Rainbow Darter
(Etheostoma caeruleum)
The rainbow darter is one of Ohio's most colorful fish. They are common species and found through out the state. Like most darter species the male (left) in more colorful than the female (right)
Description
Rainbow Darters have 8-13 vertical bands along the side of their body. These bands are blue on males and brown on females and young. Males have no teardrop shaped marking under the eye. Females may have a short poorly defined teardrop. The anal fin of males has some red or orange in the center surounded by blue. The blue coloration on the body intensifies on breeding males and some individuals can look almost black. Rainbow darters are most similar to orangethroat darters. Both male and female orangethroat darters have a well defined teardrop under the eye and males have a solid blue anal fin with no red or orange like the rainbow darter.
Habitat and Habits
Rainbow darters prefer riffles of moderate gradients composed primarily of gravel and small cobble. They are most abundant in medium to small sized (20-60 ft wide) streams. However, they are not usually found in very small headwater streams and small numbers can be found in even the largest rivers in Ohio. They are one of the most wide spread darter species in Ohio and can be found through out the state.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Breeding takes place in riffles from mid April to mid May. Females deposit three to seven eggs in the gravel and the male fertilizes them. This can be repeated many times over several days during their breeding season. A single female can lay about 800 eggs in a single breeding season.