Other
Common Names:
N/A
State
Record:
N/A
Identifying
Features:
Rainbow darters have an olive-brown back with dark, saddle-like bars. They have an orange belly and bluish-brown cheeks. Their dorsal fin is edged with blue and has a row of reddish spots.
Typical
Adult:
Length:
Up to 3 inches
Life span: Up to 3 years
Habitat:
Rainbow darters inhabit creeks and small rivers with moderate current in the central U.S.
Feeding
Behavior:
Rainbow darters feed on aquatic insect larvae, small snails, and tiny crayfish.
Reproductive
Behavior (Spawning):
When:
Spring
Preferred Water Temperature: 59-62 °F
How: The female enters a pool of water downstream to lay eggs at
the foot of riffles. The spawning is repeated several times as the female
moves up stream.
Did
You Know:
Rainbow darters are extremely sensitive to pollution and silt.
* Note: Arkansas does not have an official state fish.
