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
Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Beluga Sturgeon compared to an average person and other freshwater fish

The primitive profile of the Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso) makes it easy to identify while in the water. Like other sturgeon, it has an elongated body, naked skin, partially cartilaginous skeleton, and sensory barbels on its long snout. The dorsal fin and much shorter anal fin have soft rays while fine denticles cover the surface of the fish skin. Its large mouth is crescent-shaped and protractile. It is dark brown or blue-grey on the dorsal side with a silver bell. However, juveniles are slender with relatively narrow heads. Look for it in the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea basin. This anadromous fish is considered among the largest freshwater fish valued for its roe.

Beluga Sturgeon have a total length between 4.7’-10.75’ (1.42-3.28 m) and body height of 8.3”-18.9” (21-48 cm). The typical weight of the Beluga Sturgeon is in the range of 573-3,307 lb (260-1,500 kg). The maximum body length of the Beluga Sturgeon is 24’ (7.32 m) with a height of 41” (104 cm). Beluga Sturgeon have lifespans between 50-118 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Beluga Sturgeon
The primitive profile of the Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso) makes it easy to identify while in the water. Like other sturgeon, it has an elongated body, naked skin, partially cartilaginous skeleton, and sensory barbels on its long snout. The dorsal fin and much shorter anal fin have soft rays.

Beluga Sturgeon have a total length between 4.7’-10.75’ (1.42-3.28 m) and body height of 8.3”-18.9” (21-48 cm). The typical weight of the Beluga Sturgeon is in the range of 573-3,307 lb (260-1,500 kg). The maximum body length of the Beluga Sturgeon is 24’ (7.32 m) with a height of 41” (104 cm). Beluga Sturgeon have lifespans between 50-118 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Beluga Sturgeon
Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso)
Height:
8.3”-18.9” | 21-48 cm; 41” | 104 cm (Max)
Width:
Length:
4.7’-10.75’ | 1.42-3.28 m; 24’ | 7.32 m (Max)
Depth:
Weight:
573-3,307 lb | 260-1,500 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Huso huso
Lifespan
50-118 years

Drawings include:

Beluga Sturgeon side elevation, front

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Atlantic Salmon
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Atlantic Salmon to a typical person

The Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) is a very delicate fish, hence its presence is a good indicator of the health of an ecosystem. The fish is widespread in the Northern Atlantic oceans and surrounding rivers. Its life stage is full of unique names such as smolt, parr, fry, and alevin: depending on whether it is in the freshwater or saltwater phase.

Atlantic Salmon are members of the family Salmonidae migrating between the sea (feeding grounds) and rivers (breeding grounds). Adults are identified by their predominantly black spot above the lateral line plus highly developed teeth. Besides, they change appearance when they enter freshwater or salty water.

Atlantic Salmons have a total length between 28”-40” (71-102 cm), body height of 6.5”-9” (16.5-22.9 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg). The typical lifespan of the Atlantic Salmon is 5-13 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Atlantic Salmon viewed from the front and side
The Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) is a very delicate fish, hence its presence is a good indicator of the health of an ecosystem. The fish is widespread in the Northern Atlantic oceans and surrounding rivers. Its life stage is full of unique names such as smolt, parr, fry, and alevin.

Atlantic Salmons have a total length between 28”-40” (71-102 cm), body height of 6.5”-9” (16.5-22.9 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg). The typical lifespan of the Atlantic Salmon is 5-13 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Atlantic Salmon viewed from the front and side
Atlantic Salmon
Height:
6.5”-9” | 16.5-22.9 cm
Width:
Length:
28”-40” | 71-102 cm
Depth:
Weight:
8-12 lb | 3.6-5.4 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Salmo salar
Lifespan
5-13 years

Drawings include:

Atlantic Salmon side elevation, front

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Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus)
Scale illustration of an average Pallid Sturgeon compared to a human and other freshwater fish species

The Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) gets its name from the pale coloration. It is found in the lower Mississippi river basin and the water bodies of Missouri. It has a slow growth rate but is long-lived. The Pallid sturgeon has maintained most of its primitive features and is separated from the shovelnose sturgeon by its enormous size. It is rarely seen, and very little is known about it since it is a bottom-dweller. Apart from the pale coloration on the body, the backs and sides are greyish-white, while the tail is heterocercal. The body lacks scales nor bones but is made of a cartilaginous skeleton. The head and snout are longer, making it have an extended mouth. However, it lacks teeth.

