The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Perches and Darters

Swannanoa Darter, Etheostoma swannanoa

 

Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Large pectoral fins
ï¿½	Slightly indented tail fin 
ï¿½	Robust body
ï¿½	Short, blunt nose
ï¿½	Terminal mouth
ï¿½	Dark vertical bars or blotches on body
ï¿½	Row of orange spots on side
ï¿½	Olive colored body
ï¿½	First dorsal fin with orange band
ï¿½	Red and brown color on second dorsal fin and tail fin

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Blenny darter (Etheostoma blennius)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 50-75 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Clear, cool streams in riffles around gravel, rubble, and boulder

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Native to the Tennessee drainage

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects 

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature by age 2 
ï¿½	Spawning occurs late March to early June 
ï¿½	Spawning only observed in an aquarium
ï¿½	Spawning males aggressive to each other 
ï¿½	Female burrows into the sand and male mounts her
ï¿½	Male can mate with more than one female
ï¿½	Fecundity is unknown 

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	More research needed to determine relationships between this darter and others

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):