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Spotted Darter
Etheostoma maculatum

spotted darter
spotted darter
© ODNR

Description: The spotted darter’s coloration varies - some specimens are tan and other are nearly black. Small carmine spots are scattered on the sides, accounting for its common name. It often has a blue throat that is marked by a darker color. The margins of the fins are tan or white. (See enlarged picture below.)

Food: In riffles the spotted darter will usually be found seeking shelter around the larger rocks where they feed on a variety of aquatic invertebrates.

Habitat: The spotted darter is one of the rarer species of fish currently inhabiting Ohio streams. A frequent associate of the bluebreast darter and variegate darter, they are highly selective in their habitat preferences. This darter requires swift riffles characterized by large boulders and cobbles. Spotted darter populations are highly disjunct throughout their range. In Ohio populations are found in Big Darby Creek and the Kokosing River. A small remnant population may still persist in the Olentangy River but this is tenuous at best. Within these streams spotted darters may be found on only a very few riffles which are usually situated in the lower segments of the stream. Spawning occurs in the spring with the female depositing her eggs on the underside of a stone. Eggs are then fertilized and guarded by the male until the young are born.