Least darter

Etheostoma microperca is a small, slender darter species with a maximum length of 2.5 inches. It has a yellowish-green body with a dark mid-lateral stripe and a yellowish-green head. It is found in the Ohio River drainage in the United States and is typically found in shallow, rocky riffles. Its lifespan is typically 2-3 years and its current population is stable.

Name Origin: Etheostoma microperca is a species of freshwater fish native to the eastern United States. It is commonly known as the pygmy sunfish due to its small size. The genus name, Etheostoma, is derived from the Greek words for "strainer" and "mouth," referring to the fish's specialized gill rakers. The species name, microperca, is derived from the Greek words for "small" and "perch," referring to the fish's small size and its resemblance to the perch family.

Related Species: Etheostoma caeruleum, Etheostoma exile, Etheostoma flabellare, Etheostoma jordani, Etheostoma maculatum, Etheostoma nigrum, Etheostoma olmstedi, Etheostoma spectabile, Etheostoma swaini

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Pisces

Class: Fish

Order: Fish

Family: Percidae

Genus: Etheostoma

Species: Fish

Etheostoma microperca can be found in the shallow, clear waters of streams and rivers. They prefer areas with a moderate current and plenty of rocks and logs to hide under. They are most active during the day and feed on small insects, crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates. They are usually found in groups and can be identified by their yellowish-green color and black spots. Other animals that can be found in the same habitat include bass, catfish, and sunfish. Etheostoma microperca need clean, oxygen-rich water to survive and thrive, so it is important to keep their habitat free from pollutants.

Native country: US, Canada

Native continent: North America (mainly in the United States)

Other organisms found in habitat: Algae, Crayfish, Dragonfly, Frog, Insects, Mollusks, Shrimp, Snails, Tadpoles

Appearance Summary: Etheostoma microperca is a small fish species with a slender body and a large head. It has a long snout and a large mouth with a protruding lower jaw. Its coloration is typically olive-green to brown with a yellowish-green belly. It has a dark stripe running along its sides and a dark spot at the base of its tail. Its fins are yellowish-green with dark spots. It has a single dorsal fin and two anal fins. Its scales are small and cycloid.

Facial description: Etheostoma microperca has a large, slightly oblique mouth with a lower jaw that extends beyond the upper jaw. Its eyes are small and located on the top of its head. Its body is covered in small scales and its coloration is typically olive-green with a yellowish-green belly. It has a black spot on its caudal fin and a black stripe running along its sides.

What are the distinct features of Least darter? Small size, olive-green to yellowish-brown in color, dark blotches on sides, dark stripes on head, dark spots on dorsal fin, yellowish-orange on belly, short snout, large eyes, no vocalizations, schooling behavior, bottom-dwelling, feeds on small invertebrates

What makes them unique?

Least darter body color description: Etheostoma microperca is commonly known as the Orangebelly Darter and is usually found in shades of yellow, orange, and green.

skin type: The exterior of Etheostoma microperca is smooth and slimy, with a thin layer of scales covering its body. Its scales are small and round, giving it a glossy, shimmering appearance.

Strengths: Adaptability, Resilience, Ability to Reproduce Quickly, Ability to Withstand Environmental Changes, Ability to Find Food Easily, Ability to Hide from Predators

Weaknesses: Susceptible to environmental changes, Limited habitat range, Low reproductive rate, Limited dispersal ability

Etheostoma microperca behavior summary: Etheostoma microperca, commonly known as the rainbow darter, is a small fish that lives in freshwater streams and rivers. It is an active swimmer, using its fins to move quickly through the water. It hides among rocks and vegetation to avoid predators, and will also use its sharp spines to defend itself if necessary. It feeds on small invertebrates, such as insects and crustaceans, and interacts with other organisms in its environment by competing for food and shelter.

How do they defend themselves? Etheostoma microperca, commonly known as the rainbow darter, is a species of freshwater fish that is native to North America. It has a number of defense mechanisms to protect itself from predators. These include its small size, its ability to camouflage itself in its environment, and its ability to rapidly change color to blend in with its surroundings. It also has a sharp spiny dorsal fin that can be used to deter predators.

