Etheostoma histrio Jordan & Gilbert, 1887
Harlequin darter
Etheostoma histrio
photo by Tumlison, R.

Family:  Percidae (Perches), subfamily: Etheostomatinae
Max. size:  7.7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: Former Mississippi Embayment and Gulf Slope drainages from Kentucky and Missouri to Louisiana, and from Escambia River in Alabama and Florida to Neches River in Texas in the USA. In Red and Arkansas drainages west to Oklahoma and Texas; in Wabash River drainage and Green River system in USA.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabits sand and gravel runs of small to medium rivers, usually near debris (Ref. 5723, 10294). Feeds on midge, blackfly, and caddisfly larvae, and mayfly nymphs (Ref. 10294).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 December 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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