Fishes of the New: Northern Hogsucker and Roanoke Darter

This is a Northern Hogsucker (Hypentelium nigricans). It is a habitat generalist, but is very intolerant of pollution and siltation. It uses a specialized snout to stir up the bottom to feed on invertebrates, mollusks, and algae. Its spawning habitat is over gravel in pools and riffles.













This is a Roanoke Darter (Percina roanoka)...not the best specimen (they can be very pretty).  It is introduced into the New River.  It is a native of the Roanoke river drainage.  Although, not native it thrives in the New. It prefers clear streams with gravel, cobble, and boulder riffles and runs.  It feeds on insect larvae in these areas.