Blackside Darter
(Percina maculata)
The Blackside darter is the second most common of the 8 Percina species of darters native to Ohio.
Description
The blackside darter has a series of black blotches down their side that often form a lateral stripe. Their blotches are never taller than they are wide. They differ from the very similar dusky and Longhead Darter in having a dark blotch on the front lower portion of the first dorsal fin. Blackside darters have a well developed tear drop marking under the eye and only have a dark blotch in the center at the base of their tail. This species of darter never has bright colors on their body.
Habitat and Habits
Blackside darters are found throughout Ohio in every river drainage. They are typically found in medium sized streams. They prefer areas with relatively slow current and an abundance of brush, roots, or other woody debris. They are typically found in slightly shallower and slower moving water than the dusky darter.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Blackside darters spawn in spring. They lay their eggs in riffles burying them in sand or gravel. They provide no further parental care for the eggs or young.