Fin's Fish Guide
The Fantail darter (Etheostoma flabellare) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing streams and rivers with stony bottoms (riffles).
Description
The fantail darter is a small, slender perch of the family Percidae (the darters) reaching about 8 cm. Because darters have lost their swim bladder they do not hover but 'dart' over the bottom in short hops, resting on their pectoral fins. The brownish-yellow body bears fine dark bars; in the breeding season the male develops knobs on the rays of the first dorsal fin. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern North America and lives in clear, flowing streams with stony bottoms. On the bottom it seeks insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. The male guards the eggs, which are stuck to the underside of a flat stone.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fantail darter?
The Fantail darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small, slender perch without a swim bladder that 'darts' over the bottom in little jumps; the male has knobs on the first dorsal fin.
Where does the Fantail darter live?
The Fantail darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing streams and rivers with stony bottoms (riffles).
How big does the Fantail darter get?
The Fantail darter grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Fantail darter dangerous to humans?
No, the Fantail darter is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Fantail darter edible?
The Fantail darter is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Etheostoma
More from the family Percidae
Want the complete picture on the Fantail darter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fantail darter is one of 12,519 species in the app.