FISH KEY ALL FAMILIES
FISH KEY ALL FAMILIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fish Key:
To Get to Family ...... 3
Family Anguillidae ...... 4-6
Family Catostomidae ...... 7-9
Family Centrarchidae ...... 10-23
Family Cottidae ...... 24-26
Family Clupeidae ...... 27-29
Family Cyprinidae ...... 30-46
Family Cyprinodontidae ...... 47-51
Family Esocidae ...... 52-56
Family Ictaluridae ...... 57-59
Family Percichthyidae ...... 60-62
Family Percidae ...... 63-68
Family Salmonidae ...... 69-75
Family Umbridae ...... 76-77
Sources Cited ...... 78
FISH KEY ALL FAMILIES
TO GET TO FAMILY
SPINES IN OR NEAR THE FINS NO SPINES IN OR NEAR THE FINS
Stout spines at the base of the fins Snakelike Body Whiskers Jaws FAMILY ICTALURIDAE Small mouth FAMILY ANGUILLIDAE
Relatively small body Long, thin body Huge head Large mouth FAMILY COTTIDAE FAMILY ESOCIDAE
Torpedo body
Mostly laterally compressed, Adipose (fleshy fin) on back near tail
FAMILY SALMONIDAE i.e., in cross section (except in black bass) FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE Sucker mouth Fleshy lips OR FAMILY CATOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY PERCIDAE Deep body Laterally compressed Silvery OR Keel (sharp scales) on the belly FAMILY CLUPEIDAE
FAMILY PERCICHTHYIDAE Small, silvery fish
(Scales may have black edge) FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Small, non-silvery fish Protrusible mouth FAMILY CYPRINODONTIDAE
Small, non-silvery fish Non-protrusible mouth FAMILY UMBRIDAE
FISH KEY FAMILY ANGUILLIDAE
Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Anguillidae
Species from Inventory:
American eel
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Snake-like body, presence of jaws and paired fins; single, slit-like gill openings covered by a bony opercle.
FISH KEY FAMILY ANGUILLIDAE
Family Name: Anguillidae
Common Name: American Eel
Scientific Name: Anguilla rostrata
Other Names: Freshwater eel, common eel, eel.
Park: Weir Farm NHS, Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Minuteman NHP, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Weir Pond (WEFA); Meriches Kill (ROVA), Crum Elbow Creek (ROVA); Elm Brook (MIMA); Gull Pond (CACO), Higgins Pond (CACO), Williams Pond (CACO), Herring Pond (CACO), Spectacle Pond (CACO), Horseleech Pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
General: snake-like body, has jaws Specific: single gill slits, no pelvic fins, dorsal fin begins well behind pectoral fins and is contiguous with caudal and anal fins.
Similar Species: American brook lampreys and sea lampreys have similar snake-like body shape, however, the lampreys lack true jaws and pectoral fins.
Habitat: Preferred freshwater habitats are typically lakes and slow-moving streams; our team found them in small lakes, low-flow impoundments, lower gradient streams, moderate gradient streams, and higher gradient streams.
Ecology: The American eel is a voracious, nocturnal omnivore that actively hunts for its prey. Females may reach a maximum length of 6 feet, but generally grow to about 2 to 3 ½ feet. Males grow to about 1 ½ to 2 feet. Become sexually mature between 5 and 10 years.
Life History: As a catadromous species, eel begin their spawning journey to the Sargasso Sea in the fall and reach their destination by mid-winter. Juveniles are carried by currents back to coastal waters. While males remain in the brackish waters, females continue into freshwaters and may travel great distances through many obstacles.
FISH KEY FAMILY ANGUILLIDAE
References:
American eel image. Texas Parks and Wildlife. Texas Freshwater Fishing. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fish/infish/species/eel/eel.htm
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CATOSTOMIDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Catostomidae
Species from Inventory:
White sucker
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Downward facing mouth adapted for sucking with thick fleshy lips having either papillae or pleats; scaleless head; 10 or more dorsal fin rays.
FISH KEY FAMILY CATOSTOMIDAE
Family Name: Catostomidae
Common Name: White Sucker
Scientific Name: Catostomus commersoni
Other Names: Common sucker, sucker, barbel.
Park: Morristown NHP, Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Saratoga NHP, Saint Gaudens NHS, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Indian Grave Brook (MORR), Passaic River (MORR), Primrose Brook (MORR); Upper Valkill Pond (ROVA), Meriches Kill (ROVA); Kroma Kill (SARA), Old Champlain Canal- section 1(SARA), Mill Creek- Main and Middle branch (SARA); Blow-me- down Brook (SAGA), Blow-me-down Pond (SAGA); Gull Pond (CACO), Higgins Pond (CACO), Horseleech Pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: soft-rayed fins; inferior sucking mouth; fleshy lips; short, blunt snout. General: soft-rayed fins; lateral line complete, but may be inconspicuous in juveniles; > 55 and < 80 scales in lateral line; about 25 scale rows crossing the midline in front of the dorsal fin; < 18 dorsal rays; two-chambered swim bladder. Specific: inferior sucking mouth; fleshy lips; short, blunt snout; head convex; no definite saddle-shaped crossbands; slightly concave, square dorsal fin; pectoral pelvic and anal fins with a yellow coloration.
Note: many fish have sucker-like mouths but only the sucker has fleshy lips
Habitat: Can be found in almost any habitat type but will usually avoid deeper waters. Our team found them to be present in all habitat types sampled. These habitat types are small lakes; low-flow and high-flow impoundments; and lower, moderate and higher gradient streams.
Ecology: Adults are bottom-feeders eating a variety of invertebrates, algal matter, and detritus while juveniles feed on mid-water plankton for a short time before becoming bottom-feeders. Adults generally attain a size of 10-18 inches.
FISH KEY FAMILY CATOSTOMIDAE
Life History: Spawning migrations to shallow, gravelly, fast-flowing upstream locations begin in early spring and usually occur at night. Adults return to downstream locations of lakes by daylight.
References:
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
White sucker image. Wisconsin Sea Grant. Fish of the Great Lakes. Fish Profiles. http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/greatlakesfish/becker.html
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Centrarchidae
Species from Inventory:
Bluegill Redbreast Sunfish Green sunfish Rock bass Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Pumpkinseed
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Spiny fins; laterally compressed body; pseudobranchiae absent or poorly developed; opercle without a spine; 3 or more spines in anal fin.
To Distinguish Species, look at:
Body shape Mouth size Coloration Spot Pectoral fin length and shape
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
Family Name: Centrarchidae
Common Name: Bluegill
Scientific Name: Lepomis macrochirus
Other Names: Bluegill sunfish, kibbee, kivver, flatside, bream.
Park: Morristown NHP, Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Saratoga NHP, Minuteman NHP.
Resource Name: Indian Grave Brook (MORR); Upper Valkill Pond (ROVA); Old Champlain Canal- section 1(SARA); Un-named Pond (MIMA).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: laterally compressed; small mouth; dark bars on top of body; black spot on soft dorsal fin; no red or orange; long, pointed pectoral fin. General: gill rakers long, reaching past the second or third gill raker below; 20 gill rakers; opercular flap black to its margin. Specific: black spot on soft dorsal fin; long, pointed pectoral fin extending past lateral line when placed parallel to the edge of the gill cover; maxillary ends below or in advance of front of eye.
Similar Species: Pumpkinseed has similar pectoral fin shape but has orange or red spots that bluegill lack. Note: juvenile sunfish can look alike.
