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Striated darter (Etheostoma striatulum) — Percidae

Striated darter

Etheostoma striatulum
Family: Percidae

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

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

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Description

The striated darter is a small perch (Percidae) from clear streams of the Duck River drainage in Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender body with fine dark stripes and, in spawning males, greenish tones. As a bottom-dweller it darts in short hops over gravel riffles of flowing water and snaps at insect larvae and small crustaceans. Through its restricted range the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Striated darter?

The Striated darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Striated darter live?

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

How big does the Striated darter get?

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

Is the Striated darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Striated 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

Striated darter (Etheostoma striatulum) — Percidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) moose439, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Striated darter (Etheostoma striatulum) — Percidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Moses J. Michelsohn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Striated darter (Etheostoma striatulum) — Percidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Dick Biggins, USFWS (Public domain)
Striated darter (Etheostoma striatulum) — Percidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Moses J. Michelsohn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Striated darter sourced
Scientific name
Etheostoma striatulum
Family
Percidae
Other names
Striated darter verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.6 verified
Average length (cm)
3.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Straight 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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