Etheostoma lugoi Norris & Minckley, 1997
Tufa darter

Family:  Percidae (Perches), subfamily: Etheostomatinae
Max. size:  3.51 cm SL (male/unsexed); 3.76 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Central America: Rio Mesquites and its tributaries in Bolson de Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-11; Anal soft rays: 6-8; Vertebrae: 36-38. Presence of seven paris of branchiostegal rays; nuptial males have a blue throat; subdued body and fin markings; absence of bright or dark green coloration on the flanks; pectoral-fin base without scales.
Biology:  Most often occupies open (not vegetated) although complex bottoms comprised of gravel to cobble-sized fragments of tufa and tufa stromatolites. This substrate is formed largely by calcareous material accreting through physical and biological precipitation of calcium salts as well as by transport of fragmented tufa from upstream that deposits to form armored bars where channels widen abruptly.
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 09 March 2018 (B2ab(i,iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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