A male Duskytail Darter perched along the stream bottom. Photo by ©Maddie Cogar - DWR
A male Duskytail Darter amongst the stream cobble. Photo by ©Mike Pinder - DWR
Fact File
Scientific Name: Etheostoma percnurum
Classification: Fish, Order Perciformes, Family Percidae
Conservation Status:
- Federally Endangered in the U.S.
- State Endangered in Virginia
- Species of Greatest Conservation Need-Tier 1a on the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan
Size: Adult Duskytail Darters range from 1 to 2.5 inches in length
Life Span: Duskytail Darters live for about 2 years
Distribution
Within Virginia, the Duskytail Darter is only found within the Clinch River of the Upper Tennessee River basin.
Identifying Characteristics
- 2 dorsal fins; the first dorsal membrane often has yellow/orange near the base
- Bars are narrow and medium to dark olive in color
- Head often has spotting
- Nuptial fin knobs may be present
- Incomplete lateral line
Percidae Characteristics and Anatomical Terms
Illustrations by ©Makayla DeVivo – DWR
Habitat
Like other members of the darter family, the Duskytail Darter is a benthic (bottom-dwelling) species of fish, and specializes in using the gaps between rocky stream substrates for protective cover and opportunistic feeding. Duskytail Darters require clean, fast moving water and are considered an indicator species of overall watershed health, as their required habitat is degraded by erosion and siltation.
A Duskytail Darter at home among the stream-bottom. Photo by ©Maddie Cogar – DWR
Diet
Duskytail Darters feed on an array of benthic macroinvertebrates such as Caddisflies, Mayflies, and Stoneflies.
Reproduction
Duskytail Darters spawn in the spring when males begin seeking out nesting sites. Male Duskytail Darters demonstrate a unique reproductive strategy called “egg mimicry”. This strategy involves males developing prominent knobs on the first dorsal fin that mimic the appearance of darter eggs. It is believed that this presentation of eggs attracts females to deposit their eggs into a nesting site that already has the protection of a successful male. Once a female approves of the male and the nesting site, she will adhere her eggs to the underside of a flat rock that the male can fertilize. Male Duskytail Darters defend the nest until the eggs hatch.
A DWR aquatic biologist displays a Duskytail Darter nesting rock. Photo by ©Michael Pinder – DWR
Special Considerations
It is illegal to target Duskytail Darter by angling. The Duskytail Darter is listed as an endangered species under federal and Virginia law. It is a violation of state and federal law to harass, harm, or take any Duskytail Darter.
For the definitions of take, harass, and harm, see 4 VAC 15-20-140.
Last updated: August 10, 2025
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