Habitat: Tends to inhabit streams, ponds and lakes with slow-moving waters and a good amount of vegetation. Our team found bluegills primarily in low-flow impoundments.
Ecology: Most adults reach sizes of 5-9 inches but occasionally can grow up to 12 inches. Primarily feeds on aquatic insects.
Life History: Male creates a dish-shaped nest in shallow, gravel bottoms during the spring and aggressively defends it until all the young have left the nest. For all sunfish, drawdowns (i.e., changes in water level) that change the depth of the littoral zone can affect spawning success.
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
References:
Bluegill image. Lake-Link.com-Wisconsin. www.lake-link.com/anglers/fish/fish/details.cfm4
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
Family Name: Centrarchidae
Common Name: Green Sunfish
Scientific Name: Lepomis cyanellus
Park: Minuteman NHP
Resource Name: Mill Brook (MIMA)
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Characteristics: more elongated body (side view) than bluegill or pumpkinseed; large mouth; pectoral fin asymmetrically rounded. General: more elongated body (side view) than bluegill or pumpkinseed; eye small, equal to or shorter than the length of the snout; 14 long gill rakers; tips of gill rakers reaching to the base of the second below; opercular flap with light margin. Specific: mouth large with maxillary ending below front of pupil; pectoral fin asymmetrically rounded with an oblique base; forked caudal fin; 3 anal spines (family).
Habitat: Our team found green sunfish in lower gradient streams.
References:
Green sunfish image. Lake-Link.com-Wisconsin. www.lake- link.com/anglers/fish/fish/details.cfm4
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
Family Name: Centrarchidae
Common Name: Largemouth Bass
Scientific Name: Micropterus salmoides
Other Names: largemouth black bass, largemouth, oswego bass.
Park: Weir Farm NHS, Marsh Billings NHP, Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Saratoga NHP, Minuteman NHP, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Weir Pond (WEFA); Upper Pond (ROVA), Middle Pond (ROVA); Old Champlain Canal- section 1 (SARA); The Pogue (MABI); Un-named Pond (MIMA); Herring Pond (CACO), Higgins Pond (CACO), Horseleech Pond (CACO), Northeast Pond (CACO), Slough Pond (CACO), Snow Pond (CACO), Spectacle Pond (CACO), Williams Pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: spiny fins; torpedo body; deeply notched dorsal fin; mouth large; prominent longitudinal stripe along mid-side. General: complete lateral line. Specific: deeply notched dorsal fin; mouth large, reaching beyond posterior edge of eye (shorter in juveniles); green coloration with a prominent longitudinal stripe along mid- side.
Similar Species: Largemouth bass closely resembles smallmouth, except the largemouth’s maxilla is longer, the profile of the first dorsal is more highly arched, the connecting membrane between the dorsal fins is more narrow.
Habitat: Prefer lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams that are warm, shallow, weedy, and mud-bottomed. Our team found largemouth bass in small lakes, low-flow impoundments and high-flow impoundments.
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
Ecology: As an adult the largemouth is a top predator that actively seeks out its prey. Averages a length of 10-12 inches but can reach much greater lengths depending on the location in its range.
Life History: In spring, male constructs nest in mud, dead leaves, or roots and aggressively guards eggs and young.
References:
Largemouth bass image. Lake-Link.com-Wisconsin. www.lake- link.com/anglers/fish/fish/details.cfm4
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
Family Name: Centrarchidae
Common Name: Pumpkinseed
Scientific Name: Lepomis gibbosus
Other Names: Pumpkinseed sunfish, common sunfish, kibbee, kivver, flatside sunfish, shellcracker.
Park: Weir Farm NHS, Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Saratoga NHP, Saint Gaudens NHS, Minuteman NHP, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Weir Pond (WEFA); Meriches Kill (ROVA), Upper Pond (ROVA), Middle Pond (ROVA); Kroma Kill (SARA), Old Champlain Canal-section 1 (SARA), Davidson’s Farm Pond (SARA); Blow-me-down Pond (SAGA); Palumbo’s Farm Pond (MIMA), Un-named Pond (MIMA), Mill Brook (MIMA); Great (Truro) Pond (CACO), Great (Wellfleet) Pond (CACO), Gull Pond (CACO), Herring Pond (CACO), Higgins Pond (CACO), Horseleech Pond (CACO), Long Pond (CACO, Northeast NPS Pond (CACO), Round (West) Pond (CACO), Ryder Pond (CACO), Slough Pond (CACO), Snow Pond (CACO), Southeast Pond (CACO), Turtle Pond (CACO), Williams Pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: round body shape when viewed from the side; spiny fins; opercular flap with a light margin that is often red/orange; small mouth; no prominent spot in dorsal fin. General: gill rakers shorter not reaching the base of the second arch below. Specific: long, pointed pectoral fin extending past lateral line when placed parallel to edge of gill cover; maxillary ends below or in advance of front of eye; opercular flap with a light margin that is often red/orange; no prominent spot in dorsal fin.
Similar Species: Bluegill can be easily confused with pumpkinseeds, especially in juvenile phase when markings and colorations are not completely clear (personal observation).
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
Habitat: Can be found in streams, ponds and lakes and prefers slow-moving waters with good amount of vegetation. Our team found pumpkinseeds in small lakes; low-flow and high-flow impoundments; lower and higher gradient streams.
Ecology: Prefers to feed on aquatic insects, small crustaceans and snails. Adults typically grow to about 5-7 inches and reach sexual maturity at age 2.
Life History: Beginning in early June and continuing into early August, males construct nests in shallow gravel or sand-bottomed, near shore areas. Nests can be solitary but are often colonial. Males chase females into a nest in order to spawn. Females will spawn in more than one nest and one nest may contain eggs from more than one female. After spawning is completed male aggressively guards eggs and then young until they leave the nest.
References:
Pumpkinseed image. Wisconsin Sea Grant. Fish of the Great Lakes. Fish Profiles. http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/greatlakesfish/becker.html
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
Family Name: Centrarchidae
Common Name: Redbreast Sunfish
Scientific Name: Lepomis auritus
Other Names: Yellowbelly sunfish, longeared sunfish, kibbee, kivver, and flatside.
Park: Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS.
Resource Name: Meriches Kill (FDR NHS), Crum Elbow Creek (Vanderbilt NHS), Upper Pond (Vanderbilt NHS), Middle Pond (Vanderbilt NHS), Lower Fallkill Creek (Eleanor Roosevelt NHS).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: spiny fins; small/medium mouth, long, narrow opercular flap; opercular flap without a pale margin; pectoral fin medium/short and rounded. General: 10-12 short gill rakers, not reaching the base of the second one below. Specific: small/medium mouth; long, narrow opercular flap; opercular flap black without a pale margin; pectoral fin medium short and rounded, not reaching above lateral lines; maxillary ending below front of eye; eye larger than length of snout; opercular bone flexible and fimbriate at margin.
Similar Species: Closely resembles the pumpkinseed in appearance, however, the length of the opercular flap and shape of pectoral fins can be used to distinguish between the two species.
Habitat: Can be found in lakes and ponds, but prefers clear, moderate-flow streams. Our team found this fish in high-flow impoundments and lower and higher gradient streams.
Ecology: Prefers aquatic insects, snails, and small fishes. Typically grows to a length of 5-8 inches.
