Etheostoma spectabile (Agassiz, 1854)
Orangethroat darter
photo by Markwell, B.

Family:  Percidae (Perches), subfamily: Etheostomatinae
Max. size:  7.2 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: Lake Erie and Mississippi River basins from southeastern Michigan and Ohio to eastern Wyoming, and south to Tennessee and northern Texas in the USA; Gulf drainages (Trinity River to San Antonio River) of Texas, mostly on Edwards Plateau.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabit shallow gravel riffles, sometimes rocky runs and pools, of headwaters, creeks and small rivers (Ref. 5723); also found in streams (Ref. 10294). Adults feed on midge and blackfly larvae, mayfly nymphs, isopods, amphipods, and caddisfly larvae (Ref. 10294). Distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 36980). Eggs are found buried in the substrate (Ref. 7043).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 January 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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