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Sawcheek darter (Etheostoma serrifer) — Percidae

Sawcheek darter

Etheostoma serrifer
Family: Percidae
LC · Least Concern

The Sawcheek darter (Etheostoma serrifer) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The sawcheek darter is a small perch-like fish from the Atlantic Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States, from the Dismal Swamp in Virginia to the Altamaha in Georgia. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a slender body with two separate dorsal fins; its name refers to the serrated edge on the cheek. It lives among aquatic plants in swamps, lakes, sluggish headwaters, creeks and small rivers and feeds on small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sawcheek darter?

The Sawcheek darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Sawcheek darter live?

The Sawcheek darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Sawcheek darter get?

The Sawcheek darter grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Sawcheek darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Sawcheek darter is harmless to humans.

Is the Sawcheek darter edible?

The Sawcheek darter is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zaagwang-darter verified
English name
Sawcheek darter verified
Scientific name
Etheostoma serrifer
Family
Percidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Etheostoma

More from the family Percidae

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