Etheostoma podostemone

Etheostoma podostemone
Riverweed Darter – Etheostoma podostemone

Etheostoma podostemone

FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
PercidaeEtheostoma podostemoneJordan and Jenkins1889Riverweed Darter

Unique Characteristics: Belly and interpelvic area lacking modified scales. Lateral line normal, not arched upward. 1st  anal spine flexible, as thin as 2nd anal spine. Gill membranes broadly joined, 100-110°. Caudal fin rounded. Breeding males with bright orange spots in both dorsal fins and in caudal fin. Restricted to the upper and middle Dan River system in the Roanoke basin.

Similar Species:

Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum. Belly and interpelvic area lacking modified scales. Lateral line normal, not arched upward. 1st  anal spine flexible; anal rays 7 or 8 (7-10). Lateral line scales 39-45. Nape and cheek naked or poorly scaled. Gill membranes narrowly joined, 55-75°. Caudal fin truncate. Infraorbital canal incomplete.

Etheostoma nigrum
Johnny Darter – Etheostoma nigrum – MN

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