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
Life History: By June, males begin constructing nests in shallow, gravel or sand-bottomed areas near shore. After spawning, the male aggressively guards the eggs and young.
References:
Redbreast sunfish image. United States Geological Survey. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Web page. http://nas.er.usgs.gov/fishes
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
Family Name: Centrarchidae
Common Name: Rock Bass
Scientific Name: Ambloplites rupestris
Other Names: Redeye.
Park: Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS.
Resource Name: Upper Pond (Vanderbilt NHS), Crum Elbow Creek (Vanderbilt NHS), Upper Valkill Pond (Eleanor Roosevelt NHS).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: silver and black; spiny fins; larger mouth; large red eye. General: 5+ anal spines; 11 or 12 dorsal spines. Specific: large red eye; ctenoid scales (rough to touch), posterior part of the ventral edge of the preopercle serrate; ventral and horizontal margins of preopercle meet at a 90 degree angle; rear edge of preopercle bones serrate.
Similar Species: Easily distinguished from most other centrarchids.
Habitat: Prefers rocky shores of lakes or rocky-bottom, flowing streams with thick growth of aquatic vegetation. Our team found them in low-flow and high-flow impoundments and higher gradient streams.
Ecology: Prefers aquatic insects, crayfish and small fishes. Can reach lengths of 12 inches but usually grows to between 6 and 8 inches.
Life History: Usually beginning in June, the male constructs a nest in shallow gravelly waters near shore. After spawning, the male guards the eggs and young until they have left.
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
References:
Rock bass image. Wisconsin Sea Grant. Fish of the Great Lakes. Fish Profiles. http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/greatlakesfish/becker.html
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
Family Name: Centrarchidae
Common Name: Smallmouth Bass
Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieui
Other Names: Smallmouth black bass, black bass, smallmouth, bronzeback
Park: Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Gull Pond, Great Pond Truro, Northeast NPS Pond.
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: spiny fins; elongate shape; mouth large; vertical bands or blotches on back General: spiny fins; elongate shape; mouth large. Specific: background coloration is olive-green to brownish-bronze overlaid by vertical bands or blotches; mouth not usually reaching beyond the rear edge of eye when closed; connection between first and second dorsal is broad; caudal fin of juveniles is tri-colored with yellow-orange at base, white at tip and black in the middle.
Similar Species: Closely resemble largemouth bass; except the smallmouth typically has a shorter maxilla, the profile of the first dorsal is more gently rounded, the connecting membrane between the first and second dorsal fin is broader, and the coloring is different .
Habitat: Prefers lakes or streams with cool, clear, flowing water and gravelly or rocky bottom with a small amount of vegetation. Our team found them to be present in some small lakes.
Ecology: Prefers crayfish but will also prey on insects and fishes. Adults can grow to over 20 inches. Males typically mature between 4 and 5 years with females maturing a year or two after that.
Life History: Beginning in late April through early June, the male constructs a nest on gravel or rubble in 2-12 feet of water. After spawning, male guards and cares for eggs by fanning the nest with his fins. More than one female may spawn in a given nest. Once the young are ready to FISH KEY FAMILY CENTRARCHIDAE
leave the nest the male herds them around in shallow water for about a week before they are ready to be on their own.
References:
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smallmouth bass image. Wisconsin Sea Grant. Fish of the Great Lakes. Fish Profiles. http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/greatlakesfish/becker.html
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY COTTIDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Cottidae
Species from Inventory:
Slimy sculpin
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Spiny fins; pectoral fins large and wing-like; head large and flattened; body scaleless.
FISH KEY FAMILY COTTIDAE
Family Name: Cottidae
Common Name: Slimy Sculpin
Scientific Name: Cottus cognatus
Color Picture From eNature.com
Other Names: Miller’s Thumb, rock cusk, brook cusk, slimy muddler, sculpin.
Park: Morristown NHP, Saint Gaudens NHS.
Resource Name: East Primrose Brook (MORR), Main Primrose Brook (MORR), West Primrose Brook (MORR), Jersey Brook (MORR), Blow-me-up Brook (SAGA).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: large head; small size; mottled coloration; large, wing-like fins. General: gill membranes broadly attached to isthmus; lateral line incomplete; upper preopercular spine curved but not hooked upward and forward, shorter with a length less than 2/3 the diameter of the eye; pelvic rays typically I, 3; palatine teeth usually absent; anal fin interradial membranes deeply notched; caudal peduncle always shorter than postorbital head length; 1 anal spine. Specific: small size; mottled coloration; large, wing-like pectoral fins; elongated dorsal and anal fins.
Habitat: Usually found under stones in clear, rocky-bottomed, cold-running streams. It also inhabits cold lakes with rocky bottoms.
Ecology: A voracious feeder preferring aquatic insects, small crustaceans, small fishes, and aquatic vegetation. The average length of most adults is between 2-3 inches.
FISH KEY FAMILY COTTIDAE
Life History: Beginning in the spring, spawning begins with eggs being deposited on the underside of stones. The male guards these egg clusters as they develop.
References:
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Clupeidae
Species from Inventory:
Alewife Blueback Herring
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Deeper bodied then minnows; belly is compressed to a thin edge, which is lined by a keel or row of saw tooth-like scales.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Family Name: Clupeidae
Common Name: Alewife and Blueback herring (collectively river herring)
Scientific Name: Alosa pseudoharengus, Alosa aestivalis
Other Names: River herring, branch herring, sawbelly.
Park: Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Gull Pond, Higgins Pond, Williams Pond, Herring Pond.
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: deep, strongly laterally compressed body; sawtoothed belly, silvery. Specific: deep, strongly laterally compressed body; belly characterized by sharp edge armed with a row of strong, enlarged scales which give it a saw-toothed appearance; coloration bright silvery on sides with faint longitudinal stripes and a large dark blotch on either side just behind the rear edge of the gill cover.
Similar Species: The two species can be distinguished by peritoneum color: blueback = dark, alewife = light.
Habitat: Our team found these fish in small lakes with a connection to saltwater.
Ecology: These fish are planktivores preferring to eat copepods, amphipods, and mysids. Very little feeding occurs during spawning runs. Anadromous herring grow to about 10-12 inches while land-locked individuals only reach sizes of 4-6 inches. Maturity occurs at 3-4 years, while their life expectancy is around 5-6 years.
Life History: When temperatures are right, usually in early May, river herring migrate from estuaries and coastal waters into coastal rivers and ponds. Spawning takes during the day in shallow rock pools, gravelly riffles at points above tidal influence, or in freshwater nursery ponds. Females scatter adhesive eggs over the bottom. Adults can return to brackish water. Young remain 3-6 months in freshwater before migrating to the ocean. FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Breeding habits of blueback herring are very similar to alewife except the blueback herring do not run as far upstream, can spawn in the stream channel, and begin their run about a month later than the alewife.
References:
Alewife image. Wisconsin Sea Grant. Fish of the Great Lakes. Fish Profiles. http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/greatlakesfish/becker.html
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Blueback herring image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Cyprinidae
Species from Inventory:
Blacknose dace Fallfish Brassy minnow Golden shiner Common shiner Longnose dace Creek chub Rosyface shiner Cutlips minnow Spottail shiner
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Small, silvery fish with soft-rayed fins; mouth directed toward front, except in Rhinichthys; lips thin, without pleats or papillae; dorsal fin with less than 10 rays or if with more having a strong serrated spine at front.
