See one of the rarest fish in the world right here in Alabama! [VIDEO]

ByPat Byington
LAST UPDATED11/18/24

Reviewed by: Nathan Watson

Reading time: 1 minute

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darters — Two male Watercress darters. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Did you know that our state is home to some of the most unique and beautiful creatures on the planet? Feast your eyes on this tiny, tropical-looking Watercress Darter found only in Jefferson County.

Today, the Watercress Darter is protected and lives only in a couple of springs in Jefferson County.

Dr. Mike Howell, a scientist at Samford University, discovered the Watercress Darter 60 years ago. We met up with Dr. Howell and Jeffery Drummond with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a rare, close up look at this little fish.

In addition to the Watercress Darter, Alabama is home to other flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth but Alabama. Check out our stories;

19 fish found only in our rivers, streams and lakes
31 plants discovered throughout in glades, on hillsides and in coves
5 animals—a mouse, turtle, snail and two salamanders found only in our “river state”

Let’s celebrate and protect the beautiful natural resources found in Alabama!

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Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.