Etheostoma

/ˌɛθiˈɑːstəmə/ noun

Definition

A genus of small colorful freshwater fish found in North America, commonly known as darters, which dart quickly along stream bottoms.

Etymology

From Greek etheo- (straining, filtering) + stoma (mouth), referring to the way these fish feed by sifting food from water. The name describes their filtering feeding behavior.

Kelly Says

Darters in the genus Etheostoma are the most diverse group of fish in North America with over 200 species, yet most people have never heard of them—they're tiny rainbow-colored gems hidden in streams that rival tropical fish in beauty!

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