Note: These are difficult to identify. We recommend you go to a real key to ID species.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinidae
Common Name: Blacknose Dace
Scientific Name: Rhinichthys atratulus
Other Names: Dace, potbelly.
Park: Morristown NHP, Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Saratoga NHP, Saint Gaudens NHS.
Resource Name: Indian Grave Brook (MORR), Passaic River (MORR), Jersey Brook (MORR), West Primrose Brook (MORR), East Primrose Brook (MORR), Primrose Brook (MORR); Meriches Kill (ROVA), Crum Elbow Creek (ROVA); Kroma Kill (SARA), Mill Creek- Main Branch (SARA), Mill Creek- South Branch (SARA), Mill Creek- Middle Branch (SARA); Blow-me-down Brook (SAGA), Blow-me-up Brook (SAGA), Blow-me-down Pond (SAGA).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: mouth under snout; lots of black; small mouth not reaching below eye. General: terminal maxillary barbel; upper jaw non-protractile with upper lip joined to tip of snout by a bridge of tissue (frenum). Specific: black lateral band extending around snout and through the eye to the tip of the tail; body is rounded in front and compressed behind; breeding males the lateral band and lower fins turn red.
Similar Species: Similar to longnose dace but longnose has a longer distance in front of the eye. In addition, longnose dace has no stripe.
Habitat: Prefers small, rapid streams with gravelly or rocky bottoms but is occasionally found in larger rivers and seldom in lakes and ponds. Our team found blacknose dace in high-flow impoundments, lower gradient streams, moderate gradient streams, and higher gradient streams.
Ecology: Prefers aquatic insects and algae. Does not reach lengths much greater than 2 inches.
Life History: Begins spawning in late spring to early August in the riffles of streams. Builds small nests out of pebbles.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
References:
Blacknose dace image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinidae
Common Name: Brassy Minnow
Scientific Name: Hybognathus hankinsoni
Park: Saratoga NHP.
Resource Name: Davidson’s Farm Pond.
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: silvery; relatively small mouth.
References:
Brassy minnow image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinidae
Common Name: Common Shiner
Scientific name: Luxilus cornutus or Notropis cornutus
Other Names: Redfin shiner.
Park: Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Saint Gaudens NHS.
Resource Name: Crum Elbow Creek (ROVA), Blow-me-down Pond (SAGA), Blow-me-down Brook (SAGA).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: silvery; small mouth. General: anterior dorsolateral scale count of 17-25; 7-9 anal rays; 8 dorsal rays; no definite pigment in interradial membranes of dorsal fin; scales not especially crowded in front of dorsal fin; intestine short and S-shaped with no extra loops. Specific: no prominent stripes on upper part of body, except in breeding males who sometimes have wide longitudinal stripes; males also develop tubercles on head during breeding season no pigment on chin and gular region; slab-sided body; regular diamond- shaped scales; no conspicuous spot at dorsal fin base; mouth fairly large and oblique or horizontal; lower jaw U-shaped.
Similar Species: Juveniles can be easily confused with young of other species.
Habitat: Typically found in moderately cool, flowing small and medium-sized streams with gravel bottoms and sparse vegetation. Our team found this species in high-flow impoundments and higher gradient streams.
Ecology: Feeds on algae, crustaceans, and insects. Adults grow to between 4 and 6 inches.
Life History: Spawning begins in late spring and continues into early summer. Females broadcast adhesive eggs over clear, gravel bottoms in gravel hollows, nests of other species or crude nests of their own making. May congregate in closely packed schools over spawning areas
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
References:
Common shiner image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinidae
Common Name: Creek Chub
Scientific Name: Semotilus atromaculatus
Other Names: Horned dace.
Park: Morristown NHP, Saint Gaudens NHS.
Resource Name: Indian Grave Brook (MORR), Passaic River (MORR); Blow-me-down Pond (SAGA).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: silvery with black edged scales; relatively large mouth, long face (i.e. .space in front of eyes); black spot on fin. General: 52-62 lateral line scales; subterminal barbel located in groove above maxillary (sometimes difficult to see and absent in smaller fish); lateral line obsolete in larger adults; scales below lateral line are outlined only at distal edge; 9 gill rakers. Specific: black spot on first three dorsal rays; juveniles have a conspicuous midlateral stripe; tubercles are found from upper lip to over eye with smaller ones on operculum and it’s membrane, on scales of anterior parts of body, and on pectoral, pelvic, anal, and caudal fins of breeding males only.
Similar Species: Closely resembles fallfish, except creek chub can be easily identified by black spot on dorsal fin. Creek chub also have more lateral line scales.
Habitat: Typically inhabits small streams with a gravel or rubble bottom. Our team found this species in high-flow impoundments and moderate and higher gradient streams.
Ecology: An omnivore that eats insects, crayfish, mollusks, small fishes, and plant material. Can reach lengths of up to 12 inches but is typically between 3 and 5 inches.
Life History: Spawning begins in late spring and continues into early summer. Males build a heaped nest of pebbles on a gravel-bottomed stream similar to the fallfish.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
References:
Creek chub image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinidae
Common Name: Cutlips Minnow
Scientific Name: Exoglossum maxillingua
Park: Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS.
Resource Name: Crum Elbow Creek (Vanderbilt NHS).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: large mouth; lower jaw divided into three lobes. General: frenum present; small pelvic axillary processes. Specific: large mouth with lower jaw divided into three lobes (outer two lobes are fleshy and the inner one is bony); no barbels; heavy-bodied; weakly developed mid-lateral stripe and small basicaudal spot in some; mouth low, horizontal, and overhung by snout.
Habitat: Our team found this species in higher gradient streams.
References:
Cutlips minnow image. United States Geological Survey. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Web page. http://nas.er.usgs.gov/fishes.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980. FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinidae
Common Name: Fallfish
Scientific Name: Semotilus corporalis
Other Names: Stone roller, roach, lake chub, silver chub.
Park: Saint Gaudens NHS.
Resource Name: Blow-me-down Pond, Blow-me-up Brook.
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: big mouth; long face; silvery; no spot on fin. General: 43-50 lateral line scales; 7 gill rakers; scales not crowded in front of dorsal; subterminal barbel (just forward of corner mouth). Specific: no black spot on first three dorsal rays; juveniles have distinct mid-lateral stripe.
Similar Species: Closely resembles the creek chub, except fallfish lack the dark spot on the dorsal fin and have less lateral line scales.
Habitat: Can be found in warm or cold water lakes, trout streams, or large rivers. It prefers open waters, but can be found in waters containing moderate vegetation. This fish appears to be most abundant in warmer, medium-sized streams that have good flow, a rocky bottom, and alternating stretches of riffles and pools. Our team found this fish in high flow impoundments and moderator gradient streams.
Ecology: An omnivore that eats terrestrial insects, fish, crayfish, and algae. The average adult is usually about 5-8 inches in length but can reach lengths of 14-16 inches
Life History: Spawning occurs in late spring. Males construct large communal nests composed of heaped pebbles and usually found in the quieter sections of streams or hallow margins of FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
lakes. A nest may be as much as 5 feet in diameter and 2-3 feet high. Fish congregate over nest to spawn and then add more pebbles to nest. No protection of the nest is given.
References:
Fallfish image. United States Geological Survey. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Web page. http://nas.er.usgs.gov/fishes.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinidae
Common Name: Golden Shiner
Scientific Name: Notemigonus chrysoleucas
Other Names: Pond shiner, roach.
