyly of the E. per-
cnurum species complex is supported by morphological synapomorphies, but has not been thoroughly
evaluated with genetic data. Based on morphology, the E. percnurum complex is placed as sister to E. flabel-
lare (Jenkins 1994); again, however, molecular data do not always recover this relationship. Mitochondrial
DNA suggests that the E. percnurum complex may be a divergent lineage of the E. flabellare species complex
rather than its sister taxon (Blanton 2007), and other gene-based studies have recovered E. percnurum in vari-
ous phylogenetic positions within Catonotus (Porterfield et al. 1999; Page et al. 2003). Until additional
genetic data are obtained, we argue that the morphological hypotheses be followed and consider E. percnurum
to be a monophyletic lineage most closely related to a monophyletic E. flabellare species complex.
Acknowledgements
We thank the following institutions and people for loans of specimens: H. Bart and N. Rios (TUMNH), B.
Burr and J. Stewart (SIUC), D. Etnier (UT), L. Page and M. Retzer (INHS), R. Robins (FLMNH), R. Bailey
and D. Nelson (UMMZ), CU, USNM, and OSU. We thank D. Eisenhour and B. Burr for information on the
Big South Fork and E. lemniscatum; S. Layman for field notes and other information and donation of E. mar-
morpinnum specimens; D. Etnier, M. Kulp, P. Rakes, and J. Shute for distribution information; J. Shute and
M. Thomas for photographs of live specimens; P. Rakes and J. Shute for propagation and stocking information
and for acquiring and donating Citico Creek specimens; H. Bart and L. Page for providing comments on ear-
lier drafts of the manuscript. G. Sheehy for generating the species distribution map; J. Sipiorski for illustra-
tions of nuptial males; J. Johansen, D. Stephens, and M. Thomas for help collecting specimens from the Big
South Fork; N. Burkhead, D. Etnier, W. Haxo, and S. McIninch for aid in collecting specimens from Copper
Creek. J. Feeman (TVA) donated Clinch River and Copper Creek specimens. D. Giessler substantially aided
in the laboratory at Roanoke College. Big South Fork National Recreation Area personnel, especially S.
Bakaletz for assistamce with permits and access to the Big South Fork.

BLANTON & JENKINS
24 · Zootaxa 1963 © 2008 Magnolia Press
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