Etheostoma olmstedi
Storer 1842
Family Percidae
The tessellated darter is a member of the perch and darter family. It is light brown with six dark brown saddles, and there are dark brown “Xs” and “Ws” along the side of the slender body. This species has wavy brown lines on the upper side, no premaxillary frenum and fins that are clear or have thin brown bands. There is a black spot located anteriorly on the first dorsal fin. Tessellated darters can be found in sandy pools of headwaters, creeks and small rivers.
Status & distribution
- Status — Native freshwater
- Florida Distribution — Peninsula drainages
- River Drainages — the St. John’s River