Gasterosteidae (sticklebacks)• Small, unscaled body• Free spines anterior to

dorsal fin• Pelvic fin consists of 1

spine• Narrow caudal

peduncle brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans))

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Gasterosteidae• 1 IA species

• Golf-ball sized nest composed of fibers

• Male guards nest, young

• Prey on small animals

brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans))

NFC’s Native Fish Gallery

Cottidae (sculpins)• Small body

• Wide, flat head

• Eyes on upper side of head; close together

• Divided dorsal fin of spiny and soft components

• Large pectoral fins

slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus))

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Cottidae

• 2 species in northeast IA

• Bottom dwellers in cold streams, lakes; often co-occur with salmonids

• Benthivorous

Mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi))

http://www.nps.gov

Moronidae (temperate basses)• Deep bodied, laterally

compressed• Ctenoid scales• Dorsal fin completely

divided; anterior portion with spines, posterior region mostly soft

• 3 anal spines• Pelvic fins thoracic

(jugular)• Spine on opercle• IA species with lateral

stripes

yellow bass (Morone mississippiensis))

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Moronidae

• Random spawners (no nests)

• Rivers, lakes, reservoirs

• Prey on invertebrates, fish

Ohio EPA

white bass (Morone chrysops))

Centrarchidae (sunfishes and basses)• Deep bodied, laterally

compressed• Ctenoid scales• Dorsal fin undivided;

anterior portion with spines, posterior region mostly soft rays

• 3-8 anal spines• Pelvic fins thoracic

(jugular)• No spine on opercle

bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus))

Ohio EPA

Centrarchidae• Nesters; male scoops

out depression, guards nest

• Many are game species

• Small individuals consume invertebrates; large ones piscivorous

Ohio EPA

largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides))

Percidae (perches)• Ctenoid scales

• Dorsal fin completely divided; anterior portion with spines, posterior region soft

• 1-2 anal spines; 2nd spine not broad and long

yellow perch (Perca flavescens))

Ohio EPA

Percidae• Important economically,

recreationally, ecologically

• Small individuals consume invertebrates; large ones piscivorous

• Darters sensitive to environmental degradation; water-quality indicators

fantail darter (Etheostoma flabellare))

Iowa DNR

walleye (Stizostedion vitreum))

Ohio EPA

Sciaenidae (drums)• Large, humpbacked body

• Subterminal mouth• Long, divided dorsal

fin; anterior with spines, posterior soft

• Pelvic fins thoracic or jugular in position

• 1-2 anal spines; 2nd spine broad and long

• Lateral line extends onto caudal fin

freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens))

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Sciaenidae• Rumbling sound produced

by swim bladder

• Benthivorous on invertebrates

• Eggs, larvae float at water surface Ohio EPA

freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens))