Description
Johnny Darter – Etheostoma nigrum – to 3″ (7.62 cm)
The native range of this species in the wild is primarily the north-central United States and Canada, east of the Rocky Mountains. There, they prefer the quieter waters of rivers, streams and lakes. They are also found across a wide range of substrate types, from sand to silt to mud and rocks. The Johnny Darter is the most abundant darter species in our home state of Wisconsin
In the aquarium, they make inquisitive inhabitants, coming to recognize their keeper and “begging” for food when the keeper is around!
Great community fishes, they are also not aggressive. They can be kept in groups ranging from all males to all females, and any combination in between! They can also be kept peacefully with just about any other fish in the aquarium, including other darters, small catfish, minnows and many, many tropical aquarium fishes!
Care Requirements:
Temperature Tolerance Range: 32-78°F (0-25.56°C.)
Preferred Temperature Range: 72-76°F (22.2-24.4°C) (room temperature water.)
Water Hardness: Medium to Hard.
Type of Tank Setup: Freshwater (cold) or Freshwater (tropical) / Species or Community.
Food: Live or Frozen, and occasionally flake.
Swimming Level: Bottom.
Parasite Pre-Treated?: All wild-collected fish have been parasite pre-treated for internal and external parasites.
Special Requirements: Johnny Darters need good water circulation / aeration. These fish feed off the bottom and may feed slowly, so be sure that sufficient food gets to the bottom of the tank.
Notes: These fish are one of the hardiest darters and make great “starter darters”.
