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Frecklebelly darter (Percina stictogaster) — Percidae

Frecklebelly darter

Percina stictogaster
Family: Percidae

The Frecklebelly darter (Percina stictogaster) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Frecklebelly darter is a small perch relative (Percidae) from clear, flowing fresh water of the eastern United States. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, brown-banded or spotted body with two dorsal fins and small, weakly buoyant pelvic fins, so it 'darts' over the bottom in short hops. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among gravel and stones of streams and rivers and picks insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Frecklebelly darter?

The Frecklebelly darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Frecklebelly darter live?

The Frecklebelly darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Frecklebelly darter get?

The Frecklebelly darter grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Frecklebelly darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Frecklebelly darter is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Vlekbuik-darter sourced
English name
Frecklebelly darter sourced
Scientific name
Percina stictogaster
Family
Percidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
8 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

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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