A small darter with a long conical "log-like" snout used to flip over rocks searching for invertebrates.

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 10–18 cm; record 23 cm
Weight20–100 g
LifespanWild 3–5 years
OrderPerciformes
FamilyPercidae

§ Encyclopedia

The common logperch, sometimes simply known as the logperch, is a 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. Like other logperches, it has the typical vertical barring along the flank and a subterminal mouth.

Source: Wikipedia — Common logperch Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Elongated slender fish with prominent vertical bars on flanks; long pointed snout extending beyond mouth; rounded tail.

Similar species. Multiple Percina darter species (similar but expert ID often required). Greenside Darter (smaller; different shape).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic insect larvae, small crustaceans, fish eggs — flips small rocks to expose prey.

Behavior. Large darter species with distinctive elongated snout used to flip rocks in pursuit of prey. Among the larger and more easily-observed darters; abundant in clear gravelly streams across eastern North America. Multiple species in genus Percina; identification requires examination of markings and vertical bars.

§ Range

Central and eastern US

§ Habitat

Streams with rocky bottoms

§ Threats

Stream sedimentation, dam construction.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Support clean cool streams. Maintain natural stream substrates.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

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