Hello all, i came across a few rainbow Darters in Brushy Creek this past weekend... just wondering if anyone else has too, Aka, are these little guys suppose to be IN Texas or was this most likely an aquarium escape? thanks for any input

From the Wikipedia page:

Distribution
The rainbow darter is a small, benthic freshwater fish found in many creeks and small to medium-sized rivers throughout North America. In particular, it is common throughout the eastern United States, specifically throughout the Great Lakes and Ohio River Valley regions. Its distribution extends south to northern parts of Alabama and as far west as Missouri and Arkansas.[2] This distribution has been suggested to be due to once existing glaciers and to its intolerance of brackish water. One study to examine the phylogeography of E. caeruleum and its colonization patterns found its distribution is greatly due to historic glaciations, and furthermore, due to distributions from drainages which have since then resulted in the current morphological diversity of the rainbow darter.[3] Geographically, the rainbow darter is one of the most abundant and common darter species. Current distribution shown may be outdated and should be verifies with state agencies. Particularly Texas where the species exists in limited number.

Looks like you found a rare species for our part of the world.

Beautiful little guy!

More than likely a Orangethroat darter (Etheostoma spectabile).

https://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/bits...amp;isAllowed=y

"Etheostoma spectabile (Agassiz)�orangethroat darter
Found through much of the central U.S., especially in the Ozarks and
central lowlands, this species occurs in Texas primarily in the Edwards
Plateau from the San Antonio River north and east to the Red River. It is
absent from the portions of streams flowing through the Coastal Plain.
Freshwater."

Thanks for the input yall..... it does appear is belongs in Central Texas (sort of).... aka, it is common elsewhere... just kinda rare in these parts, the little guy is safe and sound in my aquarium.... i have been fishing for years and am always surprised when i come across a new species in Texas, especially a very beautiful little fish i must have walked or kayaked passed a thousand times before noticing