Fin's Fish Guide
The Roanoke darter (Percina roanoka) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Fresh water of eastern North America (the Roanoke and surrounding basin), in clear, flowing rivers with gravel.
Description
The Roanoke darter is a small bottom perch of the family Percidae reaching about 8 cm. The brown body bears a row of dark blocky side blotches; breeding males colour spectacularly with blue-green and orange tints on head, flank and fins. Like other darters it lacks a well-developed swim bladder and 'hops' in short bursts over the bottom of clear, flowing rivers with gravel in eastern North America. On the bottom it hunts insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. In spring it spawns over gravel. Darters are sensitive to water quality and serve as indicators of a healthy river.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Roanoke darter?
The Roanoke darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small bottom-dwelling perch with a row of dark blotches on the side; in the spawning season the male takes on blue-green and orange tints.
Where does the Roanoke darter live?
The Roanoke darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of eastern North America (the Roanoke and surrounding basin), in clear, flowing rivers with gravel.
How big does the Roanoke darter get?
The Roanoke darter grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Roanoke darter dangerous to humans?
No, the Roanoke darter is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Roanoke darter edible?
The Roanoke darter is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Percina
More from the family Percidae
Want the complete picture on the Roanoke darter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Roanoke darter is one of 12,519 species in the app.