| The
blackchin shiner (Notropis heterodon)
was once found in both the Fox and DesPlaines River
drainages but disappeared from rivers and lakes of the
DesPlaines drainage in the 1980s. Black coloring on
its jaw distinguishes it from the blacknose shiner. |
|
The
blacknose shiner (Notropis heterolepis)
lives for only two years and only becomes sexually mature
after one year. With such a brief window for reproduction,
the blacknose is vulnerable to fluctuating environmental
conditions. |
|
The
banded killifish (Fundulus diphanus) is
a tough creature. One account describes a killifish
that survived for several days when shipped in a tin
packed with leaves. The killifish is also notorious
for eating its own young. |
|
The
male Iowa darter (Etheostoma exile) turns
brilliant colors during the breeding season. Lacking
a swim bladder, this fish is a bottom feeder that depends
on clear water for mating. |
