Freshwater Fish

Freshwater Fish

Description
Description

Freshwater fish are fish that spend some or all of their live in water with a salinity level lower than .05%. Freshwater fish, due to the segmented nature of ponds, lakes, and rivers, are subject to speciation similar to species on islands. Even though only .3% of global water is freshwater, only about 15,000 different species of freshwater fish exist. Freshwater fish make popular pets, while other, larger species, such as salmon, trout, and carp are hunted for food. Freshwater fish have undergone adaptations to survive in freshwater; such as, gills that diffuse dissolved gasses and keep salts inside, scales that reduce water diffusion, and kidneys that reclaim salt from body fluids before excretion.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Freshwater fish, a diverse group adapted to life in rivers, lakes, and streams, exhibit a wide range of anatomical features. They typically have streamlined bodies that reduce water resistance, allowing for efficient movement. Fins aid in navigation, stability, and propulsion. Most lack vocal abilities, communicating instead through vibrations and color changes. Their senses are keen: lateral lines detect movement and vibrations in water, while their eyes are well-adapted to the underwater environment. Gills extract oxygen from water, and some can even breathe air in low-oxygen environments. Scales protect their bodies, and slime coats help in disease prevention and smooth swimming.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

The bond between humans and freshwater fish spans millennia, intertwined with our cultural and survival narratives. These fish have long been a vital food source, sustaining communities worldwide. They feature prominently in folklore, symbolizing abundance and fertility. Freshwater fishing is a beloved pastime, celebrated in literature and film.

With the rise of environmental awareness, the conservation of freshwater fish has become crucial, leading to habitat protection and sustainable fishing practices. Organizations and local communities collaborate to maintain biodiversity and ensure the survival of these aquatic species for future generations, recognizing their importance both ecologically and culturally.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What is the largest freshwater fish in the world?

The largest freshwater fish in the world is the beluga sturgeon. The beluga sturgeon can reach a length of 24 feet (7 m) and a weight of 3,500 lbs (1,500 kg). This freshwater fish has been declared endangered since 2004, due to the demand for its eggs that are sold as caviar.

What do freshwater fish eat?

The diet of a freshwater fish depends on its habitat, species, as well as the ecosystem they live in. Freshwater fish can carry a carnivore, herbivore, or omnivore diet depending on their species. Carnivore freshwater fish consume other live fish, insects, larvae, and crustaceans. Herbivore freshwater fish eat plants, algae, as well as other vegetable matter.

Why can’t freshwater fish live in saltwater?

Freshwater fish can’t live in saltwater because it is too salty for them. The water inside their bodies flows out and as a result they die from dehydration. Fish need to osmoregulate or maintain the right amount of water in the bodies. Freshwater fish can only survive in accordance to how much salinity their body can handle.

