Species profile
Iowa Darter
Etheostoma exile
At a glance
Iowa Darter (Etheostoma exile) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 804 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Ontario, Michigan, and Minnesota the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Unlike most darters, Iowa darters prefer quiet, vegetated water over fast rocky riffles.
- Males develop red-orange spots and blue-green bars during breeding season.
- Iowa darters typically measure 1.5–2.5 inches in length.
- They range across the northern US and southern Canada, far beyond Iowa.
- Their Latin name 'exile' means 'slender,' describing their elongated body shape.
Where Iowa Darter are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Iowa Darter
Background
Etheostoma exile (Iowa darter) is a species of freshwater fish in the perch family (Percidae) of order Perciformes. The Iowa darter, along with about 17 other species of darters, is native to the lakes and streams of Iowa.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Iowa Darter article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.