Spotted Darter

Spotted Darter (Etheostoma maculatum)

The spotted darter is one of the rarer species of fish currently inhabiting Ohio streams. A frequent associate of the bluebreast darter and variegate darter, they are highly selective in their habitat preferences.

This darter requires swift riffles characterized by large boulders and cobbles. In these riffles the spotted darter will usually be found seeking shelter around the larger rocks where they feed on a variety of aquatic invertebrates.

Spotted Darter populations are highly disjunct throughout their range. In Ohio populations are found in Big Darby Creek and the Kokosing River. A small remnant population may still persist in the Olentangy River but this is tenuous at best. Within these streams Spotted Darters may be found on only a very few riffles which are usually situated in the lower segments of the stream.

Spawning occurs in the spring with the female depositing her eggs on the underside of a stone. Eggs are then fertilized and guarded by the male until the young are born.