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Greenbreast darter (Etheostoma jordani) — Percidae

Greenbreast darter

Etheostoma jordani
Family: Percidae

The Greenbreast darter (Etheostoma jordani) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 8 cm.

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

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Description

The greenbreast darter is a small perch (Percidae) from clear, fast-flowing rivers of the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 8 cm; spawning males have a green breast and red spots on the flank. As a bottom-dweller it darts in short hops over gravel riffles of flowing water and snaps at insect larvae and small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Greenbreast darter?

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

Where does the Greenbreast darter live?

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

How big does the Greenbreast darter get?

The Greenbreast darter grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.

Is the Greenbreast darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Greenbreast 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

Greenbreast darter (Etheostoma jordani) — Percidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) TunaSimp, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Greenbreast darter (Etheostoma jordani) — Percidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Steven Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Greenbreast darter (Etheostoma jordani) — Percidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — (c) AVNJ, some rights reserved (CC BY) (CC BY 4.0)
Greenbreast darter (Etheostoma jordani) — Percidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Zakqary Roy, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Greenbreast darter sourced
Scientific name
Etheostoma jordani
Family
Percidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.9 verified
Average length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Green 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
Yes sourced
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 Etheostoma

More from the family Percidae

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