A tiny brilliantly colored fish — males in spring have orange-red flanks with vivid blue-green vertical bars. Among the most colorful native US freshwater fish.

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 5–8 cm
Weight5–15 g
LifespanWild 3–4 years
OrderPerciformes
FamilyPercidae

§ Encyclopedia

The rainbow darter is a small species of freshwater ray-finned fish, a darter from the subfamily Etheostomatinae, part of the family Percidae, which also contains the perches, ruffes and pikeperches. It is native to North America where it is found in small, fast-moving streams and small to medium-sized rivers. It grows to 2 to 3 inches in length. The species is very sensitive to pollution and silt, staying in clean, pollution-free water. The rainbow darter is easily identified by three dark spots on the back, and blue and orange in the dorsal and anal fins.

Source: Wikipedia — Rainbow darter Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small slender fish with brilliant colors; males in breeding: orange-red horizontal bands with turquoise vertical bars; large eyes.

Similar species. Other darter species (extreme diversity). Greenside Darter (less colorful).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic insect larvae.

Behavior. Among the most colorful North American freshwater fish. Males in breeding season develop brilliant turquoise blue and orange-red flanks with iridescent markings. Restricted to clean cool gravel-bottomed streams; sensitive to siltation. Common across eastern North America but range has contracted with stream degradation.

§ Range

Eastern US (Mississippi and Great Lakes drainages)

§ Habitat

Clear cool streams with gravel and rock bottoms

§ Threats

Stream sedimentation, agricultural runoff, dam construction.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the rainbow darter is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support clean streams. Maintain forested stream buffers. Skip lawn pesticides.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Fisheries Society
  • State wildlife agencies
  • NatureServe
  • IUCN Red List 2013