Fin's Fish Guide
The Orangebelly darter (Etheostoma radiosum) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The orangebelly darter is a small perch (Percidae) from the southern United States. The species has a slender body; courting males are handsomely coloured with orange and blue-green tints, including an orange belly, to which the name refers. It inhabits gravel and rubble riffles and fast-flowing parts of creeks and small to medium rivers. On the bottom it forages among the gravel for insect larvae and small invertebrates; the eggs are buried in the substrate. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Orangebelly darter?
The Orangebelly darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Courting male with an orange belly and blue-green tints; small bottom fish of gravel rapids.
Where does the Orangebelly darter live?
The Orangebelly darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern North America; gravel riffles of creeks and rivers.
How big does the Orangebelly darter get?
The Orangebelly darter grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Orangebelly darter dangerous to humans?
No, the Orangebelly darter is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Orangebelly darter edible?
The Orangebelly darter is not usually eaten.
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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 Orangebelly darter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Orangebelly darter is one of 12,519 species in the app.