Identification
Four dark saddles cross the back. During breeding, males develop conspicuous blue around the lips and mouth, with greenish head coloration and reddish markings elsewhere. The name refers to a blenny-like appearance; this fish belongs to the freshwater perch family.
Size and Weight
The reported maximum total length is 8.3 cm, roughly 3.3 inches. The regional adult range of 4 to 6.9 cm describes smaller, more usual fish. No reliable maximum whole-body weight was established. Neither a preserved specimen weight nor another darter’s record would fill that gap accurately.
Habitat and Natural Food
Fast riffles, gravel and small boulders characterize its habitat. Alabama surveyors found it in especially swift deep chutes within its limited local range. Aquatic insect larvae provide food, including mayflies and midges.
Life Cycle and Observation
Spawning takes place in gravel riffles during March and April, and maturity can occur in the first year. Its short reported lifespan contrasts with that of many larger perch relatives. This small stream fish has no verified species-specific bait or lure recommendation here.
Blue Around the Mouth
A breeding male can display a striking blue mouth against greener head colors. Seasonal appearance matters: a fish seen outside spawning season may be much more subdued than a photograph of a fully colored male.
All Lakes With Blenny Darter
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Blenny Darter records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.