The rainbow darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) is a small species of freshwater ray-finned fish, a darter from the subfamily Etheostomatinae, part of the family Percidae, which also contains the perches, ruffes and pikeperches. It is native to North America where it is found in small, fast-moving streams and small to medium-sized rivers.

Rainbow Darters (Etheostoma caeruleum) are an impressively colorful fish native to North America. They are common throughout the United States, specifically along the Great Lakes and Ohio River. They can also be found in some regions of Canada.

The rainbow darter is a common and characteristic darter in the Ozark region of Missouri. Throughout its Missouri range, it is the most abundant darter in most streams of all sizes except for the smallest headwater creeks. It reaches its greatest abundance in medium to large creeks and small rivers.

Similar to orangethroat darter Etheostoma spectabile, redline darter E. luteovinctum, and mud darter E. asprigine, but these three species lack red color on anal fin that is present in E. caeruleum. Size: 7.7 cm.

The rainbow darter lives in creeks and rivers, selecting areas with a gravel or rock bottom. This fish lives near the bottom. It spawns from March through May. Eggs are buried in gravel. Large males defend a territory. The rainbow darter eats crustaceans, snails and insects.

The rainbow darter is a small, benthic freshwater fish found in many creeks and small to medium-sized rivers throughout North America. In particular, it is common throughout the eastern United States, specifically throughout the Great Lakes and Ohio River Valley regions.

Rainbow darters (Etheostoma caeruleum) are native to the Nearctic region. Year-round, this species inhabits small rivers and streams in eastern North America. Rainbow darters have been widely located in vast numbers in the Ohio River valley and the tributaries of the Great Lakes.

Mar 18, 2025 · Like other members of the darter family, the Rainbow Darter is a benthic (bottom-dwelling) species of fish, and specializes in using the gaps between rocky stream substrates for protective cover and opportunistic feeding.

Rainbow Darters live in creeks and small rivers of moderate gradient and riffles made of coarse gravel and rubble. Under ideal habitat conditions, they may be locally the most abundant darter. Spawning takes place as the water temperature reaches 62 degrees.

Etheostoma caeruleum, rainbow darter, captive bred juvenile, Dustin Smith, copyright reserved, view photo Check our Fish List for availability of this species Jonah's Aquarium