Darter is a group of small freshwater fish that dart quickly from one resting place to another. There are more than 100 species (kinds) of darters. They are found in North American waters east of the Rocky Mountains, from central Canada to northern Mexico.
Most darters live in clear, fast-moving streams that have gravelly bottoms. Others thrive in lakes and rivers. During the breeding season, male darters of many species develop brilliant colors. Male rainbow darters, which become blue, red, and yellow, are especially striking. Female darters lay eggs in spring or early summer. Darters eat a variety of water insects and other fish. The young feed on microscopic organisms called zooplankton. Darters may be eaten by a variety of fish, including lake trout, burbot, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, whitefish, and white perch. Darters range in size from the least darter, which measures less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) long, to the freckled darter and the logperch, which grow nearly 8 inches (20 centimeters) long. Most species measure from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters).
Several species of darters have become endangered. The fish are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment.
