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Blueside darter (Etheostoma jessiae) — Percidae

Blueside darter

Etheostoma jessiae
Family: Percidae

The Blueside darter (Etheostoma jessiae) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA

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Description

The blueside darter is a small perch (Percidae) from clear streams and rivers of the Tennessee and Cumberland drainages in the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 7 cm; spawning males have blue flanks and orange accents. As a bottom-dweller it darts in short hops over gravel riffles of flowing water and snaps at insect larvae and small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blueside darter?

The Blueside darter has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Blueside darter live?

The Blueside darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: USA

How big does the Blueside darter get?

The Blueside darter grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Blueside darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Blueside darter is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Blueside darter sourced
Scientific name
Etheostoma jessiae
Family
Percidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.8 verified
Average length (cm)
4.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Etheostoma

More from the family Percidae

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