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Bronze darter (Percina palmaris) — Percidae

Bronze darter

Percina palmaris
Family: Percidae

The Bronze darter (Percina palmaris) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 9 cm.

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

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Description

The bronze darter is a small darter (Percidae) from fresh water of the southeastern United States, in the Mobile River drainage. The species grows to about 9 cm and has an elongate, bronze-brown body with a row of dark blotches along the flank and a pointed snout. As a bottom-dweller it lives in clear, flowing gravel and rock water and eats insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bronze darter?

The Bronze darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Bronze darter live?

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

How big does the Bronze darter get?

The Bronze darter grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.

Is the Bronze darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Bronze 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.

More photos

Bronze darter (Percina palmaris) — Percidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) TunaSimp, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bronze darter (Percina palmaris) — Percidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel Folds, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bronze darter (Percina palmaris) — Percidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel Folds, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bronze darter (Percina palmaris) — Percidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel Folds, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Bronze darter sourced
Scientific name
Percina palmaris
Family
Percidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Average length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots 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
No inferred
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 Percina

More from the family Percidae

Fin

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