The darters will often seek rocks forming caves, with some species preferring to hover above the rocks. Keep in mind when decorating any aquarium that darters are strongly cryptic. A dark-graveled substrate will stimulate the darker colors and shades of the fish. Several species possess green coloration and not surprisingly display brighter colors when provided with plants to blend in with. Lighting is important in several aspects.
Darters really seem to intensify coloration when they are provided with good illumination.
The lengthening and limiting of photoperiod has little effect alone on stimulating spawning, but when implemented with other conditions desired for spawning, it does appear to intensify the process. Water Temperature Not all darters need to be kept cool, and refrigeration units are hardly necessary unless you live in the tropics. One thing to keep in mind is that many darter species are located in southern portions of the United States where summer temperatures can be relatively warm. I've had much success with darters while residing in a part of California where summer temperatures would often reach the low 80s F in my garage where most of my darters were kept. I would not suggest the low 80s for a temperature, but the middle 70s is fine for most species.