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greenside darter max size?


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#1 Guest_Leo1234_*

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Posted 21 September 2014 - 02:43 PM

I was wondering how big greenside darters get. I keep reading different sizes like 4in and 6in. My 4 greensides are in a range of 2-4in. Do greensides need snails? Mine look fine, but I do have a snail population outside just in case.



Also, what darters go well with mottled sculpin? I wanted to know since I am creating aquarium designs for fun.

Edited by Leo1234, 21 September 2014 - 02:46 PM.


#2 Guest_fundulus_*

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Posted 21 September 2014 - 05:21 PM

You might not want to keep any sculpins with darters, since darters are a prime diet item for sculpins. Never ever underestimate the ability of a sculpin to hunt down, subdue and eat a darter. As to greenside length, I've seen them over 5 inches SL.

#3 Michael Wolfe

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Posted 21 September 2014 - 06:26 PM

I have seen some really big ones snorkeling... but estimating without capturing is just a fisherman's tale, so I won't guess. My Peterson's handbook says they are the largest of Etheostoma species and get to 6 3/4. While I don't believe everything I read, that seems pretty close to me. Here is a really crappy picture that I keep around, just because it shows how huge the particular greenside was (we released him after this "in hand" photo).
Attached File  chick greenside.jpg   70.44KB   4 downloads
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#4 Guest_Skipjack_*

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Posted 21 September 2014 - 06:42 PM

6 inches is no lie. I rarely see them that size in anything but good water, and bigger water. In smaller streams you rarely see them much over 4 inches. I have kept many and though they thrive, I don't think I have grown one much over 4 inches.

Snails are not essential, but they are snail specialists, and if you have a source, they will devour them. Makes for a happy darter.

#5 Guest_blakemarkwell_*

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Posted 21 September 2014 - 07:00 PM

E. gutselli, sometimes considered a subspecies of E. blennioides, can get particularly big, as can E. b. newmanni. But yeah, definitely the longest Etheostoma species that can get 6+ inches in total length.

#6 Guest_jblaylock_*

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Posted 23 September 2014 - 08:36 AM

I've seen 6in E. blennioides on many occasions. They do get fairly large.




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