Park: Morristown NHP, Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Saratoga NHP, Saint Gaudens NHS, Minuteman NHP, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Cat Swamp Pond (MORR); Meriches Kill (ROVA); Old Champlain Canal- section 1 (SARA); Blow-me-down Pond (SAGA); Mill Brook (MIMA); Great Pond Truro (CACO), Herring Pond (CACO), Higgins Pond (CACO), Round (West) Pond (CACO), Williams Pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: short face/snout; small mouth upturned (smiling); curved lateral line. General: mouth without teeth on jaw bones; lateral line longer with at least 10+ pored scales; moderately developed pelvic axillary process Specific: compressed, elliptical body; small pointed head; sickle-shaped anal fin, moderately sharp, unscaled keel-like area just in front of the anus; lateral line deeply decurved; dark lateral stripe in juveniles.
Habitat: Prefers quiet waters in lakes, ponds and sluggish streams with heavy vegetation and mud bottoms.
Ecology: Able to eat a wide variety of prey items, such as, algal and plant materials, mollusks, crustaceans, insects, and small fish. Capable of reaching a size refuge. Can grow to lengths of up to 12 inches but typically grows to between 4 and 7 inches.
Life History: Spawn in late spring and into the summer by broadcasting their adhesive eggs over beds of submerged vegetation in quiet water. Females may spawn more than once in a season.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
References:
Golden shiner image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinidae
Common Name: Spottail Shiner
Scientific Name: Notropis hudsonius
Park: Morristown NHP, Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Saratoga NHP, Saint Gaudens NHS.
Resource Name: Jersey Brook (MORR), East Primrose Brook (MORR), Primrose Brook; Meriches Kill (ROVA); Kroma Kill (SARA), Mill Creek- Main Branch (SARA), Mill Creek- South Branch (SARA), Mill Creek- Middle Branch (SARA), Davidson’s Farm Pond (SARA); Blow-me-down Brook (SAGA), Blow-me-up Brook (SAGA), Blow-me-down Pond (SAGA).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: long face, small mouth; deeply forked tail; spot on tail. General: 8 anal rays; silvery peritoneum. Specific: distinct black spot usually at base of caudal fin; small, dark crescent-shaped bars on scales along lateral line; sometimes has a dark lateral band.
Habitat: Typically found in large rivers and lakes. Our team found this fish in low-flow impoundments, lower gradient streams, moderate gradient streams, higher gradient streams.
Ecology: Grows to about 5 inches.
References:
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Spottail shiner image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980. FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinidae
Common Name: Longnose Dace
Scientific Name: Rhynichthys cataractae
Park: Saratoga NHP, Saint Gaudens NHS.
Resource Name: Kroma Kill (SARA), Blow-me-down Brook (SAGA).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: lots of black; small mouth not reaching below eye; mouth under snout; black on snout and eye. General: long snout projecting well beyond inferior mouth; terminal maxillary barbel; small scales with 55 or more in lateral line. Specific: upper jaw non-protractile with upper lip joined to tip of snout by a bridge of tissue (frenum).
Similar Species: Somewhat resembles blacknose dace but blacknose dace have a shorter snout and a black stripe.
Habitat: Inhabits riffles and turbulent pools of fast-flowing streams. Our team found this fish in lower, moderate and higher gradient streams.
Ecology: Primarily feeds on the larval aquatic insects. Does not usually grow larger than 4 inches.
Life History: Spawns in late spring to early summer in gravel-bottomed, swift-flowing streams. Males guard a territory and draw a female in to lay eggs in a crevice among the stones.
References:
Longnose dace. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinidae
Common Name: Rosyface Shiner
Scientific Name: Notropis rubellus
Park: Saratoga NHP.
Resource Name: Kroma Kill.
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: big mouth; long face. General: 13-14 pectoral rays; 7 or 8 pelvic rays; scale before dorsal not crowded; intestine short and S-shaped with no extra loops; scales regularly diamond-shaped. Specific: chin weakly pigmented with distinctive backward mark on gular midline; margin of extended anal fin straight; no conspicuous paired spots between nostrils; mid- dorsal stripe well-developed; no dark pigment on anterior interradial membranes of dorsal fin; mouth fairly large and oblique or horizontal; lower jaw U-shaped; no conspicuous spot at dorsal fin base.
Habitat: Our team found this species in a lower gradient stream.
References:
Rosyface shiner image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINODONTIDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Cyprinodontidae
Species from Inventory:
Banded killifish Mummichog
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Soft-rayed fins; dorsal and anal fins mirror images; mouth unique; caudal fin rounded; jaws not elongate; teeth inconspicuous. .
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINODONTIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinodontidae
Common Name: Banded Killifish
Scientific Name: Fundulus diaphanus
Other Names: Freshwater Killifish.
Park: Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Meriches Kill (ROVA), Duck Pond (CACO), Dyer Pond (CACO), Great Pond Truro (CACO), Gull Pond (CACO), Higgins Pond (CACO), Horseleech Pond (CACO), Long Pond (CACO), Round East Pond (CACO), Slough Pond (CACO), Spectacle Pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: protrusible mouth; dorsal and anal fins are almost mirror images, dorsal fins; dark bands. General: females with a fleshy, oviducal sheath around the anterior rays of the anal fin; jaw with teeth in single points and bands of teeth in more than one row; pelvic fin retrogressive with last rays connected to body for about 1/3 of their length; top of head scaled, no preorbital scales; scales conspicuously outlined with a row of melanophores; 4-6 gill rakers on the first arch. Specific: origin of dorsal fin in front of anal fin; males with 18-22 dark vertical bars about equal in width to interspaces; females have 14-16 much narrower bars; premaxillary protractile mouth strongly oblique; top of head is flattened; pelvic fins abdominal; originating well-behind base of pectoral fin.
Similar Species: Somewhat resembles the mummichog, however banded killifish have a much narrower body, a longer snout, and fewer gill rakers. Can be distinguished from the striped killifish by the banded killifish’s lack of preorbital scales. Mudminnows have a different mouth.
Habitat: In freshwater, this fish typically prefers the shallows of lakes and small streams with open sandy areas. Not usually found in dense vegetation. Can also be found in tidal zones. Our team found this fish in a lower gradient stream connected to a tidally influenced impoundment on the Hudson River and small lakes.
Ecology: Typically eats aquatic insects, small crustaceans and plant material. Adult lengths usually average 2-3 inches but they occasionally reach lengths of 4 inches FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINODONTIDAE
Life History: Spawning occurs throughout the summer months. Eggs are strewn over the bottom in weedy areas. No parental care is given to the eggs or young.
References:
Banded killifish image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINODONTIDAE
Family Name: Cyprinodontidae
Common Name: Mummichog
Scientific Name: Fundulus heteroclitus
Other Names: Killifish.
Park: Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS and Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Meriches Kill (ROVA); Herring Pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: soft-rayed fins; protractile mouth; protrusible lips. General: more than one row of conical teeth; lateral line scales 31-35 (38); presence of mandibular pores; 11-12 dorsal rays; lacks preorbital scales; 8-12 gill rakers. Specific: protractile mouth; dorsal fin of males originating over or slightly ahead of anal fin; deeper bodied with depth at least 3X into standard length; blunt snout with length slightly longer than width of eye; males exhibit spot on posterior rays of dorsal fin and a series of irregularly shaped, narrow, vertical bars; females are paler in color and lack the spot on the dorsal fin and vertical bars.
