Species · GBIF taxon 2382273
Seagreen Darter
Etheostoma thalassinumMale seagreen darters showcase brilliant emerald and turquoise hues along their flanks during the spring spawning season. These energetic, bottom-dwelling fish dart between gravel beds and submerged boulders to capture drifting aquatic insect larvae. Endemic to the Santee River drainage of the Carolinas, they serve as crucial indicators of pristine, well-oxygenated stream water.
FreshwaterStream DwellerColorful
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mayfly nymphs
- Caddisfly larvae
- Midge larvae
Predators
- Larger predatory fish
- Water snakes
- Herons
ThreatsSedimentation, stream impoundment, agricultural runoff
HabitatsRocky riffles and gravel beds in clear streams
Life span3 to 4 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPerciformes
- FamilyPercidae
- GenusEtheostoma
- SpeciesEtheostoma thalassinum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for small fish under eight centimeters with distinct blue-green vertical bars along their sides in swift rocky currents.
- Support conservation
- Observe from a distance without wading heavily through breeding gravels, and never collect wild specimens.
Responsible observation
- Polarized Lenses: Wear polarized sunglasses to spot brilliant males resting on shallow riverbeds.
- Habitat Protection: Avoid disturbing gravel shoals where eggs are deposited during spring.
- Snorkeling Etiquette: Float quietly in clear riffles to watch feeding behavior without kicking up sediment.
Co-occurring Species (c) Zakqary Roy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Co-occurring Species 
Close Relative (c) Steven Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steven Wang · cc-by
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