Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut

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• 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.

• White Sucker

  The white sucker is arguably our most important fish species.

• Bridle Shiner

  This easily overlooked minnow, the bridle shiner, is apparently declining throughout much of its range.

• Goldfish

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

• Common Carp

  Learn all about common carp, one of Connecticut's biggest and hardest fighting fish!

• Rudd

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

• Golden Shiner

  Commonly sold as bait, the golden shiner is our most common lake and pond minnow species.

• 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.

• Redfin Pickerel

  Connecticut’s smallest pike species. They are typically mistaken for small chain pickerel by anglers.

• Catfishes and Bullheads

  Catfish and bullheads have eight barbels around the mouth: two off the snout, two off the corners of the mouth, and four under the chin. These long barbels give the impression of whiskers, hence the name “catfishes.”

• Channel Catfish

  The channel catfish is the state’s largest catfish species.