Species Profile: Tangerine Darter

Tangerine Darter (Percina aurantiaca)

The darters are a diverse group of often colorful fish that share rocky stream bottoms with the sculpins. The largest and most spectacular of our darters is the tangerine darter, found only in our larger rivers.  It is also the easiest to observe, and not just because of the brilliant orange coloration, rivaling the gaudiest coral reef fish. You may chance to see a tangerine darter while wading, but snorkeling in the right places will almost surely result in a sighting. These inquisitive fish will get right up in your face mask as though asking, “Who do you think you are?”

Species profile provided by Jason Meador, Mainspring