Life History
The snail darter spawning occurs in early February through April when water temperatures range from 12°-13° C. Females produce over 600 eggs and has multiple mates over the course of two weeks. The snail darter does not display territorial behavior during the breeding unlike other species of darters. The eggs are deposited on shallowest portion of gravel shoals and hatch after 15-20 days. Silt run-off can deprive eggs of oxygen leading to higher mortality. When eggs hatch, the larvae drift downstream to deeper, calmer water and feed on zooplankton. The larvae are phototaxic (attracted to light) which may have implications regarding diurnal movements in the water column or depth maintenance. After 3 to 4 months of age, the juveniles migrate upstream during spring and remain at the breeding shoal areas. The snail darter reaches sexual maturity at one year. The snail darter life span is 2 to 4 years depending on predation or the inability to reach the breeding ground. More research on the snail darter life history is needed.
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