A Greenside Darter recovering in an observation tank. ©Photo by Maddie Cogar - DWR
A Greenside Darter being observed by a biologist during an electrofishing survey. ©Photo by Tamara Doucette - DWR
Fact File
Scientific Name: Etheostoma blennioides
Classification: Fish, Order Perciformes, Family Percidae
Size: Greenside Darters can exceed 6 inches in length in Virginia
Life Span: Greenside Darters can live for up to 5 years in Virginia
Distribution:
The Greenside Darter is native to the Clinch, Holston, Levisa, Powell, New, and Tug River watersheds of southwest Virginia. Introduced populations exist in the Shenandoah and Potomac systems of northern Virginia.
Identifying Characteristics
- Lateral U or V shaped markings
- An elongated and somewhat dorsally compressed body
- Short, blunted snout
- Olive to yellow or green in color with dark vertical bars
- Attains larger sizes than most darter species
Percidae Characteristics and Anatomical Terms
Illustrations by ©Makayla Haggard – DWR
Diet
The Greenside Darter occupies benthic zones, feeding primarily on aquatic macroinvertebrates.
Habitat
Greenside Darter habitat in a southwestern Virginia stream. ©Photo by Tamara Doucette – DWR
Greenside Darters require environments with fast to moderate flows, low turbidity, and pristine water quality parameters. They will often inhabit the interstitial space between cobbles within riffles or runs.
Reproduction
The Greenside Darter spawns multiple times throughout the spring. As is the case with other darter species, Greenside Darters lay adhesive eggs on the undersides of rocks where moving water keeps the eggs clean of silt and adequately oxygenated. Males will guard the nest site for a period of time.
Last updated: October 9, 2024
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Species Profile Database serves as a repository of information for Virginia’s fish and wildlife species. The database is managed and curated by the Wildlife Information and Environmental Services (WIES) program. Species profile data, distribution information, and photography is generated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State and Federal agencies, Collection Permittees, and other trusted partners. This product is not suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying use. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not accept responsibility for any missing data, inaccuracies, or other errors which may exist. In accordance with the terms of service for this product, you agree to this disclaimer.