|
|
|
|
|
Physical Description: � Robust body � Two dorsal fins, almost connected � Large eye at top of head � Terminal mouth � Slightly rounded or blunt nose � Somewhat forked tail fin � Dark, olive-colored body � Dark, vertically elongate blotches evenly spaced along the side in a line � Orange band on first dorsal fin � Two pale orange tail fin spots � Spawning males with dark blue bodies Similar species: � Piedmont darter (Percina crassa) Mean body size: � Adults are 35-55 mm standard length Habitat: � Warm, clear streams and rivers in gravel, rubble, and boulder runs and riffles Distribution in VA: � Found in the James, New, Chowan, and Roanoke drainages Food Habits: � Insects Reproductive Habits: � Mature around age 1 � Spawning occurs early April to early June � Spawn in sand and fine gravel in riffles � Fecundity is unknown � Hybridizes with P. oxyrhyncha Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: � May out compete other native darters in their range 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):
 |
|
|
|
