Fin's Fish Guide
The Guardian darter (Etheostoma oophylax) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The Guardian darter is a small darter (Percidae) from fresh water of the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 7 cm and has an elongate body with a row of dark saddle blotches; courting males often colour intensely with green, orange or blue. The male guards the eggs laid beneath a stone. 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 Guardian darter?
The Guardian darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.
Where does the Guardian darter live?
The Guardian darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: USA
How big does the Guardian darter get?
The Guardian darter grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Guardian darter dangerous to humans?
No, the Guardian 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
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Etheostoma
More from the family Percidae
Want the complete picture on the Guardian darter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guardian darter is one of 12,519 species in the app.