Identify Freshwater Fish with Confidence

A heavy-bodied ambush predator commonly associated with warm, structured water and submerged vegetation.

Habitat

Vegetated lakes, ponds, swamps and quiet pools or backwaters.

Range

Native across broad parts of eastern and central North America; widely introduced beyond its native drainage.

A bronze-toned bass strongly associated with clear water, rock and current, though appearance changes with habitat and age.

Habitat

Clear, cooler lakes and rocky or gravel-bottom rivers, runs and pools.

Range

Native to the St. Lawrence–Great Lakes, Hudson Bay and Mississippi systems; introduced in many regions.

A long-bodied ambush predator whose rear-set fins and duckbill-like snout are stronger clues than overall color.

Habitat

Vegetated lakes, quiet pools, backwaters, rivers and reservoirs.

Range

Across northern parts of North America, Europe and Asia, with introduced populations outside parts of the native range.

A low-light percid with a long body, separated dorsal fins and a tail marking useful in field comparison.

Habitat

Cool rivers, natural lakes and reservoirs, in clear or turbid and shallow or deep water.

Range

Native to Arctic, Great Lakes and Mississippi drainage systems in North America; introduced elsewhere on the continent.

A schooling percid whose repeated triangular bars create one of the most recognizable freshwater side patterns.

Habitat

Ponds, lakes and slow-flowing rivers, often in clear water near vegetation.

Range

Widespread in northern and eastern North America, with introduced populations beyond the native range.

A deep-bodied sunfish with a compact mouth and a dark extension at the edge of the gill cover.

Habitat

Lakes, ponds, reservoirs and sluggish streams, commonly near weed beds.

Range

Native through much of central and eastern North America from Canada to northern Mexico; widely introduced.

A streamlined catfish distinguished from similar bullheads by its strongly forked tail and longer profile.

Habitat

Large streams, rivers, reservoirs and ponds with varied current and substrate.

Range

Native across central North American drainages from southern Canada into northern Mexico; introduced widely.

A variable salmonid whose spots, adipose fin and side band must be read alongside life history and local stocking records.

Habitat

Cold, well-oxygenated streams and lakes; some populations migrate through estuaries and the ocean.

Range

Native to Pacific drainages of North America and northeastern Asia; introduced widely around the world.