Fin's Fish Guide
The Greenside darter (Etheostoma blennioides) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 17 cm.
Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with stony bottoms and aquatic plants.
Description
The greenside darter is a small, slender perch of the family Percidae (the darters) reaching about 17 cm, making it one of the largest darters. 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 body is greenish with U- or V-shaped dark markings; breeding males turn vivid emerald green. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern North America and lives in clear, flowing rivers and streams with stony bottoms and water plants. Among the stones it searches for insect larvae, especially midge and mayfly larvae. The female sticks the eggs to plants and stones, which the male guards.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Greenside darter?
The Greenside darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small perch without a swim bladder that 'darts' over the bottom in little hops; in the spawning season the male turns bright green with V-shaped markings.
Where does the Greenside darter live?
The Greenside darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with stony bottoms and aquatic plants.
How big does the Greenside darter get?
The Greenside darter grows to a maximum of about 17 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Greenside darter dangerous to humans?
No, the Greenside darter is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Greenside darter edible?
The Greenside darter is not usually eaten.
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Status & sources
Same genus Etheostoma
More from the family Percidae
Want the complete picture on the Greenside darter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Greenside darter is one of 12,519 species in the app.