The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Perches and Darters

Channel Darter, Percina copelandi

 

Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Elongate, slender body
ï¿½	Two dorsal fins not connected
ï¿½	Large eye at top of head
ï¿½	Terminal mouth
ï¿½	Short, blunt nose
ï¿½	Somewhat forked tail fin
ï¿½	Pale-colored body 
ï¿½	Dark, small, separate blotches on side
ï¿½	Slight blue-green iridescence

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Bronze darter (Percina palmaris)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 35-50 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Warm rivers in swift riffles and runs over gravel and rubble, and lake shallows

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Found in the Clinch and Powell Rivers

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects 

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature around age 1 
ï¿½	Spawning occurs April to May in water 20-21ï¿½C
ï¿½	Spawn in swift current between small rocks and in gravel behind large rocks
ï¿½	Fecundity is around 357-715 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Special concern status in Virginia

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):