The Variegate Darter (Etheostoma variatum) was described in 1838 by the famed Buckeye Naturalist, J. P. Kirtland. Etheostoma means "strained mouth," possibly referring to the size and position of the mouths for this group of fishes. The name variatum roughly translates to "a variance," describing how different and unique this fish looks compared to its cousins. Kirtland described these fish as "gaudy," while Milton Trautman compared them to something from a children's coloring book. Variegate Darters are members of the Perch Family, which contains roughly 250 species of darters!
Comparison of male and female Variegates. Photo credit: Paul DeRolf
Thanks to their unique appearance Variegate Darters stand out from their cousins when scooped up with a net. The head is triangular with a large mouth and eyes. The pectoral fins are long, nearly reaching back to the anal fin. Four thick, dark saddles extend across the back, angled towards the head. Along the body are greenish-blue bands with two to three orange spots between them. Their max body length is typically 11 cm (~4.3 inches), and they live to about four years of age.
In hand, two male Variegates in breeding condition from Big Darby Creek. Photo credit: Ohio State University research assistant Gracie Gehle.
Variegate Darters prefer to call medium to large rivers home but can be in smaller tributaries that contain the proper habitat. Like other darters, Variegates have reduced swim bladders which restricts them from swimming within the water column. Shallow riffles with swiftly flowing water and clean cobble are ideal spots to find these magnificent fish. During the winter months, Variegate Darters will drop back into deep pools on the river to find warmer water. Come springtime males move into riffles where they intensify in color and become more robust (like in the above image). They establish spawning territories within the cobble and fight other males to defend their spot. Once the females are ready, they move up then mating takes place. Eggs are fertilized and deposited into the sediment, where they remain, unguarded.
Distribution of the Variegate Darter.
As shown in the above image from FishMap, the range spans roughly seven states running along the western slopes of Appalachia over to southern Indiana. Variegate Darters are of "least concern" for overall population status but in some parts of their range, they are in trouble. The issues they face are increased runoff from agriculture and urbanization, along with continually altered stream flows. These fish are highly intolerant of pollution and require silt-free riffles with clean water. This trait makes them an excellent indicator species for stream health.
The best way to observe these fish is to put on a snorkel mask and get in the water to be face-to-face with them! Being able to see them move between rocks and show off their colors is such a treat. If you move too quickly and spook them, they will flair their pectoral fins and use the current to parachute themselves away. My first time out with them, I witnessed this behavior and was amazed. One could also microfish for them by using small hooks (size 30) and minute chunks of redworm, or even grab a net and go darter dancing! No matter how you choose to observe them, make sure you continually enjoy, protect, and enhance our freshwater habitats!
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