Similar Species: Somewhat resembles banded killifish, except mummichog is thicker bodied with a shorter snout and fewer gill rakers. May also be confused with striped killifish, however, the mummichog lacks longitudinal stripes and preorbital scales. Rainwater killifish can be distinguished from the mummichog by it’s dark spot anterior to dorsal fin, no mandibular pores, one row of conical jaw teeth, and 23-29 lateral line scales. Mudminnows have a different mouth.
Habitat: Typically found in quiet, shallow tide waters including muddy creeks, tide pools, and the shores of harbors and estuaries.
Ecology: Omnivorous, eating a wide variety of food. Can reach a maximum length of 6 inches but typically grows to a length of 2-4 inches. Females scatter adhesive eggs over the bottom
Life History: Spawns in mid-summer by depositing eggs in clumps on shallow water bottoms. No parental care is given
FISH KEY FAMILY CYPRINODONTIDAE
References:
Peterson, Roger Tory; Page, Lawrence M. A Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes: North America North of Mexico. Second Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
Whitworth, Walter R. Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut. Second Edition. State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut. Department of Environmental Protection. 1980.
Mummichog image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
FISH KEY FAMILY ESOCIDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Esocidae
Species from Inventory:
Chain pickerel Redfin pickerel
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Long thin body, large mouth, jaws elongate and resembling the shape of a duck’s bill; teeth large; caudal fin forked.
To Distinguish Species, look at:
Marking around eye Markings on body
FISH KEY FAMILY ESOCIDAE
Family Name: Esocidae
Common Name: Chain Pickerel
Scientific Name: Esox niger
Other Names: Eastern Pickerel.
Park: Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Upper Pond (ROVA); Northeast Pond (CACO), Southeast Pond (CACO), Great Pond Wellfleet (CACO), Turtle Pond (CACO), Higgins Pond (CACO), Herring Pond (CACO), Williams pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: elongate body; large mouth; chain pattern; vertical eye bar. General: Cheek opercle fully scaled; 14-17 branchiostegal rays on each side Specific: Long snout; dark suborbital bar nearly vertical, occasionally slanted slightly forward; eye bar in young may resemble the adult redfin pickerel; adults have a dark chain-like pattern of markings along sides, which is lacking in young.
Similar Species: Can be distinguished from other members of pike family by scales on opercle and number of branchiostegal rays along with markings and coloration.
Habitat: Usually found in quiet, shallow, mud-bottomed waters with a substantial amount of vegetation. Can also be found in the deeper waters of lakes with rocky bottoms. Our team found this fish a high–flow impoundment and small lakes.
Ecology: Becomes increasingly piscivorous until adulthood where it feeds primarily on fish. It lies in wait for its prey and lunges as its prey swims by. Can reach lengths of 20-30 inches as an adult. Sizes are highly variable depending on location and food supply.
Life History: Spawns in early spring right after ice-out by scattering gelatinous strings of eggs over the vegetation of marshy backwater bays. May spawn again in the late summer to fall.
FISH KEY FAMILY ESOCIDAE
References:
Chain pickerel image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY ESOCIDAE
Family Name: Esocidae
Common Name: Redfin Pickerel
Scientific Name: Esox americanus
Other Names: Bulldog pickerel, shortnose pickerel, banded pickerel.
Park: Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Minuteman NHP.
Resource Name: Upper Valkill Pond (Eleanor Roosevelt-ROVA), Upper Pond (Vanderbilt- ROVA), Meriches Kill (FDR- ROVA), Lower Fallkill Creek (Eleanor Roosevelt- ROVA), Palumbo’s Farm Pond (Main Unit-MIMA), Mill Brook (North Bridge Unit- MIMA), Mill Brook (Wayside Unit- MIMA), Elm Brook (Main Unit- MIMA).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: elongate body; large mouth; may have red on fins; no chain pattern; bars on side; shorter snout. General: cheeks and opercles fully scaled; 11-13 branchiostegal rays on each side; greater than 5-6 notched (heart-shaped scales) between pelvic fins and greater than 5-7 notched (heart-shaped) scales in a diagonal row from the origin of the anal fin to the dorsal fin. Specific: upper profile of snout convex; lower fins of adults red-orange in life; dark suborbital bar curves backwards; about 20 distinct vertical curved bars on side. Note: red fin character may not be present so this can be misleading.
Similar Species: Can be distinguished from other members of the pike family by its scaled opercle, number of branchiostegal rays, shorter snout, thicker body, red tinged fins, and markings.
Habitat: Prefers the shallows of dark stained, acidic, lowland streams with dense vegetation. Usually avoids flowing water. FISH KEY FAMILY ESOCIDAE
Ecology: Primarily a piscivore. Does not usually attain lengths greater than 12 inches.
Life History: Spawn in early spring by scattering eggs over shallowly submerged vegetation. No parental care is given. May spawn again in late summer or fall.
References:
Redfin pickerel image. United States Geological Survey. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species. http://nas.er.usgs.gov/fishes.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY ICTALURIDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Ictaluridae
Species from Inventory:
Brown bullhead
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Eight barbels or whiskers around mouth; scaleless body; dorsal and pectoral fins with a stout spine.
FISH KEY FAMILY ICTALURIDAE
Family Name: Ictaluridae
Common Name: Brown Bullhead
Scientific Name: Ameiurus nebulosus
Other Names: Horned pout, common bullhead, catfish.
Park: Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS, Saratoga NHP, Saint Gaudens NHS, Minuteman NHP, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Upper Valkill Pond (ROVA); Old Champlain Canal- section 1 (SARA), Davidson’s Farm Pond (SARA); Palumbo’s Farm Pond (MIMA); Blow-me-down Pond (SAGA); Great Pond Truro (CACO), Great Pond Wellfleet (CACO), Gull Pond (CACO), Herring Pond (CACO), Higgins Pond (CACO), Northeast Pond (CACO), Slough Pond (CACO), Snow Pond (CACO), Southeast Pond (CACO), Williams Pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: 8 barbels; lower barbels dark. General: 21-24 (19) anal rays; 13-16 gill rakers. Specific: caudal fin square or slightly emarginate; chin barbels gray or black; dorsal and pectoral fin barbs with sharp teeth or barbs on trailing edges; jaws are equal length; membranes of vertical fins dusky; variable coloration depending on environment.
Similar Species: Can be distinguished from yellow bullhead by dark color of lower chin barbels and fewer number of anal fin rays.
Habitat: Usually found in small lakes, ponds and sluggish streams. Also inhabits sheltered bays in large lakes. Prefers mud bottoms with or without vegetation and can survive in clear or turbid waters.
FISH KEY FAMILY ICTALURIDAE
Ecology: A scavenger that will eat almost anything, including garbage and dead fish. Appears to prefer crayfish when present. Adults range between 6 and 14 inches in length and mature at 3 years of age.
Life History: Spawning occurs in late spring to early summer. Males construct a nest in sandy bottoms of shallow waters. Eggs are a gelatinous mass. Both parents aerate nest by fanning it with their fins. May even suck eggs into mouth and place back in nest. When young are ready to leave the nest, parents guide them around the shallows in a dense school.
References:
Brown bullhead image. United States Geological Survey. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Web page. http://nas.er.usgs.gov/fishes.
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY PERCICHTHIYDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Percichthyidae
Species from Inventory:
White perch
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Spiny fins; pseudobranchiae, located on the inner surface of gill cover, absent or poorly developed; opercle with a small, strong sharp spine; anal fin with only 3 spines.
