HARMONIE STATE PARK — A rare underwater discovery was made in Posey County when Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists surveyed local waterways during the annual Indiana Academy of Science BioBlitz.
A bioblitz brings together field professionals and amateur naturalists to locate, identify, and document as many living species as possible within a targeted area over a short window of time. During this year’s event at Harmonie State Park, the DNR’s nongame aquatics team struck gold—uncovering the state-endangered bantam sunfish (Lepomis symmetricus) in two small tributaries feeding into the Wabash River.
The bantam sunfish is exceptionally rare in the state. Extreme southwestern Indiana represents the very northern tip of the species’ geographic range. Before this survey, the fish had only been reported at two other sites in Indiana history—neither of which had ever been officially verified by DNR biologists.
What’s Next for the Bantam Sunfish?
Following this major confirmation, the DNR nongame aquatics team plans to expand search efforts throughout Posey County and surrounding waterways. Researchers hope to locate a larger source population and better map the fish’s habitat footprint in Indiana.
Field discoveries like this are made possible through public interest and conservation backing. You can directly support ongoing research, habitat monitoring, and protection efforts for Indiana’s rare and endangered species by donating to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund.
