BLOTCHSIDE LOGPERCH
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Percina burtoni
Characterisitics: A member of the subgenus Percina, the blotchside logperch is characterized by a naked or mostly unscaled nape, and along the lateral line, a series of large blotches that are usually present in juvenile specimens. An orange submarginal band in the anterior part of the spiny dorsal fin distinguishes the blotchside logperch from the similar Percina caprodes, which has an uncolored spiny dorsal fin. Percina burtoni is olive on the back, fading to yellow and white along the lower sides and venter. Lateral pigmentation consists of eight to 10 dark green to black oval or round blotches that are partially connected along their width by the lateral band. In older individuals the back has nine to 11 dark saddles and numerous dark stripes extending ventrally along the upper sides. A distinct caudal spot is typically present.
ADULT SIZE: 3.5 to 5.9 in (90 to 150 mm)
DISTRIBUTION: Although not common, Percina burtoni is widely distributed in upland streams of the Tennessee River and upland streams of the middle Cumberland River. It is quite rare in Alabama, restricted to Estill and Larkin forks of the Paint Rock River system. This species may also occur in the Shoal Creek system, as Etnier and Starnes (1993) report specimens from Little Butler Creek just north of the Alabama-Tennessee state line.
HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Percina burtoni inhabits swift riffles and flowing pools over gravel and small cobble substrates in clear, moderately large streams and smaller rivers that have exceptionally good water quality. Spawning is reported to occur from April to May (Etnier and Starnes, 1993). Reproductive behavior is unknown but is assumed to be similar to that of other logperch. The diet consists of aquatic insect larvae including mayflies, caddisflies, midges, blackflies, and riffle beetles.
ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION: Fowler described the blotchside logperch darter in 1945.
ETYMOLOGY:
Percina is a diminutive of Perca, meaning perch.
Burtoni is in honor of E. Milby Burton, who first collected the species.
The copyrighted information above is from Fishes of Alabama and the Mobile Basin.
