About Etheostoma flavum Etnier & Bailey, 1989
The saffron darter, scientifically named Etheostoma flavum Etnier & Bailey, 1989, is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish. It is classified as a darter in the subfamily Etheostomatinae, which is part of the family Percidae—this family also includes perches, ruffes, and pikeperches. This species is endemic to the eastern United States, occurring in streams and creeks in Kentucky and Tennessee. Within this range, the saffron darter is found in the lower Cumberland and Tennessee river drainages of the two states. In Cumberland River drainages, it occurs upstream as far as the Harpeth River. In Tennessee River drainages, it only occurs on the east side, ranging upstream to the upper Duck River, upper Buffalo River, and Indian River. The saffron darter lives in rocky pools and adjacent riffles of headwaters, creeks, and small rivers. Some biologists consider this species to be one of the most abundant darter species found in second and fourth order streams.
