Etheostoma fusiforme

Etheostoma fusiforme
Swamp Darter – Etheostoma fusiforme
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
PercidaeEtheostoma fusiforme(Girard)1854Swamp Darter

Etheostoma fusiforme

Unique Characteristics:  Belly and interpelvic area lacking modified scales. Arched, incomplete lateral line. Slender, compressed body. Lacks small brown spots. 10-12 dark blotches on the side. Two anal spines. Scaled breast. When viewed from above, the head is narrow and pointed. Preopercle often partially serrated, margin stiff. Three small vertical dark spots on caudal fin base.

E-fusiforme-vs-E-collis
E. fusiforme (left) – vs – E. collis (right) – head-shape

Carolina Darter
Etheostoma collis

Sawcheek Darter
Etheostoma serrifer

Etheostoma collis
Carolina Darter – Etheostoma collis
Etheostoma serrifer
Sawcheek Darter – Etheostoma serrifer

Carolina Darter Etheostoma collis. Belly and interpelvic area lacking modified scales. Arched, incomplete lateral line. Many dark brown spots on the side; dark brown blotches or dashes on the side. Usually one anal spine. Naked breast. When viewed from above, the head is broad and rounded. Preopercle entire, margin fleshy. Three small vertical dark spots on caudal fin base.

Sawcheek Darter Etheostoma serrifer. Belly and interpelvic area lacking modified scales. Lateral line arched upward anteriorly, incomplete. Two black basicaudal spots usually ringed with orange. Preopercle well serrated.

Gallery