Fin's Fish Guide
The Candy darter (Etheostoma osburni) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The candy darter is a brilliantly coloured freshwater darter from the Kanawha River drainage in the eastern United States. The species grows to about 10 cm; breeding males are spectacularly coloured with red, blue and green vertical bands. As a bottom-dweller it rests among stones in cool, clear mountain streams with fast-flowing water and hunts insect larvae. Owing to habitat loss and hybridisation with introduced darters the species has declined. The IUCN assesses it as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Candy darter?
The Candy darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Spectacularly coloured spawning male; endangered mountain-stream darter
Where does the Candy darter live?
The Candy darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern United States
How big does the Candy darter get?
The Candy darter grows to a maximum of about 10 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.
Is the Candy darter dangerous to humans?
No, the Candy 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.
Is the Candy darter edible?
The Candy darter is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Etheostoma
More from the family Percidae
Want the complete picture on the Candy darter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Candy darter is one of 12,519 species in the app.