Spawning can occurs at 10°C and has been observed in February at the earliest. Larvae take 6-7 days to hatch at temperatures of 22°C and likely take longer to hatch at lower temperatures. Larvae are active during the day can be found drifting downstream near the surface. Once larvae have grown from the initial size of 4mm to 12-15mm they are considered juveniles. Juveniles are found in areas with sand or gravel substrate and moderate current (Etnier and Starnes 1993). Sexual maturity is reached at age 1 and the average lifespan of individuals is three years old (Dalton 1990).

River Darters are benthic invertivores, primarily consuming chironomids, trichopterans, and small crustaceans (Thomas 1970). Small zooplankton are the primary food source for juveniles (Becker 1983). It is also known to exploit pleurocerid snail populations (Haag and Warren 2006).

The River Darter is largely limited to large rivers (Thomas 1970) and is therefore unlikely to have impacts in the open lake, though it may impact biotic communities in the connecting channels and river mouths.   Hybridization is reportedly rare for the genus (Thomas 1970).

There is little or no evidence to support that the Percina shumardi has significant socio-economic impacts in the Great Lakes.

There is little or no evidence to support that Percina shumardi has significant beneficial impacts in the Great Lakes.

Percina shumardi is of little use as a bait fish or forage fish (Becker 1983)

There are no known regulations for this species.

Note: Check federal, state, and local regulations for the most up-to-date information

Control
Biological

There are no known biological control methods for this species.

Physical

Success of physical control methods have not been studied on the River Darter.  General methods of fish control include accelerated water velocity, physical barriers, pressurized hot water/steam, hot water thermal barriers , removal of catch limits, reservoir drawdowns, traps, nets, electrofishing, and combinations of treatments (GLMRIS 2011, Meronek et al. 1996). Patrick et al. (1985) observed that air bubble curtains have been successful in deterring various species of fish—especially when used in conjunction with strobe lights.

Chemical

Chemical piscicides antimycin A and rotenone are general piscicides, the use of which has not been studied on The River Darter. These piscicides are toxic to other species and can cause non-target kills (GLMRIS 2011). Careful consideration should be taken with chemical methods to reduce impact to non-target species.

Note: Check state/provincial and local regulations for the most up-to-date information regarding permits for control methods. Follow all label instructions.

This species should be considered cryptogenic in Lakes Huron, Michigan and Erie. Percina shumardi is  considered native to Lake Huron according to Bailey et al. 2004 (Atlas of Michigan Fishes), and questionably native by Cudmore-Vokey and Crossman (2000).  Roth et al (2011) considered it native to these three lakes, likely endangered and declining; but Roth independently wrote that it "may be invasive to Lake Michigan, although it is listed within the range proposed by Scott and Crossman and Hubbs et al. 2004.  It was considered possibly introduced to Lake Michigan through a canal (Bailey & Smith 1981, Becker 1983, but see Hubbs & Lagler, Roth et al. in prep.). The species is unquestionably rare in the Great Lakes” [Mandrak 2017, personal communication].