FISH KEY FAMILY PERCICHTHIYDAE
Family Name: Percichthyidae
Common Name: White Perch
Scientific Name: Morone americana
Other Names: Sea perch, Silver perch.
Park: Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Horseleech Pond (CACO), Herring Pond (CACO), Higgins Pond (CACO), Gull Pond (CACO), Williams Pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: spiny fins; spine on opercle; silvery. General: 9 spines in the first dorsal and 1 spine and 12 rays in the second dorsal; 8-12 soft rays preceded by 3 stout spines in the anal fin. Specific: two slightly conjoined dorsal fins; sharp spine on the posterior edge of opercle; conspicuous false gills (pseudobranchiae) on inner surface of opercle; preopercle is strongly saw-toothed.
Similar Species: Can be distinguished from centrarchids by pseudobranchiae, sharp spine on posterior edge of opercle, and saw-toothed preopercle. Only superficially resembles yellow perch.
Habitat: Found in freshwater ponds accessible to the sea. Can also be landlocked. Prefers shallower, mud-bottomed habitats in lakes. Also found in brackish bays, river mouths, and estuaries.
Ecology: Tend to eat aquatic insects, fish, and fish eggs where there is opportunity. Adults grow to an average length of 6-10 inches and reach maturity at 3 years of age.
FISH KEY FAMILY PERCICHTHIYDAE
Life History: Freshwater populations spawn in the spring over gravel shoals or a similar type of bottom close to shore. Spawning occur in groups and the scattered eggs adhere to the bottom. No parental care is given to the eggs or young.
References:
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
White perch image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
FISH KEY FAMILY PERCIDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Percidae
Species from Inventory:
Johnny darter Yellow perch Tessellated darter
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Anal fin with one or two spines.
FISH KEY FAMILY PERCIDAE
Family Name: Percidae
Common Name: Johnny Darter
Scientific Name: Etheostoma nigrum
Park: Saratoga NHP, Roosevelt Vanderbilt NHS.
Resource Name: Kroma Kill (SARA), Mill Creek- Main Branch (SARA); Meriches Kill (ROVA).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: spiny fins; small; large pectoral fins; X and W markings on sides. General: lateral lines unpored; infraorbital canal usually interrupted, 4 pores in anterior section and 2 pores in posterior section; 1 anal spine;10-11 (12) pectoral rays. Specific: series of X or W shaped markings along side; mouth horizontal; profile before eyes steeply declivous (almost vertical); tear drop marking beneath eye absent or barely there.
Similar Species: Closely resembles tessellated darter, except johnny darters tend to have an incomplete infraorbital canal, less pectoral fin rays, less prominent teardrop marking; snout not as sloped. Hybridization between these two species can cause problems in identification. In some texts these two fish are still thought of as subspecies and not two distinct species.
Habitat: Our team found this fish in lower, moderate, and higher gradient streams.
Ecology: Similar to tessellated darter.
Life History: Similar to tessellated darter (do not try to tell these apart in the field).
References:
Johnny darter image. United States Geological Survey. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Web page. http://nas.er.usgs.gov/fishes.
FISH KEY FAMILY PERCIDAE
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY PERCIDAE
Family Name: Percidae
Common Name: Tessellated Darter
Scientific Name: Etheostoma olmstedi
Park: Morristown NHP.
Resource Name: Passaic River.
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: see Johnny Darter. General: complete infraorbital canal, usually with 8 pores. Specific: 1 anal spine; mouth somewhat oblique; snout pointed; profile sloping at mouth; teardrop marking below eye prominent.
Similar Species: Closely resembles the johnny darter, except the tessellated darter has a complete infraorbital canal, prominent teardrop marking, more pectoral fin rays, more sloping forehead profile. Hybridization between these two species can cause problems in identification. In some texts these two fish are still thought of as subspecies and not two distinct species.
Habitat: Our team found this fish in a higher gradient stream.
Ecology: Feeds on crustaceans, aquatic insects and algae. It is also thought to actively pursue other fishes eggs. Does not usually grow larger than 2-3 inches.
Life History: Spawning occurs in the spring in the shallows. Parents spawn upside-down and deposit eggs on the underside of stones. Male guards the eggs through the incubation period.
References: Tessellated darter image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980. FISH KEY FAMILY PERCIDAE
Family Name: Percidae
Common Name: Yellow Perch
Scientific Name: Perca flavescens
Other Names: Red perch, perch.
Park: Marsh Billings NHP, Minuteman NHP, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Pogue (MABI); Mill Brook (MIMA); Dyer Pond (CACO), Duck Pond (CACO), Great Pond Truro (CACO), Great Pond Wellfleet (CACO), Gull Pond (CACO), Herring Pond (CACO), Higgins Pond (CACO), Horseleech Pond (CACO), Kinnacum Pond (CACO), Long Pond (CACO), Northeast Pond (CACO), Round East Pond (CACO), Round West Pond (CACO), Ryder Pond (CACO), Slough Pond (CACO), Southeast Pond (CACO), Spectacle Pond (CACO), Turtle Pond (CACO), Williams Pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: spiny fins; torpedo shape; yellow color; dark bars. General: first dorsal with 12-15 stout spines is well separated from the second which 2-3 spines followed by 12-15 soft rays; 2 spines in anal fin followed by 7-8 soft rays; 54-70 scales in the lateral line. Specific: yellow coloration with 6-8 dark, broad, vertical bands; large sloping head and large mouth; first dorsal is dusky in color and sometimes has a dark spot near its posterior base; all other fins are clear except for the pelvic fins which are red tinged, especially in males at breeding time.
Similar Species: Vaguely resembles the white perch, but can be easily distinguished by coloration.
Habitat: Typically found in the weedy areas of lakes or in slower moving parts of larger streams. Known to avoid strong currents. Larger individuals inhabiting large lakes can sometimes be found in deeper, cooler offshore waters around submerged bars and rock ledges.
FISH KEY FAMILY PERCIDAE
Ecology: Adaptable and tolerant. Eats small aquatic insects, crustaceans and small fishes. Slow-growing and generally does not reach sizes much greater than 12 inches, especially if the food supply is limited.
Life History: Spawning occurs at night in April or early May in the shallows of sheltered coves and backwaters. Accordion-like gelatinous ribbons of eggs are strewn over vegetation and submerged debris. Eggs are fertilized by several males following behind female in double rows. Eggs are structured in a way that a slight agitation of the water will aerate them. No parental care is given to the eggs.
References:
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
Yellow perch image. Wisconsin Sea Grant. Fish of the Great Lakes. Fish Profiles. http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/greatlakesfish/becker.html
FISH KEY FAMILY SALMONIDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Salmonidae
Species from Inventory:
Brook trout Brown trout Rainbow trout
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Presence of adipose fin and pelvic axillary process; scaled body; no barbels or spines in fins.
FISH KEY FAMILY SALMONIDAE
Family Name: Salmonidae
Common Name: Brook Trout
Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis
Other Names: Squaretail, speckled trout, eastern brook trout, native trout.
