Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut

Rock bass have relatively large mouths, so are commonly caught by anglers seeking larger gamefish.

Rainbow trout seldom survive the summer in Connecticut and natural reproduction is rare.

Codfishes are characterized by having a single barbel on the middle of the chin.

Damn building, overfishing and pollution all likely contributed to the demise of Atlantic sturgeon in Connecticut.

Gizzard shad were first observed in Connecticut during the late 1970s, apparently the result of a natural range expansion.

Due to their small size, spotfin killifish are difficult to identify and often mistaken for young mummichog.

Their abundance makes them very important forage fish for many marine predators such as striped bass, fluke and seabirds.

Make a home aquarium with the beautiful native and introduced freshwater fishes of Connecticut!

Relatively small, silvery fishes with a very slender, cylindrical shape.

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

Sometimes bury themselves in the sand with only eyes and tail tips exposed. Can be easily captured with small-mesh dip net or seine.

Also known as “mossbunker” or simply “bunker.” Menhaden are important forage fish for large predatory fishes such as striped bass and bluefish.

The state's only parasitic fish to enter freshwater, the sea lamprey gets a bad reputation. Learn more about this fascinating fish.

The longnose dace has a hydrodynamic body similar to a miniature sturgeon that helps it hold near the bottom in fast water.

One of our most colorful freshwater fishes.