The upper reaches of the Little Niangua River, including the tributaries of Cahoochie Creek and Thomas Creek in Dallas County, are known habitats of the Niangua darter, a small fish that is on the U.S.
The upper sections of the Little Niangua River, encompassing tributaries such as Cahoochie Creek and Thomas Creek in Dallas County, serve as homes to the Niangua darter, a tiny fish classified as endangered by the U.S. government.