These three fishes live in Virginia streams.
What genus do they belong to?

What species are these?

I live in Craig Creek, Who am I?

This is the largest native minnow in Virginia. If you look closely at the mouth with a hand lens, the fish lacks a frenum and has a small barbel that is at the posterior edge of the lips. The scales have dark margins. Lateral line scales are typically 44-47 - fewer and larger than its closest relative. In juveniles there is a midlateral dark stripe - look for that.

What is this species?

Who is the closest relative? How do you tell them apart in the field?

Be ready to encounter any species of fish on our field trip.

If we capture a specimen of sunfish that looks like this one, you should instantly recognize the species.

What is it?

What are the key distinguishing characteristics?

This species has a large mouth and will be captured by anglers. the maximum size is small. but this photo shows a 1 pound, 14 ounce specimen.

What Fish is This??

Take a look at this photo. You should know the order by sight.
What is the order?

You likely know the genus and species as well.

What is it.

Hidden characteristics: If you look in the mouth you will see teeth are absent on the medial portion of tongue.

extra credit for first correct species identification!

Recognition for Walleye Management in Virginia

The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has received a National Award in recognition of their efforts to improve the management of walleye fisheries in Virginia. The press release contains more details.

Research has demonstrated the persistence of a unique strain of walleye in the upper New River. The Department has continued a hatchery-based restoration of the native stock. Candidate spawners were collected from spawning areas, and DNA from fin clips was assessed genetically. Walleye exhibiting genetic variants that characterize the presumptive native stock were spawned and young were reared at Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries hatcheries.

Decline in Florida's Reef Fishes

Trophy fish caught on Key West charter boats (1958). Photo courtesy of Monroe County Library.

Since the 1950's, the estimated weight of sport fish caught in Florida Keys declined 88% according to a paper by Loren McClenachan to be published in Conservation Biology.

Photos from the 1950 were used to estimate sizes of trophy fish.

Click here for more of the story..

Reproduction - Fascinating Fishes

After reading Chapter 9 and reviewing in-class notes, you should be able to answer this question for your assigned 'fascinating fish'.

This essay question should be answered here by April 8. This question tests your ability to apply the various concepts to a novel species or groups of species.

Describe the following reproductive traits and strategies for your fascinating fish and explain how these strategies are adaptive for the environment in which these fish live.

Breeding Opportunities
Mating System
Gender System
Secondary Sex characteristics
Spawning Site Prep
Place of Fertilization
Parental Care
Reproductive Guild
Timing of Breeding

Click on comment below and post your answer in essay form (600 words max). Do not cut and past text from a web site!

The illustrations on this post show an intriguing behavior of some planktivorous cichlid species, referred to as "lekking" after the Swedish word that means "to play" Some leks are done without the 'volcano-shaped sand dome' depicted here. For more on Cichlidae, click here.