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Goldline darter (Percina aurolineata) — Percidae

Goldline darter

Percina aurolineata
Family: Percidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Goldline darter (Percina aurolineata) 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 Goldline darter is a small darter (Percidae) from fresh water of the Coosa and Alabama region in the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 9 cm and has an elongate body with a row of dark saddle blotches. A golden longitudinal line runs over the flank. Through habitat loss the species is vulnerable. As a bottom-dweller it hops over gravel and stone bottoms of clear, flowing streams and eats insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Goldline darter?

The Goldline darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Goldline darter live?

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

How big does the Goldline darter get?

The Goldline darter grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.

Is the Goldline darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Goldline 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

Goldline darter (Percina aurolineata) — Percidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Pattavina Pete, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public domain)
Goldline darter (Percina aurolineata) — Percidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Department of the Interior. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. National Conservation Training Center. 10/1997-8888 (Public domain)
Goldline darter (Percina aurolineata) — Percidae — 4
Robert Lamb (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Goldline darter (Percina aurolineata) — Percidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Tayton Alvis, some rights reserved (CC BY))
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All data

Identification

English name
Goldline darter sourced
Scientific name
Percina aurolineata
Family
Percidae
Other names
Goldline darter verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Average length (cm)
5.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars 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

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