Percina aurantiaca

[Mark Smith]

Here is something for all those interested in native American fish. A male Percina aurantiaca, Tangerine Darter, one of the largest darters known.

[Kyle May]

Where does this fish live?

[Mark Smith]

The rivers of the central Appalachian Mountains.

[taeniopareius]

How long do you keep him? Stay in color? Cool water?

[Mark Smith]

Sorry for the long delay in responding, Taeniopareius. I hadn't checked this thread in awhile.

I caught this individual back in 1993 from the Tellico River, eastern Tennesseee. The water was approx. 65 F in August, the warmest the water reaches. This species seems to prefer the rivers at a somewhat higher, cooler elevation. The larger individuals, males primarly, would spend most of their time in the middle of the river where the current was strongest. I saw females and sub-adults more close to the edge of the river in slower flowing water. This male stayed in color for the few months I had it, and then I had to give it to a friend due to moving to California.