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Appalachia Darter
Appalachia Darter,  Percina gymnocephala

 

Physical Description: 

�	Elongate body
�	Two dorsal fins, almost connected
�	Large eye at top of head
�	Terminal mouth
�	Forked tail fin
�	Pale olive-colored body
�	Dark, rectangular blotches along the side in a line
�	Dark band on first dorsal fin

Similar species: 

�	Appalachia darter (Percina gymnocephala)

Mean body size:

�	Adults are 40-70 mm standard length 

Habitat:

�	Warm streams and rivers over many different substrates
�	Avoid heavily silted areas

Distribution in VA:

�	Found in all major Atlantic slope drainages

Food Habits:  
�	Insets 

Reproductive Habits: 
�	Mature between ages 1-3
�	Spawning occurs late March to early June
�	Spawn in sand and fine gravel in riffles
�	Buries its eggs
�	Lays 15-25 eggs at a time
�	Hybridizes with P. notogramma

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
�	One of the most widespread darters on the Atlantic slope

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):

VAFWIS
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Continue Browsing Families.....
  1. Petromyzontidae, Lampreys
  2. Polyodontidae, Paddlefish
  3. Acipenseridae, Sturgeons
  4. Lepisosteidae, Gars
  5. Amiidae, Bowfins
  6. Anguillidae, Freshwater Eels
  7. Amblyopsidae, Cavefishes
  8. Ictaluridae, Catfish
  9. Percopsidae, Trout-Perches
  10. Salmonidae, Trouts
  11. Clupeidae, Herrings
  12. Esocidae, Pikes
  13. Aphredoderidae, Pirate Perches
  14. Umbridae, Mudminnows
  15. Fundulidae, Killifishes
  16. Poeciliidae, Livebearers
  17. Cyprinidae, Minnows
  18. Catostomidae, Suckers
  19. Gasterosteidae, Sticklebacks
  20. Atherinidae, Silversides
  21. Cottidae, Sculpins
  22. Sciaenidae, Drums
  23. Percidae, Perches
  24. Moronidae, Striped Basses
  25. Centrarchidae, Sunfishes

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