Jefferson City, Missouri. Life History Adult Niangua darters move from pools and slow runs to gravel riffles prior to spawning. The spawning season runs from mid-March to early June, but most of the breeding occurs in April. After spawning, Niangua darters return to the pools and stream runs. Niangua darters can live four or more years, but few survive longer than two years.
Young darters reach sexual maturity after one year.
Niangua darters eat the nymphs of stoneflies and mayflies and other aquatic insects. Habitat and Distribution Niangua darters live in clear upland creeks and small to medium-sized rivers with slight to moderate currents. They require continuously flowing streams with silt-free gravel and rock bottoms. These streams typically drain hilly areas with chert or dolomite bedrock. Niangua darters are found most of the year in shallow pools, margins, and stream runs.