Meramec Saddled Darter

Etheostoma erythrozonum is a relatively large, stout-bodied species of Etheostoma.Dorsal-fin spines (11–14, modally 13), dorsal-fin rays (12–14, modally 13), anal-fin rays (8–10, modally 9), principal caudal rays (16–18, modally 17), pectoral-fin rays (15–17, modally 16), lateral-line scales (39–55, modally 50), cheek scales absent, opercle partially scaled (0–9 scales, modally 5), breast partially to completely scaled, nape completely scaled. Both males and females of this species have four prominent dark saddles on the back and dorsal sides, with the sides angled obliquely forward. The background color is dusky in the dorsal region, lighter in the sublateral region and white on the belly. Along the sides is a series of sub-lateral dark blotches. There is a darkpreorbital bar extending forward and a dark suborbital bar extending down the cheek. This species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism in nuptial color patterns.

Etheostoma erythrozonum is one of the most abundant darters within its range; its conservation status is currently considered stable (Ref. 49982 and Ref. 80865).

The Meramec saddled darter (Etheostoma erythrozonum) is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish, a darter from the subfamily Etheostomatinae, part of the family Percidae, which also contains the perches, ruffes and pikeperches. It is endemic to the eastern United States, where it occurs in the larger streams of the Meramec River drainage of Missouri. It inhabits fast gravel and rubble riffles of small to medium rivers . This species can reach a length of 7.1 cm (2.8 in).