Etheostoma histrio
Jordan and Gilbert 1887
Family Percidae
The harlequin darter is a member of the perch and darter family. It has a large head, blunt snout and a subterminal mouth. This species has two large dark brown spots on the caudal fin base, and many dark brown or black specks on the yellow belly and underside of the head. The first dorsal fin is mostly clear with a dark, red-brown margin on the first dorsal fin. Large males are emerald green with brown and black mottling and a dusky green margin on the first dorsal fin. The harlequin darter lives in sand and gravel runs of small to medium rivers near woody debris in moderate to fast current.
Status & distribution
- Status — Native freshwater
- Florida Distribution — Western and North Central drainages
- River Drainages — the Escambia River