Animals

* Under Development *

7”-9” | 17.8-22.9 cm
5’-6.5’ | 1.5-2 m
50-125 lb | 22.7-56.7 kg
20-50 years
Alligator Gar
22.900
200.000
56.700
50.00
72000
GUIDE
3D
Alligator Gar
8.5”-11.5” | 21.6-29.2 cm
5’-7’ | 1.52-2.13 m
60-200 lb | 27-91 kg
20-30 years
American Paddlefish
29.200
213.000
91.000
30.00
21000
GUIDE
3D
American Paddlefish
5”-6.75” | 12.7-17.1 cm
19”-24” | 48-61 cm
3-8 lb | 1.4-3.6 kg
6-10 years
American Shad
17.100
61.000
3.600
10.00
4500
GUIDE
3D
American Shad
1.2”-3.1” | 3-8 cm; 5.1” | 13 cm (Max)
6”-16” | 15-41 cm; 24” | 61 cm (Max)
.44-6 lb | .2-2.7 kg
3-6 years
Apache Trout
8.000
41.000
2.700
6.00
3460
GUIDE
3D
Apache Trout
2.5”-4” | 6.4-10.2 cm
12”-20” | 30.5-51 cm
2-4 lb | .9-1.8 kg
5-10 years
Arctic Grayling
10.200
51.000
1.800
10.00
3500
GUIDE
3D
Arctic Grayling
6.5”-9” | 16.5-22.9 cm
28”-40” | 71-102 cm
8-12 lb | 3.6-5.4 kg
5-13 years
Atlantic Salmon
22.900
102.000
5.400
13.00
13000
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Salmon
10.2”-13.8” | 26-35 cm; 26” | 66 cm (Max)
6’-8’ | 1.83-2.44 m; 15’ | 4.57 m (Max)
198-794 lb | 90-360 kg
30-60 years
Atlantic Sturgeon
35.000
244.000
360.000
60.00
4340
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Sturgeon
8.3”-18.9” | 21-48 cm; 41” | 104 cm (Max)
4.7’-10.75’ | 1.42-3.28 m; 24’ | 7.32 m (Max)
573-3,307 lb | 260-1,500 kg
50-118 years
Beluga Sturgeon
48.000
328.000
1500.000
118.00
29800
GUIDE
3D
Beluga Sturgeon
1.5”-3.75” | 3.8-9.5 cm
4”-11” | 10-28 cm
3-4 lb | 1.4-1.8 kg
7-15 years
Black Crappie
9.500
28.000
1.800
15.00
6800
GUIDE
3D
Black Crappie
1.8”-3” | 4.5-7.5 cm
9”-14.6” | 23-37 cm
.4-.5 lb | .18-.2 kg
9-11 years
Bloater
7.500
37.000
0.200
11.00
3800
GUIDE
3D
Bloater
2.6”-3.9” | 6.5-10 cm
11”-16” | 28-41 cm
.5-.6 lb | .2-.3 kg
6-8 years
Blueback Herring
10.000
41.000
0.300
8.00
2240
GUIDE
3D
Blueback Herring
3”-6.5” | 7.6-16.5 cm
7”-16” | 18-41 cm
1-2.6 lb | .5-1.2 kg
5-10 years
Bluegill
16.500
41.000
1.200
10.00
33000
GUIDE
3D
Bluegill
2”-5.5” | 5-14 cm
10”-26” | 25-66 cm
.6-6.6 lb | .3-3 kg
5-15 years
Brook Trout
14.000
66.000
3.000
15.00
24000
GUIDE
3D
Brook Trout
5”-7” | 12.7-17.8 cm
24”-34” | 61-86 cm
3-9 lb | 1.4-4 kg
5-12 years
Bull Trout
17.800
86.000
4.000
12.00
5600
GUIDE
3D
Bull Trout
2”-4.5” | 5-11.4 cm
12”-24” | 30.5-61 cm
2-7 lb | .9-3.2 kg
15-25 years
Channel Catfish
11.400
61.000
3.200
25.00
19000
GUIDE
3D
Channel Catfish
5.5”-8.5” | 14-21.6 cm
24”-36” | 61-91 cm
30-40 lb | 13.6-18.1 kg
5-9 years
Chinook Salmon
21.600
91.000
18.100
9.00
17000
GUIDE
3D
Chinook Salmon
6”-10” | 15.2-25.4 cm
24”-40” | 61-102 cm
8-22 lb | 3.6-10 kg
3-7 years
Chum Salmon
25.400
102.000
10.000
7.00
6200
GUIDE
3D
Chum Salmon
4.5”-7.5” | 11.4-19 cm
18”-30” | 46-76 cm
8-35 lb | 3.6-16 kg
2-4 years
Coho Salmon
19.000
76.000
16.000
4.00
20000
GUIDE
3D
Coho Salmon
3.7”-5.9” | 9.5-15 cm; 11.4” | 29 cm (Max)
2’-3’ | 61-91 cm; 6’ | 183 cm (Max)
40-79 lb | 18-36 kg
