Spotted darter (Etheostoma maculatum)

Scientific name: Etheostoma maculatum Kirtland, 1840

The Spotted darter (Etheostoma maculatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 10–24°C (50–75°F). Native range: North America, Ohio River basin from western New York and Pennsylvania to northern Indiana, and south to West Virginia and Kentucky in the USA.

Spotted darter care at a glance

Temperature: 10–24°C (50–75°F)

Biology

Occur in fast, rocky riffles of small to medium rivers. Eggs are found clustered on underside of stone and guarded by males.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Etheostoma maculatum
Family: Percidae (Perches)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 9.0
Common length: 5.5
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: North America: Ohio River basin from western New York and Pennsylvania to northern Indiana, and south to West Virginia and Kentucky in the USA.
Conservation status (IUCN): Lower Risk: near threatened (LR/nt)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec=400)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026