[1] Its geographic isolation is reflective of its incredibly specific habitation preferences which demand conditions which can only be found in these two Texas river headwaters.

In these unique locations they can be observed in open areas created by a medium current at depths of 3–5 feet near the outlets of contributing spring heads with rates of flow low enough to retain a layer of percolating sand.

It breeds all year round and the eggs are deposited on dead leaves, stems, rocks, algae or other objects.

[5] They primarily occupy the sandy tops of lesser flowing springheads or flat rock surfaces absent of rooted plants, or decaying plant matter and spawn within the vibrantly abundant and healthy vegetation that thrives in these unique, pristine, springfed river systems.

[5] The continued survival of wild fountain darter is dependent upon the integrity of the subterranean Edwards Aquifer.