Black Darter (Etheostoma duryi), NE Alabama, April 2018

A second year male Black Darter (Etheostoma duryi)...breeding colors are fading from peak breeding season.

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Incredible shot! Posted 7 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Interesting! I had no idea that fish have breeding colors! Posted 7 years ago
1. Anotheca
  
  Lion
  
  And not just breeding colors, some males develop large conical structures on their heads, tubercles, that very much change their appearance. Some species of Ancistrus (algae eaters) in Brasil can develop large spine like structures that grow out of their faces. Just like with birds, fish need to impress their potential mates.... Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    That's incredible! I had no idea :) Thanks so much for sharing! Posted 7 years ago

The Etheostoma duryi

''Etheostoma duryi'', the black darter, is a species of darter endemic to the eastern United States, where it occurs in the drainage of the Tennessee River in the states of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. It is an inhabitant of rocky pools in streams and smaller rivers and their adjacent riffles. This species can reach a length of 7.2 cm , though most only reach about 5 cm . The specific epithet honors Charles Dury , who collected the original type specimens.

Info 1 0

Similar species: Perch-like Fishes

Species identified by Ferdy Christant