Gilt darter

Description

The gilt darter (Percina evides) is a small freshwater fish in the genus Percina,a ray-finned fish in the perch family.It can be found in a number of states in the Mississippi River drainage of the United States although it has been extirpated from some river systems in which it was at one time present,mostly due to siltation and pollution problems.Males are more colorful than females and can grow to a length of about 9 cm (3.5 in).It is a benthic fish that feeds primarily on small aquatic insect larvae.Males form territories during the breeding season in late spring and early summer.Spawning typically takes place at the upper ends of riffles with sandy and gravelly bottoms interspersed with larger cobbles.Some organisations are endeavouring to conserve populations of the gilt darter and re-introduce it to states where the fish has been extirpated but suitable habitat still exists.Male gilt darters grow faster and larger than females.They reach a length of around 70mm in their third year.Larger specimens,up to 94mm have been reported in the Ozarks.Males are also more colorful than females.