Species Assessments

There are several species that have been listed as species of special concern or threatened by FWC. Researchers across the state are assessing different aspects of these populations to aid in the development of future management strategies.

Tesselated Darter
The southern tessellated darter (Etheostoma olmstedi maculaticeps) is a small freshwater fish found in coastal streams of the St. Johns River. It’s small geographic range and specific habitat needs suggests that it may be vulnerable to human sources of pollution and habitat alteration.

Mollusks
Florida has a great diversity of freshwater mussels and snails. Many of these species are highly imperiled. Biologists work to learn more about Florida’s freshwater mollusks.

American Eels
With a life cycle taking them all the way to the Sargasso Sea and a commercial need spanning the globe, American eels are some of the most interesting fish swimming in Florida’s waters.