Darters are native only to North America and range from Arctic drainages in Canada to mountain streams of Northern Mexico.
I live in S.W.Ontario where I can find at least 12 different species in my "backyard". The Rainbow Darter is found a little further north and east of where I live.
When I lived in Toronto I used to explore the Rouge River on the eastern outskirts of the city. This small river is still in excellent condition. Probably the only river in the area that can be described as such. It was here that I saw my first Rainbow Da
rter. It was a sunny day and when I brought my net up, there was this dazzling little fish fairly glowing in the sunlight. All bright red and green! It is a very striking fish.
Darters are very easy to keep and breed and adapt readily to aquarium conditions if you can provide cool conditions. If you have a basement then you can easily keep them.
Where are you living Larry? If it is N.Am. somewhere and close to a water way then you could probably collect darters tomorrow. The Rainbow is but one of many very colourful darters out there. If you email me privately I can check my book and let you know
what species you can find in your area.
Be aware though that SOME species are highly endangered. Some of these fish come from very restricted areas such as a small segment of one stream. Others are very abundant and widely distributed. You must consult local authorities to see what the local r
egulations say about collecting darters.
Chris
drews at webgate.net