shallow water, which is normally between 22 and 34 cm. It can be found in areas with cobbles, large boulders, and gravel substrate, and is often found in clear streams. It prefers fast-moving water. The boulders that are present in these habitats are often covered with moss. Sand and river weed are also common. It can be found in rocky runs and pools that contain riffles of cool to warm creeks that are small to medium in size. Its predators are mostly larger predatory stream fish, but no predators are known for specifically targeting this species. Threats to its population include dam construction that prevents movement and affects water quality in a stream. Also, threats include sedimentation that occurs from logging and road building. Removal or damage to the riparian zones are known to be detrimental to population counts. "...small changes in stream conditions, such as hydrology, storm flow, impervious surface cover, and bank height, have been demonstrated to affect minnow and darter populations". Life history Breeding for E. brevirostrum is much like other members of Ulocentra. They will breed in the same area in which they live; they are not known for migration or habitat movement to spawn. Spawning occurs in early spring around April and May. Often, the male positions himself over or to the side of the female as they move over the substrate. Once the female finds a suitable area for egg placement, the male will fertilize the eggs. The female will usually pick an area between cobbles or in a crevice to attach the eggs. The holiday darter has demonstrated territorial behavior when approached by other males during the spawning process. No parental care is observed after the eggs have been attached to the cobbles. The average lifespan is typically about four years and they will reach sexual maturity within the first year of life. Sedimentation on rocks can make it difficult for the eggs to attach, so can hurt reproduction rates. Directly before or during spawning, males will display more vibrant colors than at other times of the year. According to Gumm and Mendelson, there are "...four discrete color classes in darters; red, orange, yellow, blue/green." During spawning, these colors are more vibrant and bright. Management Currently, no management plans are in effect for E. brevirostrum, but it is a state listed species in Alabama and is protected under the Non-Game Species regulation. Most