Etheostoma zonifer
(Hubbs and Cannon 1935)
Family Percidae
![Lateral view of backwater darter](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/66/2020/02/Plate-177.jpg)
The backwater darter is a member of the perch and darter family. It has a slender body with a short and pointed snout and terminal mouth. The back and side of the body are yellow with green saddles, and there are wavy lines on the back with bright green bars or squares on the side. The lateral line is incomplete and anteriorly arched with between 13 and 27 pores. Backwater darters can be found in pools and backwaters of creeks and small to medium rivers. This species is found most often near vegetation and woody debris.
Status & distribution
- Status — Native freshwater
- Florida Distribution — Western and North Central drainages
- River Drainages — the Apalachicola River