The turquoise darter (Etheostoma inscriptum) is a species of ray‑finned fish in the subfamily Etheostomatinae (darters) of the family Percidae, which also includes perches, ruffes and pikeperches. It was first described in 1878 by David Starr Jordan and Alembert Winthrop Brayton.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Perciformes
- Family: Percidae
- Genus: Etheostoma
- Species: E. inscriptum
Synonyms include Nothonotus inscriptus.
Description
Adults attain a maximum total length of about 8 cm (3.1 in), though most individuals are closer to 6 cm (2.4 in). The species is noted for its iridescent turquoise coloration, which gives it its common name.
Distribution and habitat
The turquoise darter is endemic to the southeastern United States, occurring in the drainages of the Edisto, Savannah, and Altamaha rivers. Its range includes parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. It inhabits clear, cool streams and small‑to‑medium rivers, preferring rocky riffles with cobbles and boulders.
Ecology
As a benthic darter, it feeds on aquatic invertebrates found among the substrate. Its reproductive biology is typical of Etheostoma species, involving spawning over gravel or sand beds.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the turquoise darter as “Least Concern” on its Red List, indicating that current population trends do not suggest immediate threats at a global scale. Regional assessments note it as a species of special concern in some states due to its restricted distribution.
References
- Wikipedia article “Turquoise darter,” which compiles data from the IUCN Red List, FishBase, and primary taxonomic literature.