40-50 years
Colorado Pikeminnow
15.000
91.000
36.000
50.00
1200
GUIDE
3D
Colorado Pikeminnow
.2”-.3” | .5-.75 cm
.8”-1.2” | 2-3 cm
.14-.21 oz | 4-6 g
6-12 months
Devil’s Hole Pupfish
0.750
3.000
0.006
1.00
12700
GUIDE
3D
Devil’s Hole Pupfish
3.1”-4.1” | 8-10.5 cm
15”-19” | 38-48 cm
1.5-2.5 lb | .7-1.1 kg
20-40 years
Humpback Chub
10.500
48.000
1.100
40.00
1550
GUIDE
3D
Humpback Chub
1.8”-4.9” | 4.5-12.5 cm
8”-22” | 20-56 cm
5-10 lb | 2.3-4.5 kg
5-14 years
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
12.500
56.000
4.500
14.00
2260
GUIDE
3D
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
5.5”-11” | 14-28 cm
36”-72” | 91-183 cm
30-100 lb | 13.6-45.4 kg
55-150 years
Lake Sturgeon
28.000
183.000
45.400
150.00
7300
GUIDE
3D
Lake Sturgeon
4”-7” | 10.2-17.8 cm
20”-36” | 51-91 cm
4-22 lb | 1.8-10 kg
10-40 years
Lake Trout
17.800
91.000
10.000
40.00
14000
GUIDE
3D
Lake Trout
4”-8” | 10.2-20.3 cm
15”-30” | 38-76 cm
1.8-30 lb | .8-13.6 kg
15-20 years
Largemouth Bass
20.300
76.000
13.600
20.00
42000
GUIDE
3D
Largemouth Bass
3.5”-6.5” | 8.9-16.5 cm
28”-48” | 71-122 cm
10-40 lb | 4.5-18.1 kg
15-30 years
Muskellunge
16.500
122.000
18.100
30.00
10000
GUIDE
3D
Muskellunge
2.25”-3.75” | 5.7-9.5 cm
16”-26” | 41-66 cm
1.5-4 lb | .7-1.8 kg
10-25 years
Northern Pike
9.500
66.000
1.800
25.00
30000
GUIDE
3D
Northern Pike
3.5”-7.1” | 9-18 cm
30”-60” | 76-152 cm
80-100 lb | 36-45 kg
40-70 years
Pallid Sturgeon
18.000
152.000
45.000
70.00
1620
GUIDE
3D
Pallid Sturgeon
4.5”-7” | 11.4-17.8 cm
20”-30” | 51-76 cm
2-8 lb | .9-3.6 kg
4-11 years
Rainbow Trout
17.800
76.000
3.600
11.00
19000
GUIDE
3D
Rainbow Trout
3.5”-7.1” | 9-18 cm
1.6’-3’ | 48-91 cm
6.6-13.2 lb | 3-6 kg
35-50 years
Razorback Sucker
18.000
91.000
6.000
50.00
840
GUIDE
3D
Razorback Sucker
2.5”-6.5” | 6.4-16.5 cm
10”-27” | 25-69 cm
.8-12 lb | .4-5.4 kg
5-15 years
Smallmouth Bass
16.500
69.000
5.400
15.00
26000
GUIDE
3D
Smallmouth Bass
5.5”-15.5” | 14-39.4 cm
20”-55” | 51-140 cm
5-70 lb | 2.3-32 kg
20-30 years
Striped Bass
39.400
140.000
32.000
30.00
32000
GUIDE
3D
Striped Bass
Walleye
58000
4.5”-8.5” | 11.4-21.6 cm
22”-42” | 56-107 cm
3-7 lb | 1.4-3.2 kg
15-25 years
Walleye
21.600
107.000
3.200
25.00
58000
GUIDE
3D
Walleye
1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm; 3.5” | 9 cm (Max)
8”-12” | 20-30 cm; 18” | 46 cm (Max)
2-3.3 lb | .9-1.5 kg
6-8 years
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
6.000
30.000
1.500
8.00
1505
GUIDE
3D
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
2.5”-5.5” | 6.4-14 cm
10”-18” | 25-46 cm
2-5 lb | .9-2.3 kg
4-9 years
White Bass
14.000
46.000
2.300
9.00
15000
GUIDE
3D
White Bass
1”-2.5” | 2.5-6.4 cm
4”-10” | 10-25 cm
.5-1 lb | .2-.5 kg
7-13 years
Yellow Perch
6.400
25.000
0.500
13.00
12000
GUIDE
3D
Yellow Perch
Apache Trout (Oncorhynchus apache)
Scale illustration of an average Apache Trout compared to a human and other freshwater fish species

