Greenside Darter
(Etheostoma blennioides)
-
Animal Type
Fish
-
Exhibits
-
Range
North America
Overview
Greenside darters are known for their slender bodies and fan-like fins. These freshwater fish live near the bottom of clear, moving water, such as streams, rivers or lakes. They wedge themselves between rocks to avoid being swept away by the current and use their very large pectoral fins (on their sides) to help them stay put.
Most fish have swim bladders, but these darters don't. Swim bladders help fish maintain their buoyancy in water, preventing them from floating to the surface or sinking to the bottom. Greenside darters are adapted to live on the bottom of bodies of water and don't need swim bladders. They move by darting from one place to another.
Quick Facts
Learn more about greenside darters! Did you know that male darters are in charge of guarding their eggs? Like other darter species, females attach sticky eggs to the underside of rocks in moving water. The water keeps the eggs clean and oxygenated.
These are native to eastern North America, extending to the Mississippi River. Darters live in water with high currents, which are breeding grounds for yummy insect larvae.
Greenside darters eat insect larvae, small crustaceans and snails.
They range in size from 2.5 to over 6 inches long.
Their population is stable.
Greenside darters' predators include birds, larger fish, water snakes and more.
Explore Exhibit Residents
Learn more about the animals that share an exhibit with this one.