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Dusky darter (Percina sciera) — Percidae

Dusky darter

Percina sciera
Family: Percidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dusky darter (Percina sciera) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The dusky darter is a perch (Percidae) from eastern North America. The species has an elongate body with a row of dark flank blotches forming a faint band. It inhabits fast gravel runs and sometimes riffles of creeks and small to medium rivers, often near submerged brush and cover. On the bottom it forages among the gravel for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dusky darter?

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

Where does the Dusky darter live?

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

How big does the Dusky darter get?

The Dusky darter grows to a maximum of about 13 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.

Is the Dusky darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Dusky darter is harmless to humans.

Is the Dusky darter edible?

The Dusky darter is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Schemerdarter sourced
English name
Dusky darter verified
Scientific name
Percina sciera
Family
Percidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
4.0 verified

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 Percina

More from the family Percidae

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