Status
Currently, no special programs or policies are put into place specifically to manage for the redline darter. Unlike several other darter species, this species is not threatened, and is believed to be one of the most common species of darter throughout its range, with a population perhaps over 1,000,000 individuals. Many state and federal agencies, such as US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the US Forest Service, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, currently engage in stream monitoring activities aimed toward improving stream health and surveying populations of fishes. Although these programs do not specifically focus on management of the redline darter, population data on this species and many other species are collected, thus helping to avoid future population problems. Also, in an effort to curb siltation and pollution that have historically been an issue for many stream-dwelling fish, many states have begun to pass laws and to educate landowners on the prevention of siltation. Increased pollution and siltation can result in higher water turbidity, making it difficult for this darter, and many other fish species, to forage for food, breed, and potentially decreasing the ability to avoid predators.
Habitat
''Etheostoma rufilineatum'' exhibits typical darter behavior, preferring to live in riffles of small to medium-sized creeks, streams, and rivers, and is rarely if ever found in pools. This fish is also known to inhabit shallow water shoals over bedrock, as long as some scattered cobble or gravel is available. Areas containing scattered larger rocks are also preferred, because these rocks give the fish refuge from predators. Living in shallow areas limits predation from larger fishes, such as smallmouth bass , because these fish are often too large to venture into riffles to feed. However, living in shallower water may make this darter more susceptible to predation from terrestrial hunters, such as wading birds and raccoons . Another possible explanation for this fish’s choice of habitat is its feeding requirements. This fish feeds on aquatic and terrestrial insect larvae and other small invertebrates such as midgeflies, black flies, caddisflies, and water mites. These invertebrate species tend to be more abundant in areas inhabited by the redline darter, so are readily available as a food source. Availability of different food sources varies by season and location; the feeding habits of redline darters change accordingly. Because of its choice of food and habitat, the redline darter is often in direct competition with other species of darters, ''Nothotus'' spp. and many of the ''Etheostoma'' spp. The redline darter also competes with other small fish with similar habitat requirements.References:
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