Fun Dusky Darter Facts For Kids
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Are you looking for more fish like the sand perch? If yes, then you will surely like the dusky darter (Percina sciera) as it also dwells in the gravel.
This is a predominantly North American fish that was mainly thought to be living in the Mississippi River drainage system. However, this small fish has been found in different areas from Illinois to West Virginia.
The dusky darter (Percina sciera) lives in freshwater environments like rivers, creeks, streams, and lakes. It likes the river to be slow flowing with low velocity in the water.
You can identify this fish by the dark blotches present on its olive-green body.
This freshwater has minute tiny scales on its body that give it a sheen. When it comes to reproduction, this fish lays around 500-2000 eggs every spawning season, usually in shallow rivers.
The eggs are also buried in the beds of these rivers until the hatching time arrives. Currently, this species has a good population and it is found in various river systems of the US, and it has also been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico.
Want to know more about this species? Keep reading to learn dusky darter facts. Also, check out the articles on the fantail darter and trispot darter for more information about its fellow species.
Dusky Darter Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a dusky darter?
The dusky darter (Percina sciera) is a type of North American freshwater benthic fish.
What class of animal does a dusky darter belong to?
The dusky darter (Percina sciera) belongs to the class Actinopterygii, family Percidae, and genus Percina.
How many dusky darters are there in the world?
As of now, we do not have any data regarding the exact population of this freshwater fish species.
Where does a dusky darter live?
The dusky darter (Percina sciera) is said to mainly inhabit the Mississippi River drainage system and it usually prefers to live in shallow river waters. Its living distribution stretches from Illinois to West Virginia.
The dusky darter range also includes the Gulf of Mexico as well as in Texas' Guadalupe River drainage system. Distribution has also been seen in the lower Alabama River system and Tennessee River drainage.
What is a dusky darter's habitat?
When it comes to the dusky darter habitat, this North American fish prefers to remain in shallow water and inhabits freshwater rivers, creeks, lakes and streams. The microhabitat of an area matters to this species and it prefers areas with a layer of substate which could be gravel or large rocks.
This fish also prefers living in river bodies with low water velocity.
Who do dusky darters live with?
We do not know much about the lifestyle of dusky darters, but these fish are often found swimming around in the gravel either alone or in groups.
How long does a dusky darter live?
Even though we don't know the exact lifespan range of the dusky darter, other relatives of the darter family can live for up to four years.
How do they reproduce?
Spawning takes place in the spring months. In Colorado, this time is usually between February-June. These fish perform spawning in rocks and gravels, so the female lays about 500-2000 eggs per season and hides the eggs in the sand or gravel. No parental care is involved after and the eggs are left in the substrate to hatch.
What is their conservation status?
In the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the Percina sciera fish is classified under the status of Least Concern. Unlike many other darter species, this one is still going strong.
Dusky Darter Fun Facts
What do dusky darters look like?
Dusky darters (Percina sciera) have an olive green body with black patches on their dorsal side. The dark black patches appear more like stripes on male fish, while in females and juveniles it may look more like lines.
One way of recognizing these darters is through the spots present on their dorsal fin.
The size of this species is quite small and it allows the fish to hide at the bottom of the river basin mainly under the gravel or small rocks.
Another key characteristic of this fish is that the gill membranes are moderately joined. Even though this isn't a colorful fish, during the breeding season male fish may form an orange or red band near the spiny dorsal fin.
How cute are they?
Unlike some species like the purple queen, the dusky darter (Percina sciera) cannot be called a cute fish as it is quite plain-looking.
How do they communicate?
We don't know much about the communication process used by this fish. It most likely communicates through electrical impulses. This has also been the reason for electrofishing being commonly used by fish to catch darters as well as for population monitoring.
How big is a dusky darter?
The body size length range of the dusky darter (Percina sciera) is around 3.2-3.7 in (83-94 mm). In comparison, the Nile perch has a body size length range of 31-39 in (80-100 cm) making it significantly bigger.
How fast can a dusky darter swim?
We lack data about the dusky darter's speed of swimming. However, this fish doesn't like very fast habitats and it prefers to inhabit calm waters.
How much does a dusky darter weigh?
The average weight range of dusky darters is around 0.1-0.2 oz (4.9-7.5 g). Female fish tend to weigh less compared to male fish.
What are the male and female names of the species?
There are no separate names for male and female dusky darters.
What would you call a baby dusky darter?
A baby dusky darter is called a fry.
What do they eat?
Like most other darters, this species also survives by eating insect larvae. Mayflies, midges, and caddisflies are the most common food found in its body. However, its diet may depend on the environment and habitat. As one of the smaller species of darters, these fish tend to catch smaller prey.
Are they aggressive?
No, these aren't aggressive fish and this fish is too small to cause harm to any humans.
Would they make a good pet?
If you happen to find a dusky darter, you may keep it as a pet, but it's always advised to check the local laws before making the move. However, the microhabitat of this fish is quite important for it to survive well.
Did you know...
In captivity, the male may perform tail beating in front of the females.
It takes a year for the Percina sciera river fish to gain sexual maturity.
Previously, the binomial name of the dusky darter was Hadropterus scierus.
Naming the dusky darter
The dusky darter gets its name from the dusty olive color that is contrasted with the dark rectangular bands on its dorsal side. It doesn't really have another name but is often referred to as just darters. The dusky darter scientific name is Percina sciera.
Can we eat them?
No, the dusky darter (Percina sciera) fish are usually too small for humans to eat.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other fish from our tessellated darter facts and bluebreast darter facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable blackfin darter coloring pages.
Main image by Clinton & Charles Robertson
Second image by Clinton & Charles Robertson
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