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Slabrock darter (Etheostoma smithi) — Percidae

Slabrock darter

Etheostoma smithi
Family: Percidae

The Slabrock darter (Etheostoma smithi) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA

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Description

The Slabrock darter is a small perch, a darter (Percidae), from fresh water of the Cumberland and Tennessee systems in the United States. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, brown with dark spots body with a pointed head; spawning males often colour up spectacularly. As a bottom-dweller it rests without a swim bladder among gravel and stones of clear, flowing streams and darts in short bursts at insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slabrock darter?

The Slabrock darter has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Slabrock darter live?

The Slabrock darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: USA

How big does the Slabrock darter get?

The Slabrock darter grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Slabrock darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Slabrock 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

Slabrock darter (Etheostoma smithi) — Percidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Bradley Rasmussen, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Slabrock darter (Etheostoma smithi) — Percidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) donnymidas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Slabrock darter (Etheostoma smithi) — Percidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) jasonrl, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Slabrock darter (Etheostoma smithi) — Percidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) jasonrl, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Slabrock darter sourced
Scientific name
Etheostoma smithi
Family
Percidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.2 verified
Average length (cm)
4.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
2.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Etheostoma

More from the family Percidae

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