Goldline Darter

Percina aurolineata

Goldline Darters lack a functional swim bladder, which allows them to sink easily and remain anchored to the riverbed even in heavy currents.

Scientific name

Percina aurolineata

Taxonomy

Animalia › Chordata › Actinopterygii › Perciformes › Percidae › Percina

IUCN Red List status

Vulnerable

Population trend

decreasing

Biome

aquatic

Habitat

Clean, fast-flowing rivers and large creeks with gravel or cobble substrates.

Diet

Small aquatic insect larvae, particularly midges, mayflies, and caddisflies.

Range

Cahaba River, Alabama, Coosa River system, Georgia, Tallapoosa River, Alabama

Size

2 to 3.5 inches (5-9 cm)

Lifespan

3-4 years

Active

diurnal

Threats

Siltation, dam construction, water pollution from agricultural runoff, and habitat fragmentation.

Safe to approach?

Harmless. Observe quietly from the surface with a mask; avoid stepping on gravel shoals where they nest. If handled by accident, return immediately to the water to prevent oxygen deprivation.

The goldline darter ( Percina aurolineata ) is a rare freshwater fish in the perch family found in the United States, primarily in the Cahaba River in central Alabama and the Coosa River in Georgia and Alabama. It is a small fish seldom exceeding 3 in (7.6 cm) in length. It is typically found in areas with moderate to swift currents and a water depth of over 2 ft (60 cm), in the main channels of free-flowing rivers with a rock, cobble...

Photo: Pattavina Pete, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, no known copyright restrictions (public domain), PD, via iNaturalist

Plain-text version: /species/f6e0db91-4e1b-4131-b26e-050ae912b37b.md