The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Perches and Darters

Variegate Darter, Etheostoma variatum

 

Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Large pectoral fins
ï¿½	Slightly indented tail fin 
ï¿½	First dorsal fin low
ï¿½	Robust body
ï¿½	Short, blunt nose
ï¿½	Terminal mouth
ï¿½	Speckled or barred with 4 dark bands across the back
ï¿½	Olive colored body with light green belly
ï¿½	Orange spots or bars
ï¿½	Orange band on first dorsal fin

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Kanawha darter (Etheostoma kanawhae)

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

Habitat:
ï¿½	Warm streams and rivers in riffles around sand, gravel, rubble, and boulder

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Found in the Big Sandy drainage

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects and mites

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature by age 2 
ï¿½	Spawning occurs April to May 
ï¿½	Migrate upstream to riffles to spawn
ï¿½	Fecundity is unknown 

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Endangered 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):