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The Nature Conservancy in Africa - Conservation in Africa

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Rainbow Darter
Etheostoma caeruleum

rainbow darter
rainbow darter
© Mac Albin

Description: The rainbow darter is the most common of the colorful darters. In spring it has bright blue bands down the side, blue cheek patches, and a wide deep-blue band on the dorsal fin. Parts of its throat, fins, and sides are orange. After spawning, the coloring is more subdued. (See enlarged picture below.)

Food: Rainbow darters feed on a variety of aquatic insect larvae. It rests on rocks and darts after prey passing in the current.

Habitat: This species is found statewide in the smaller and medium sized streams. It prefers riffles of moderate gradients composed primarily of gravel and small cobble. In many small streams it can be the dominate species of darter on these riffles.