Pallid Sturgeon have a total length between 30”-60” (76-152 cm) and body height of 3.5”-7.1” (9-18 cm). The typical weight of the Pallid Sturgeon is in the range of 80-100 lb (36-45 kg). Pallid Sturgeon have lifespans between 40-70 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Pallid Sturgeon
The Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) gets its name from the pale coloration. It is found in the lower Mississippi river basin and the water bodies of Missouri. It has a slow growth rate but is long-lived. The Pallid sturgeon has maintained most of its primitive features.

Pallid Sturgeon have a total length between 30”-60” (76-152 cm) and body height of 3.5”-7.1” (9-18 cm). The typical weight of the Pallid Sturgeon is in the range of 80-100 lb (36-45 kg). Pallid Sturgeon have lifespans between 40-70 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Pallid Sturgeon
Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus)
Height:
3.5”-7.1” | 9-18 cm
Width:
Length:
30”-60” | 76-152 cm
Depth:
Weight:
80-100 lb | 36-45 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Scaphirhynchus albus
Lifespan
40-70 years

Drawings include:

Pallid Sturgeon side elevation, front

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American Paddlefish
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the American Paddlefish compared to an average person

The American Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is an anadromous fish found in both freshwater and brackish water bodies of North America. They are filter-feeders with late maturity, longer lifespan, and their roe is a commonly popular caviar. Male paddlefish are larger than females and all swim upstream to spawn. Besides, spawning is communal and they don’t build their nest.

The Paddlefish is also called spoonbill, shovelnose, and is the only living member of the family Polyodontidae. The paddlefish is a primitive fish since it has fewer morphological changes. They are identified by a broad paddle-like rostrum, small but poorly developed eyes, and smooth-skinned scaleless spindle-shaped body.

American Paddlefish have a total length between 5’-7’ (1.52-2.13 m), body height of 8.5”-11.5” (21.6-29.2 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 60-200 lb (27-91 kg). The typical lifespan of the American Paddlefish is 20-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the American Paddlefish seen from the side and front
The American Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is an anadromous fish found in both freshwater and brackish water bodies of North America. They are filter-feeders with late maturity, longer lifespan, and their roe is a commonly popular caviar. Male paddlefish are larger than females.

American Paddlefish have a total length between 5’-7’ (1.52-2.13 m), body height of 8.5”-11.5” (21.6-29.2 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 60-200 lb (27-91 kg). The typical lifespan of the American Paddlefish is 20-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the American Paddlefish seen from the side and front
American Paddlefish
Height:
8.5”-11.5” | 21.6-29.2 cm
Width:
Length:
5’-7’ | 1.52-2.13 m
Depth:
Weight:
60-200 lb | 27-91 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Polyodon spathula
Lifespan
20-30 years

Drawings include:

American Paddlefish side elevation, front

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Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout compared to an average person and other freshwater fish

The upper Columbia River and Missouri river basin are the ideal water bodies to find the Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi). It is also called the common cutthroat trout, black-spotted trout, or red-throated trout. This freshwater fish is quite unique because it has teeth on the roof of its mouth, under its tongue, and in front of the mouth. The orange-hued skin is clustered with dark, freckle-like spots. Beneath the jaw is orange, red, or pink markings used to distinguish it from the Rainbow trout. It is also distinguished from other cutthroat species by the small spots visible on the tail, but none on the pectoral fin.

Westslope Cutthroat Trout have a total length between 8”-12” (20-30 cm) and body height of 1.6”-2.4” (4-6 cm). The typical weight of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout is in the range of 2-3.3 lb (.9-1.5 kg). The maximum body length of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout is 18” (46 cm) with a height of 3.5” (9 cm). Westslope Cutthroat Trout have lifespans between 6-8 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout
The upper Columbia River and Missouri river basin are the ideal water bodies to find the Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi). It is also called the common cutthroat trout, black-spotted trout, or red-throated trout. This freshwater fish is quite unique.

Westslope Cutthroat Trout have a total length between 8”-12” (20-30 cm) and body height of 1.6”-2.4” (4-6 cm). The typical weight of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout is in the range of 2-3.3 lb (.9-1.5 kg). The maximum body length of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout is 18” (46 cm) with a height of 3.5” (9 cm). Westslope Cutthroat Trout have lifespans between 6-8 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi)
Height:
1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm; 3.5” | 9 cm (Max)
Width:
Length:
8”-12” | 20-30 cm; 18” | 46 cm (Max)
Depth:
Weight:
2-3.3 lb | .9-1.5 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi
Lifespan
6-8 years

Drawings include:

Westslope Cutthroat Trout side elevation, front

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