Marbled Darter

📖 Overview

Marbled Darter (Etheostoma marmorpinnum), first described by Blanton & Jenkins, 2008 is a tiny fish in the family Percidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 4.10 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Temperate waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Critically Endangered.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Etheostoma marmorpinnum is distinguished from all other members of the species complex by higher percentage of belly covered by scales (60–80% vs. 10% or less); higher percentage of body area along the first dorsal-fin base covered with scales (100% vs. 70% or less); dark distinct marbling in second dorsal fin of nuptial males (vs. lighter diffuse marbling or marbling absent); narrower band width for caudal fin (range = 12–15% of fin length vs. 15–25%) and anal-fin (range = 29–33% vs. 33–58%); more scales around caudal peduncle (25 vs. 23 or 24); and higher first dorsal fin (D1H, =117 vs. 105 or less). The species is further distinguished from E. percnurum by fewer caudal fin rays (15 vs. 18); narrower distal band on pectoral fin (range = 17–20% vs. 27–32% of fin length) and second dorsal fin (14–21% vs. 23–25% of fin height); and by prominent tessellation of medial region of caudal fin of nuptial males (vs. uniformly dusky). Further distinguished from E percnurum and E. sitikuense by an intermediate number of pored lateral-line scales (27 vs. 22 or 33 respectively). Means of other measurements were also informative in distinguishing E. marmorpinnum from other members of the complex .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Marbled Darter is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Temperate North America: USA.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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