The Apache Trout (Oncorhynchus apache) is native to Arizona in the streams of the White Mountain. This freshwater fish is easy to identify thanks to the medium-sized dark spots evenly spaced onto the dorsal side and tail fin and extending below the lateral line except for the belly. The back and top of its head is dark olive, but below the lower jaw are the yellow and gold color marks. The belly as well takes on a golden color. A small black spot may be seen on each side of the pupil. This makes each pupil appear to have a black stripe running from side to side.

Apache Trout have a total length between 6”-16” (15-41 cm) and body height of 1.2”-3.1” (3-8 cm). The typical weight of the Apache Trout is in the range of .44-6 lb (.2-2.7 kg). The maximum body length of the Apache trout is 24” (61 cm) with a height of 5.1” (13 cm). Apache Trout have lifespans between 3-6 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Apache Trout
The Apache Trout (Oncorhynchus apache) is native to Arizona in the streams of the White Mountain. This freshwater fish is easy to identify thanks to the medium-sized dark spots evenly spaced onto the dorsal side and tail fin and extending below the lateral line except for the belly.

Apache Trout have a total length between 6”-16” (15-41 cm) and body height of 1.2”-3.1” (3-8 cm). The typical weight of the Apache Trout is in the range of .44-6 lb (.2-2.7 kg). The maximum body length of the Apache trout is 24” (61 cm) with a height of 5.1” (13 cm). Apache Trout have lifespans between 3-6 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Apache Trout
Apache Trout (Oncorhynchus apache)
Height:
1.2”-3.1” | 3-8 cm; 5.1” | 13 cm (Max)
Width:
Length:
6”-16” | 15-41 cm; 24” | 61 cm (Max)
Depth:
Weight:
.44-6 lb | .2-2.7 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Oncorhynchus apache
Lifespan
3-6 years

Drawings include:

Apache Trout side elevation, front

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Northern Pike

The Northern Pike (Esox lucius) are carnivorous fish of the family Esocidae distributed in both freshwater and brackish sluggish streams, shallow weedy lakes, and reservoirs of the northern hemisphere. They are also called American pike, Northern Jackfish, Great lakes pike, and love to snap at baits making them popular among anglers.

Northern Pike resemble muskellunge and the only way to separate the two are the light markings on the Northern pike when viewed on a darker background. These ambush predators may exhibit cannibalism when food is scarce and crossbreed with the muskellunge. They are solitary predators that migrate at spawning season and also to follow their prey.

Northern Pikes have a total length between 16”-26” (41-66 cm), body height of 2.25”-3.75” (5.7-9.5 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.5-4 lb (.7-1.8 kg). The typical lifespan of the Northern Pike is 10-25 years.

Scaled collection of measured drawings of Northern Pike in front and side poses
The Northern Pike (Esox lucius) are carnivorous fish of the family Esocidae distributed in both freshwater and brackish sluggish streams, shallow weedy lakes, and reservoirs of the northern hemisphere. They are also called American pike, Northern Jackfish, Great lakes pike.

Northern Pikes have a total length between 16”-26” (41-66 cm), body height of 2.25”-3.75” (5.7-9.5 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.5-4 lb (.7-1.8 kg). The typical lifespan of the Northern Pike is 10-25 years.

Scaled collection of measured drawings of Northern Pike in front and side poses
Northern Pike
Height:
2.25”-3.75” | 5.7-9.5 cm
Width:
Length:
16”-26” | 41-66 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.5-4 lb | .7-1.8 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Esox lucius
Lifespan
10-25 years

Drawings include:

Northern Pike side elevation, front

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Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Razorback Sucker to other freshwater fish and a typical person

The Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) is identified by the keel between its head and dorsal fin. This sharp-edged bulge gives rise to its name. This predorsal keel is also used to distinguish it from juveniles, which lack keel. You will mostly see it in the Colorado River Basin. This fish is long-lived and prefers to spawn in the deep waters of the river. The upper part of the fish is olive or brown-black, while the lower part is lighter yellow. It is relatively large, with females being longer and more robust. It has elongated filaments, long snouts, long, rounded, ventrally compressed heads, and males show longer anal and pelvic fins.

