Identification
Breeding males can display a prominent red patch in the middle of the tail, red pelvic fins and green on the breast. About eight side blotches may touch slightly, with broken dark-red pigment above them. These details help distinguish Cherry Darter from closely related snubnose darters, especially when the drainage is known.
Maximum and Common Size
The compiled maximum is 7.7 centimeters from the snout to the end of the tail. The common reference length is smaller, at 5.4 centimeters. Standard-length figures encountered in other accounts exclude the tail, so they should not be treated as conflicting total-length records or converted by guesswork.
Stream Habitat
The original species study found a preference for small to moderately sized streams, particularly gravel riffles and runs with low to moderate turbulence. In larger waterways, fish were more often collected near the margins. At Cherry Creek, the habitat included alternating pools and riffles with limestone slabs, bedrock, gravel and rubble.
A Local Tennessee Fish
The upper Caney Fork is part of the Cumberland drainage. This restricted setting is important when comparing similar darters: a colorful fish from another Tennessee basin is not automatically a Cherry Darter. Record the tributary along with a clear side photograph and visible fins.
Look at the Middle of the Tail
The red central tail patch of a breeding male is a useful feature to capture. Seasonal color changes mean that its absence alone cannot rule out the species.
All Lakes With Cherry Darter
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Cherry Darter records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.