How do Least darter respond to stimuli in their environment? Visual, Chemical, Acoustic

How do Least darter gather food? Etheostoma microperca, commonly known as the rainbow darter, is a small fish that inhabits freshwater streams and rivers. It feeds mainly on small aquatic insects, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and midges. To hunt, the rainbow darter uses its sharp eyesight to detect prey and then quickly darts forward to capture it. It also uses its sensitive lateral line system to detect vibrations in the water that indicate the presence of prey. To survive, the rainbow darter needs a clean, oxygen-rich environment with plenty of food sources. Challenges faced while searching for food include competition with other fish species, pollution, and habitat destruction.

How do Least darter communicate in their environment? Etheostoma microperca communicates with other organisms through a variety of methods, such as visual displays, chemical signals, and sound. These signals are used to attract mates, defend territories, and warn of danger. Etheostoma microperca also uses its sense of smell to detect food and predators.

Examples: Etheostoma microperca, Change in coloration, Change in body shape, Release of pheromones

How does the Least darter get territorial? Defend territory, Claim territory, Establish boundaries

Diet Summary: Etheostoma microperca typically feeds on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish. Commonly consumed foods include aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, mollusks, and aquatic worms. Toxic and unhealthy foods for this organism include large amounts of algae, which can cause digestive issues.

Predators: Etheostoma microperca, commonly known as the orangebelly darter, is threatened by a variety of predators, environmental changes, and negative impacts to its population growth. These include predation from larger fish, changes in water temperature, and sedimentation from agricultural runoff. These factors have caused a decrease in the population of Etheostoma microperca, making it a species of concern.

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Overfishing, Disease, Predation by Larger Fish, Competition for Food

Life cycle: Etheostoma microperca reproduces by laying eggs in nests. The eggs hatch into larvae, which then develop into juveniles. The juveniles then mature into adults, which can reproduce. The adults spawn in the spring and summer months, and the eggs hatch in about two weeks. The larvae then feed and grow for several months before becoming juveniles. The juveniles then mature into adults, which can reproduce again.

Average offspring size: 4.5 - 6.5 cm

Most common health issues: Respiratory Disease, Skin Lesions, Fin Rot, Gill Disease, Bacterial Infections, Parasitic Infections

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Overfishing, Disease, Predation by Larger Fish, Competition for Food

Common diseases that threaten the Least darter population: Fin Rot, Bacterial Gill Disease, Columnaris Disease, Saprolegniasis, White Spot Disease, Amyloodinium Ocellatum, Trichodina, Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis

Population: Etheostoma microperca population has been steadily declining since 2010, with the lowest population recorded in 2018. The population peaked in 2008 with an estimated population of 1,000 individuals. From 2008 to 2010, the population decreased by approximately 20%. From 2010 to 2018, the population decreased by approximately 40%.

How do Least darter adapt to their environment Etheostoma microperca, commonly known as the rainbow darter, is a species of fish that has adapted to its environment by developing a unique coloration. This coloration helps the fish to blend in with its surroundings, making it difficult for predators to spot. For example, in the rivers of the southeastern United States, the rainbow darter has adapted to its environment by developing a mottled pattern of yellow, green, and brown colors that help it to blend in with the rocks and vegetation of its habitat.

What's their social structure? Etheostoma microperca is a species of freshwater fish that is found in the eastern United States. They are a part of the food chain, as they are preyed upon by larger fish and birds. They also feed on smaller organisms such as insects and crustaceans. They live in family groups, with the males being the dominant members. The males are larger and more brightly colored than the females, and they are the ones that protect the group from predators. They also take the lead in finding food and establishing territories. The females are smaller and less brightly colored, and they are responsible for caring for the eggs and young. The family groups interact with other family groups of the same species, and they also interact with other species of fish in their environment.

How would you describe their survival instincts? Etheostoma microperca, commonly known as the rainbow darter, is an aquatic organism that has evolved to survive in its environment. It has a variety of survival instincts, such as the ability to detect changes in water temperature and pH levels, as well as the presence of predators. It responds to these stimuli by quickly swimming away or hiding in the substrate. It also has the ability to change its coloration to blend in with its surroundings, making it difficult for predators to detect.