Fin's Fish Guide
The Iowa darter (Etheostoma exile) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The Iowa darter is a small freshwater darter from northern and central North America. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a slender body; breeding males develop handsome red and blue vertical bars on the flank. As a bottom-dweller it lives in clear, weedy, cool water of lakes, ponds and slow streams and searches for small insect larvae, water fleas and invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Iowa darter?
The Iowa darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Spawning male with red and blue bands; bottom-dwelling cool-water darter
Where does the Iowa darter live?
The Iowa darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America
How big does the Iowa darter get?
The Iowa darter grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Iowa darter dangerous to humans?
No, the Iowa 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.
Is the Iowa darter edible?
The Iowa darter is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Iowa darter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Iowa darter is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Iowa darter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Iowa darter is one of 12,519 species in the app.