Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut

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• Mullets

  Mullets are torpedo-shaped fishes with horizontal mouths.

• Yellow Perch

  Yellow perch are one of the state’s most popular panfishes. They actively feed during the winter, making them a staple for ice anglers.

• Creek Chub

  Closely related to fallfish, creek chubs build long ridges of gravel for nests.

• Bluntnose Minnow

  It is unclear how or when bluntnose minnows arrived in Connecticut.

• Rainwater Killifish

  Where numerous, rainwater killifish are thought to be an effective control of mosquito larvae.

• American Shad

  In 2003, the American shad was designated Connecticut’s “State Fish.”

• Mummichog

  They are sold as bait at coastal bait shops (where they are often called “killies” or “mummies”) and are popular due to their toughness and ability to survive in fresh water.

• Fish Descriptions and Distribution Maps Explained

  Learn how to interpret the fish descriptions and distribution maps used to describe the freshwater fishes of Connecticut!

• Goldfish

  Learn about goldfish in Connecticut, an introduced species that is native to Asia and common in urban ponds.

• Rudd

  Not yet found in Connecticut, the Rudd has established populations in neighboring states.

• Tench

  An esteemed food and sport fish in Europe, it's unclear how the tench will affect Connecticut's freshwater ecosystems.

• Cutlip Minnow

  Cutlip minnows are known to sometimes knock out and eat the eyes of other fishes.

• Minnows and Carps

  Minnows are an extremely diverse family with abundant representatives over most of the world. Learn about all the minnows who call Connecticut home!

• Shortnose Sturgeon

  Learn about the shortnose sturgeon, a state and federally endangered species that call the CT River home.

• Grass Carp

  Native to China and Siberia, this gigantic freshwater fish has been widely stocked for weed control.