Rainbow Darter

Rainbow Darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) 

This species is found statewide in the smaller and medium sized streams. It prefers riffles of moderate gradients composed primarily of gravel and small cobble.

In many small streams it can be the dominate species of darter on these riffles.

This is one of the most colorful species of darters found in Ohio.

Breeding males are characterized by a combination of brilliant blues, reds, and oranges.

Rainbow darters feed on a variety of aquatic insect larvae.