Range and Identity
Etheostoma obama is the identity retained for Spangled Darter. It was described in a study of the Doration darter group. Regional locality and the original species determination matter when comparing it with other colorful darters from neighboring streams.
Habitat and Behavior
Breeding males have blue bands and orange pigment in the dorsal fins, with orange spots on several fin rays. The face and lower head also show orange and blue markings. These are breeding-male characters, not a promise that every juvenile or female has the same color pattern.
Food and Life History
The larger upper reference is 4.8 centimeters standard length, with a smaller female value of 4.3 centimeters. Diagnostic features also include lateral-line and scaling characters. A detailed diet and independent maximum mass are not established in the checked account.
Field Note
Photograph the full body and fins and record sex or breeding condition when known. Color alone can vary, making the combined morphological and locality evidence more useful.
All Lakes With Spangled Darter
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Spangled Darter records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.