The slenderhead darter exists throughout much of the Mississippi River basin. Its preference for medium-sized creeks to large rivers with strong flow and gravel, rubble, or bedrock riffles explains its relatively common occurrence in the Des Moines, Cedar and Wapsipinicon drainages in Iowa. Throughout its range the slenderhead remains rather common although siltation associated with agricultural practices has covered the gravel riffles of many of our streams, thereby eliminating the species locally.

The slenderhead darter is moderate in size, measuring about 3 to 4 inches in length; body color is sand to yellowish-brown with a pronounced orange band below the margin of the spinous dorsal fin. The head is very slender, and the breast is covered by scales. There are 13 dorsal fin rays, 9 anal rays, and a small dark spot on each end of the lateral line.

Dipteran, mayfly, and caddis-fly larvae comprise the majority of the diet of the slenderhead darter. Questions remain concerning spawning activities of this species, but it is believed it occurs primarily in late May to mid-June over gravel riffles.

*Mayhew, J. (editor). 1987. Iowa Fish and Fishing. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Des Moines, Iowa. 323 pp.