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Restore the Wild!

Rainbow Darter

A Rainbow Darter being observed biologists in a holding tank. ©Madison Cogar - DWR

A Rainbow Darter being released. ©Tim Aldridge

Fact File

Scientific Name: Etheostoma caeruleum

Classification: Fish, Order Perciformes, Family Percidae

Size: Rainbow Darters in Virginia average 1.5 to 3 inches in length

Life Span: Rainbow Darters in Virginia can live for about 4 years

Identifying Characteristics

  • Moderately robust in body shape
  • Two dorsal fins
    • Spiny front dorsal has a thick turquoise margin
    • Second dorsal has a thin turquoise margin, with orange radiating out from the base
  • Medium sized mouth, with a frenum present
  • Turquoise bars with areas of orange-red between
  • Two orange spots at the base of the caudal (tail) fin
  • Incomplete lateral line

Habitat

Like other members of the darter family, the Rainbow 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. Rainbow 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.

Diet

Rainbow Darters often feed on an array of benthic macroinvertebrates such as Caddisflies, Mayflies, and Stoneflies.

Distribution:

Rainbow Darters have a limited distribution within Virginia, found only within certain areas of the Big Sandy, Kanawha, Potomac, and Upper Tennessee River watersheds.

A specia distribution map showing the rainbow darter fish inhabits only 5 small areas of Virginia at the state border along the far south western area and the a few northern counties.

Percidae Characteristics and Anatomical Terms

An illustration of a percidae, the family classification of the rainbow darters, naming the fins (Two separate dorsal fins: First dorsal has spines, second dorsal has soft rays. Thoracic pelvic fins. One to two spines on anal fin.)

Illustration by ©Makayla Haggard – DWR

 

A diagram of two illustrated fish. The first, on the left, names the parts of the fish - gill cover, dorsal fins, caudal peduncle, caudal fin, anal fin, pectoral fins, pelvic fins. The second, on the right, has a horizontal and vertical arrow names the areas of the fish - Anterior, dorsal, posterior, and ventral.

Illustration by ©Makayla Haggard – DWR

Reproduction

The Rainbow darter  breeds from March to May. During this time period the males will defend a territory in the pool shallows or moderate runs where they reproduce. The females are known to bury their eggs in the gravel for the 5-10 days of incubation and provide no other paternal care.

Last updated: March 20, 2025

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.