Park: Morristown NHP, Saint Gaudens NHS, Minuteman NHP, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: East Primrose Brook (MORR), Main Primrose Brook (MORR), West Primrose Brook (MORR), Passaic River (MORR); Blow-me-up Brook (SAGA); Un-named Pond (MIMA); Gull Pond (CACO)?, Great Pond Truro (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: light spots on a dark body; white edge to anal fin; adipose fin. General: vomerine teeth (along mid-line of roof of mouth) confined to a raised area at front of vomer bone. Specific: caudal fin square or slightly forked; coloration darker with spots (sometimes red) and worm-like markings; pelvic and anal fins with a dark stripe behind white leading edge; mouth large reaching below or beyond eye; males develop a hooked lower jaw and reddish-orange lower flanks at breeding time.
Similar Species: Similar in shape to other members of the salmonid family but is usually easily distinguished by its distinct coloration.
Habitat: Can survive in a wide variety of habitats from streams, rivers, lakes with varying bottom types, flow rates, vegetation, and depths. Necessary to its survival are gravel bottoms for spawning and cool water temperatures not much higher than 68°F. Our team found this species in small lakes and moderate and higher gradient streams.
FISH KEY FAMILY SALMONIDAE
Ecology: A daytime feeder that primarily feeds on insects. In the winter, it feeds on larval bottom insects and focuses on adult surface insects in the summer. Diet does not often include fish. Growth is dependent on habitat.
Life History: Seeks out the headwaters of tributaries in the fall for spawning. Prefers gravel- bottomed beds where females construct a pit while the male defends the area against intruders. Several pits may be constructed and spawned in. Males may spawn with more than one female. Eggs remained buried throughout winter. Upon hatching and depleting their egg sacs, they emerge from the gravel. This is our native, eastern trout, but it is not the best competitor of the brook, brown, or rainbow trout complex.
References:
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
Brook trout image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
FISH KEY FAMILY SALMONIDAE
Family Name: Salmonidae
Common Name: Brown Trout
Scientific Name: Salmo trutta
Other Names: German brown trout, European brown trout, Loch Leven trout, Von Behr trout.
Park: Morristown NHP, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Passaic River (MORR), Indian Grave Brook (MORR); Gull Pond (CACO), Great Pond Truro (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: dark spots on a light body; larger spots orange/blue; square tail. Specific: heavy-bodied; large dark spots on body, dorsal and adipose fins, and sometimes a few faint spots on the tail. Some red or orange spots also appear on the adipose fin and sides, usually below the lateral line. Spots on the sides are usually surrounded by a faint blue halo. Immature brown trout have 8-12 parr markings on the sides and have a very noticeable orange or red colored adipose fin.
Similar Species: Brown trout can be distinguished from brook lake and Sunapee trout by black spotting on the body and the presence of teeth along the center of the roof of the mouth. Rainbow trout tend to have spots on tail and lack red spots on body. May resemble an Atlantic salmon, however, the brown trout has a proportionately longer maxilla (which extends beyond the rear edge of the eye), red coloring on the adipose fin, light coloring around black spots, orange or red spots on sides (in adults only), and presence of strongly developed teeth along the roof of mouth. Brown trout also has less anal fin rays than coho salmon, which has 13.
Habitat: Typically found in deep pools or warmer, slower-moving lower sections of streams. Does well in fast-flowing streams also. Thrives in water temperatures between 65°F and 75°F, but can survive in temperatures exceeding 80°F. Our team found this species in small lakes and moderate and higher gradient streams.
FISH KEY FAMILY SALMONIDAE
Ecology: Feed during the evening and night. Younger fish prefer insects but larger fish rely more on fish prey. Typically range in length from 7-14 inches.
Life History: Spawn in the late fall by migrating upstream to gravel-bottomed riffles of headwater tributaries. The female picks a site and begins constructing a succession of several redds. Eggs in the first nest are covered as the second nest is constructed just above stream. Eggs remain overwinter and hatch in early spring. Upon depleting the egg sac, young emerge from the gravel. Brown trout are originally from Europe but have been in some streams so long that they are considered by some “naturalized.” These are prized as game fish.
References:
Brown trout image. Wisconsin Sea Grant. Fish of the Great Lakes. Fish Profiles. http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/greatlakesfish/becker.html
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY SALMONIDAE
Family Name: Salmonidae
Common Name: Rainbow Trout
Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss
Other Names: Steelhead trout, steelhead, kamloops trout.
Park: Morristown NHP, Cape Cod NS.
Resource Name: Indian Grave Brook (MORR), Passaic River (MORR); Gull Pond (CACO).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: lots of little black spots on light body; spots on tail; pink stripe. General: fewer than 13 anal rays. Specific: has no red spots; pinkish or lavender lateral band extends from cheek to tail; black spots covering body, dorsal fin, and caudal fins. Spots on caudal fin radiate in rows; young have 9-13 parr marks along each side; conspicuous dark margin around adipose fin.
Similar Species: Spotting pattern can be used as a distinguishing feature between rainbow trout and other members of the salmonid family.
Habitat: Does well in lakes or streams. Young prefer swift riffle section of streams, but move to deeper pools as they grow larger. Rainbow trout will usually make their way into lakes from connected streams. Prefers cooler water temperatures of 65-68°F but will survive in well-aerated waters exceeding 85°F. Our team found this species in a small lake and moderate gradient streams.
Ecology: Primarily eats insects, but larger inhabitants of lakes will often eat fish. Typically grow to sizes between 6 and 12 inches.
Life History: Spawning occurs in the spring in the gravel-bottomed, riffle sections of streams. The female digs the redd. The eggs are covered with gravel after fertilization. Rainbow trout is also not native to the east coast. FISH KEY FAMILY SALMONIDAE
References:
Rainbow trout image. Wisconsin Sea Grant. Fish of the Great Lakes. Fish Profiles. http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/greatlakesfish/becker.html
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
FISH KEY FAMILY UMBRIDAE
Massachussetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Northeast NPS Freshwater Fish Inventory
Fish Key
Family Umbridae
Species from Inventory:
Central Mudminnow
Family Identifying Characteristics:
Small; soft-rayed fins; non-protractile mouth; rounded tail.
FISH KEY FAMILY UMBRIDAE
Family Name: Umbridae
Common Name: Central Mudminnow
Scientific Name: Umbra limi
Park: Saratoga NHP.
Resource Name: Old Champlain Canal- section 5 (SARA).
Identifying Characteristics:
Field Identification: small; soft-rayed fins; non-protractile mouth; rounded tail. General: premaxillary nonprotractile (without groove between upper lip and tip of snout); mouth with teeth on jaw bones. Specific: rounded tail; snout not broad and flat, shorter than postorbital head length; small mouth; size not usually exceeding 5 inches TL; vertical bar at caudal base, no horizontal bars along sides.
Similar Species: May bear a slight resemblance to the mummichog. Otherwise this species is easily distinguished from all other species included in this fish key
Habitat: Our team found this species in low flow impoundments.
References:
Central mudminnow image. Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980. FISH KEY SOURCES CITED
Sources Cited
Fish Identification
Scarola, John F. Freshwater Fishes of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1973
Whitworth, Walter, R. Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut. Second Edition. State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut. Department of Environmental Protection. 1996.
Smith, Lavett C. Inland Fishes of New York State. New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 1980.
Freshwater Fishes of Virginia.
Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State: a field guide. Syracuse University Press. 1980.
Pictures for Fish Key and Origin of Species Table
United States Geological Survey. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species. http://nas.er.usgs.gov/fishes
Pictures for Fish Key (for more references see keys for individual keys)
Selected Fishes of New York State. Department of Natural Resources. Cornell University. www.dnr.cornell.edu/sarep/fish