Range and natural history
Its habitat is fast, relatively deep rocky riffles in small and medium rivers. That combination of current and substrate is more specific than a general stream association.
Virginia’s natural-heritage list explicitly equates Nothonotus acuticeps with Etheostoma acuticeps, the name used by FishBase and older research. The sharply bounded drainage range is useful context when checking records, especially where several small riffle-dwelling darters coexist.
Sources: Etheostoma acuticeps species summary; Taxonomy and name history
Guide sources
Research reviewed 2026-10-19.
- Etheostoma acuticeps species summary — FishBase
- Taxonomy and name history — Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
