How to Identify Percidae

Key Identification Features

• The genus is also genetically distinct for having a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) allele that does not occur in other darter genera.
• Etheostoma squamiceps, commonly called the spottail darter, gets its common name from the three distinct spots located at the base of its caudal fin.
• The sides of the mud darter feature 9–12 irregular dark brown vertical bars, and three vertically arranged spots sit at the base of its tail.
• Their anal fin usually has 2 spines and 8–9 rays.

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