Plectomerus

Bankclimber Plectomerus dombeyanus. Common. Found primarily in Alabama and Tombigbee rivers and also in extreme lower reaches of Coosa and Cahaba rivers. Occurs in both sluggish and flowing water, often on steep slopes. Lowest Conservation Concern.

Purple Bankclimber Plectomerus sloatianus. Rare. Restricted to Chattahoochee River system. Thought extirpated from system until a live specimen recently was collected in upper Goat Rock impoundment. Usually found in moderate current. Listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. HIGHEST CONSERVATION CONCERN.

Note: In Alabama, it is illegal to release or stock or move any fish, mussel, snail or crayfish to any public waters without a permit.