Johnny Darter,  Etheostoma nigrum

 

Physical Description: 
�	Large pectoral fins
�	High dorsal fins
�	Eyes almost on top of head
�	Rounded tail fin 
�	Elongate body
�	Blunt nose and terminal mouth
�	Dark, XW-shaped blotches on side of body
�	Dorsal and tail fins clear with dark speckles
�	Gold-green iridescence
�	Pale tan body

Similar species: 
�	Riverweed darter (Etheostoma podostemone)

Mean body size:
�	Adults are 30-40 standard length 

Habitat:
�	Warm streams and rivers over gravel, sand, silt, and vegetation in slow runs and pools  

Distribution in VA:
�	Roanoke, New, Big Sandy, and James drainages

Food Habits:  
�	Insects and other invertebrates

Reproductive Habits: 
�	Mature by age 1 
�	Spawning occurs mid-April to mid-June in water 10-25�C
�	Occurs in shallow parts of streams and edges of ponds and lakes
�	Eggs adhesive and laid in clusters under cover 
�	Fecundity is about 54-192 eggs per female 

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
�	Common in its range
�	Forage for some gamefish
�	Tolerant of pollution

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

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