Percina sciera (Swain, 1883)
Dusky darter
Percina sciera
photo by Tumlison, R.

Family:  Percidae (Perches), subfamily: Etheostomatinae
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 4 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.80000019073486 - 7.80000019073486; dH range: 8 - 18
Distribution:  North America: Mississippi River basin from Ohio and West Virginia to eastern Illinois and south to Louisiana in the USA; Gulf drainages from Black Warrior River in Alabama to Guadalupe River in Texas, USA.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabit fast gravel runs, sometimes riffles, of creeks and small to medium rivers. Often found near brush (Ref. 5723, 10294). Young are found in shallower gravel riffles (Ref. 7043). Juveniles feed on midge and blackfly larvae; adults consume caddisfly and mayfly larvae (Ref. 10294). Males are larger and darker in color during breeding (Ref. 69400).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 March 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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