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Naked sand darter (Ammocrypta beanii) — Percidae

Naked sand darter

Ammocrypta beanii
Family: Percidae
LC · Least Concern

The Naked sand darter (Ammocrypta beanii) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southeastern North America; sandy runs of creeks and rivers.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The naked sand darter is a small perch (Percidae) from the southeastern United States. The species has a very slender, elongate, nearly translucent body with strongly reduced scales, to which the name refers. It inhabits sandy runs of creeks and small to medium rivers, where it buries largely in the sand by day. On the bottom it forages on small insect larvae and invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Naked sand darter?

The Naked sand darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Almost translucent body with reduced scales; buries itself in sand during the day.

Where does the Naked sand darter live?

The Naked sand darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeastern North America; sandy runs of creeks and rivers.

How big does the Naked sand darter get?

The Naked sand darter grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Naked sand darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Naked sand darter is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Naked sand darter edible?

The Naked sand darter is not usually eaten.

More photos

Naked sand darter (Ammocrypta beanii) — Percidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Noah D, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Naked sand darter (Ammocrypta beanii) — Percidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Noah D, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Naked sand darter (Ammocrypta beanii) — Percidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Robert Lamb, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Naked sand darter (Ammocrypta beanii) — Percidae — 5
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Naked sand darter verified
Scientific name
Ammocrypta beanii
Family
Percidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.2 verified
Average length (cm)
4.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Southeastern North America; sandy runs of creeks and rivers. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small insect larvae and invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Almost translucent body with reduced scales; buries itself in sand during the day. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ammocrypta

More from the family Percidae

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