| Family | Scientific Name | Author | Year | Common Name |
| Percidae | Etheostoma gutselli | (Hildebrand) | 1932 | Tuckasegee Darter |
Etheostoma gutselli
Unique Characteristics: Belly and interpelvic area lacking modified scales. Lateral line normal, not arched upward. 1st anal spine stiff, as thick as 2nd spine. Sides with no horizontal streaks along each scale row. Well-developed premaxillary frenum present. Distinct lip tip (a nipple-like formation on the ventral surface of the upper lip) absent. Opercle unscaled. Lateral line scales averaging 56-58 (49-63). Large and small naked areas on belly. Distinct dark spot near the origin of the first dorsal fin, aa blue-green belly, and reddish-brown vermiculations in the pectoral, pelvic, soft dorsal and caudal fins. Restricted to the Little Tennessee and Pigeon basins.
Similar Species:
Greenside Darter Etheostoma blennioides. Belly and interpelvic area lacking modified scales. Lateral line normal, not arched upward. 1st anal spine stiff, as thick as 2nd spine. Sides with no horizontal streaks along each scale row. Rounded, blunt, often overhung snout; premaxillary frenum absent Distinct lip tip (a nipple-like formation on the ventral surface of the upper lip) present. Lateral line scales averaging 71 (63-78). Opercles and belly completely scaled. Large pectoral fins. Distinct U- or W- shaped markings on the side. Six to seven dark green saddles. Dorsal fin often with red/orange band at base. Restricted to French Broad, Nolichucky, and New basins. Populations of uncertain taxonomic status are found in the Hiwassee basin.
Photo Credit: NANFA
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