Fin's Fish Guide
The Tessellated darter (Etheostoma olmstedi) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Fresh water of the east of North America, in rivers, streams and lakes with sandy and gravel bottoms.
Description
The tessellated darter is a small, slender perch of the family Percidae reaching about 11 cm and belonging to the darters, a group of small, colourful perches found only in North America. The brownish body bears a tessellated pattern of X- and W-shaped dark marks and has two separate dorsal fins. Like other darters the species lacks a swim bladder, so it does not hover but 'darts' over the bottom in short bursts. It lives in fresh water of eastern North America, in rivers, streams and lakes with sand and gravel bottoms. On the bottom it searches for insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. In spring the male defends a cavity under a stone and guards the eggs.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tessellated darter?
The Tessellated darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, slender perch (a darter) with a brown mosaic pattern of X- and W-shaped blotches; lacks a swim bladder and 'shoots' over the bottom.
Where does the Tessellated darter live?
The Tessellated darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of the east of North America, in rivers, streams and lakes with sandy and gravel bottoms.
How big does the Tessellated darter get?
The Tessellated darter grows to a maximum of about 11 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Tessellated darter dangerous to humans?
No, the Tessellated darter is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tessellated darter edible?
The Tessellated darter is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Same genus Etheostoma
More from the family Percidae
Want the complete picture on the Tessellated darter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tessellated darter is one of 12,519 species in the app.