The orangethroat darter is usually found in small, clear streams with sand and gravel bottoms. They like it cold but not as cold as most other darters. The orangethroat darter is often found in association with the rainbow darter. Non-breeding orangethroat darters may be thought to be rainbow darters. They eat mostly aquatic insect larvae.
Blood worms are a favorite.
Sexing During spawning season, males have much more bright orange and blue coloration. They are also more aggressive. Breeding males may have tubercles on their fins. Breeding Orangethroat darters breed in the spring and summer. The male will coax the female to enter and lay a few hundred eggs.