Bluemask Darter, Etheostoma akatulo Spawning in CFI Hatchery

The Bluemask Darter, Etheostoma akatulo is an endangered darter found in the upper Cumberland drainage in Tennessee. This behavior is pretty typical of most small, egg-burying darters. CFI is currently working to refine spawning and rearing techniques of this rare darter in hopes of re-establishing it in a formerly occupied river.

Please pardon the poor lighting, bad reflections and scratched up tank glass!