Sawcheek Darter,  Etheostoma serrifer

 

Physical Description: 
�	Eyes almost on top of head
�	Rounded tail fin 
�	Somewhat elongate and compressed body
�	Terminal mouth and short, rounded nose 
�	Dark blotches, stripes, or checks on body
�	Tan or olive body
�	Base of tail fin with bright orange spot between two black spots
�	All fins red

Similar species: 
�	Carolina darter (Etheostoma collis)

Mean body size:
�	Adults are 35-50 standard length 

Habitat:
�	Warm, slow streams, swamps, and ponds, over sand and mud 

Distribution in VA:
�	Native to lower James drainage
�	Also found in Chowan drainage and Dismal Swamp 

Food Habits:
�    Insects and other invertebrates

Reproductive Habits: 
�	Not much known about reproductive behaviors
�	Spawning occurs around early April 
�	Fecundity is unknown 

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
�	Common in its range

References:       

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

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