Etheostoma swaini
(Jordan 1884)
Family Percidae
![Lateral view of a Gulf darter](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/66/2020/02/Plate-176.jpg)
The Gulf darter is a member of the perch and darter family. It has dark brown on the back and side of the body along with thin, dark lines on the upper side body with white to orange coloration on the lower side and belly. There are dark bars on the side of the body that can often be obscured by mottling. This species has a short snout and terminal mouth with an incomplete lateral line. The Gulf darter can be found in riffles and runs in headwaters, creeks and small to medium rivers. This species is often found near vegetation.
Status & distribution
- Status — Native freshwater
- Florida Distribution — Western and North Central drainages
- River Drainages — Perdido River, Escambia River, Blackwater River, Yellow River, Choctawhatchee River, Econfina Creek, Apalachicola River and the Ochlockonee River