Fin's Fish Guide
The Gilt darter (Percina evides) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The gilt darter is a small perch of the family Percidae from the eastern and central United States. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender body with greenish crossbars; breeding males turn handsomely coloured with an orange belly and blue-green tints. It inhabits rocky riffles of small to medium rivers with clear, fast-flowing water. Unlike the bottom-hopping Etheostoma darters, Percina retains a small swim bladder and moves more mobile through the water column. As a bottom hunter it feeds on insect larvae and small invertebrates. Owing to its small size the species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gilt darter?
The Gilt darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Spawning males with an orange belly and blue-green tints; retains a small swim bladder and is more mobile than other darters.
Where does the Gilt darter live?
The Gilt darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern and central US; rocky riffles of clear, fast-flowing rivers.
How big does the Gilt darter get?
The Gilt darter grows to a maximum of about 10 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Gilt darter dangerous to humans?
No, the Gilt darter is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gilt darter edible?
The Gilt 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 Percina
More from the family Percidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gilt darter is one of 12,519 species in the app.