Razorback Suckers have a total length between 1.6’-3’ (48-91 cm) and body height of 3.5”-7.1” (9-18 cm). The typical weight of the Razorback Sucker is in the range of 6.6-13.2 lb (3-6 kg). Razorback Suckers have lifespans between 35-50 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Razorback Sucker in various poses
The Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) is identified by the keel between its head and dorsal fin. This sharp-edged bulge gives rise to its name. This predorsal keel is also used to distinguish it from juveniles, which lack keel. You will mostly see it in the Colorado River Basin.

Razorback Suckers have a total length between 1.6’-3’ (48-91 cm) and body height of 3.5”-7.1” (9-18 cm). The typical weight of the Razorback Sucker is in the range of 6.6-13.2 lb (3-6 kg). Razorback Suckers have lifespans between 35-50 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Razorback Sucker in various poses
Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus)
Height:
3.5”-7.1” | 9-18 cm
Width:
Length:
1.6’-3’ | 48-91 cm
Depth:
Weight:
6.6-13.2 lb | 3-6 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Xyrauchen texanus
Lifespan
35-50 years

Drawings include:

Razorback Sucker side elevation, front

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Chinook Salmon

The Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) exhibit high sexual dimorphism with males having hooked upper jaws and canine-like teeth while females show torpedo-shaped bodies and blunt noses.They are also called spring salmon, chrome hog, king salmon, Quinnat salmon, and Tyee salmon, and are the largest species in the family Salmonidae and slso featured in the culture of some communities of the first nation’s peoples.

Chinook Salmon are anadromous: migrating between oceans and rivers to spawn. They are found in western to the northern coast of America and Alaska and nutritious in omega-3 fatty acids. Males that are about to spawn show distinct color patterns when in freshwater and ocean water.

Chinook Salmon have a total length between 24”-36” (61-91 cm), body height of 5.5”-8.5” (14-21.6 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 30-40 lb (13.6-18.1 kg). The typical lifespan of the Chinook Salmon is 5-9 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Chinook Salmon seen from the side and front
The Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) exhibit high sexual dimorphism with males having hooked upper jaws and canine-like teeth while females show torpedo-shaped bodies and blunt noses.They are also called spring salmon, chrome hog, king salmon, Quinnat salmon, and Tyee salmon.

Chinook Salmon have a total length between 24”-36” (61-91 cm), body height of 5.5”-8.5” (14-21.6 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 30-40 lb (13.6-18.1 kg). The typical lifespan of the Chinook Salmon is 5-9 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Chinook Salmon seen from the side and front
Chinook Salmon
Height:
5.5”-8.5” | 14-21.6 cm
Width:
Length:
24”-36” | 61-91 cm
Depth:
Weight:
30-40 lb | 13.6-18.1 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Lifespan
5-9 years

Drawings include:

Chinook Salmon side elevation, front

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American Shad

The American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) is a fish loved for three primary reasons. First, for its roe. Second for its meat rich in omega-3 fatty acid and third, for recreational purposes like sport fishing and the annual shad festival. The fish inhabits the coastal waters of North America preferring to spend most of its time in the Atlantic ocean and only migrate to freshwater when it wants to spawn. The American Shad is also called Atlantic shad, herring jacks, or Potomac shad. They are classified under the family Clupeidae and recognized by their distinct keel on the belly, moderately compressed bodies, and sharp saw-like scales.

American Shad have a total length between 19”-24” (48-61 cm), body height of 5”-6.75” (12.7-17.1 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 3-8 lb (1.4-3.6 kg). The typical lifespan of the American Shad is 6-10 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of American Shad in front and side poses
The American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) is a fish loved for three primary reasons. First, for its roe. Second for its meat rich in omega-3 fatty acid and third, for recreational purposes like sport fishing and the annual shad festival. The fish inhabits the coastal waters of North America.

American Shad have a total length between 19”-24” (48-61 cm), body height of 5”-6.75” (12.7-17.1 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 3-8 lb (1.4-3.6 kg). The typical lifespan of the American Shad is 6-10 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of American Shad in front and side poses
American Shad
Height:
5”-6.75” | 12.7-17.1 cm
Width:
Length:
19”-24” | 48-61 cm
Depth:
Weight:
3-8 lb | 1.4-3.6 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Alosa sapidissima
Lifespan
6-10 years

Drawings include:

American Shad side elevation, front

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