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Conasauga logperch, Percina jenkinsi

Classification
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Percidae

Species description
The logperch reaches a maximum of 14 cm (6 in) in length and has a pig-like snout and black tiger stripes over a yellow background.  It has small scales and a bar beneath its eye.

Life cycle
Spawning occurs in the spring (April) in fast riffles over gravel, sexual maturity is reached by age 1, and the life span is at least 4 years.  The logperch does not make nests.  Males and females are not territorial and spawn with several mates during the breeding season.  Buried in the sand and left unguarded; if they are not buried they are quickly eaten.  Water temperature determines hatching time which is usually 5 to 9 days.  Thousands of eggs are laid after one breeding.  Unlike some species of fish, logperches do not have a drastic change in color or pigmentation during the spawning season.  Instead of displaying bright colors, logperches simply have an increase in the contrast between their colors; for example, dark brown or olive stripes become black.

Natural history
The logperch feeds by flipping over stones with its conical snout and feeds on aquatic invertebrates found underneath (especially insect larvae, young crayfish, and aquatic roundworms).  Adults may flip 7 to 10 stones per minute, many of which are quite large compared to their body size.  This behavior leads to the formation of calluses on their snouts.  These calluses give logperches the appearance of having a pig-like snout.  Because it relies on vision for feeding, any change in silt content or flow of water could impact logperch populations.  It is found in deep runs and flowing pools with moderate current with beds of pebbles, gravel, and sand that has a clean bottom.  The logperch may have a seasonal change in habitat, but the species is non-migratory.

Range
The logperch is endemic to the Conasauga River and has a very low population.  Wild populations of the logperch may now only exist in an 11 mile (18 km) stretch of the Conasauga River from Polk County, Tennessee to Murray County, Georgia.

Conservation status
The species is endangered and the critical habitat for this fish is in Murray County, Georgia.  Survival of this species depends on protection and preservation of habitat.  The restricted range puts the population at risk of being eliminated by one catastrophic event.  Threats to the species’ habitat include agricultural activities and urban development.

Text by:
Elizabeth Reitz - GA MNH / UGA, Athens, GA

Poster Concept and Design:
Paul D. Johnson - Concept, TNARI, Cohutta, GA
Jeffrey C. Worley - Design, Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN