Arkansas Fish - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

A R K A N S AFish
S
Jeff Williams and Randy Zellers
Editors
Angela Browner
Designer
Contributing photographers
Bruce Bauer
Eric Engbretson
Danté Fenolio
Doug Hardesty
Brian Jorg
William Roston
Paul Shafland
Garold Sneegas
Richard Standage
Brian Wagner
Craig Young
Special thanks to the U.S. Geological Survey,
Florida Integrated Science Center.
On the cover The black crappie can be found among
submerged treetops in lakes and quiet backwaters.
Photo by Eric Engbretson.
Spring 2006
Lamprey Family
Southern Brook Lamprey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0
Sturgeon Family
Shovelnose Sturgeon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Paddlefish Family
Paddlefish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Gar Family
Alligator Gar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Bowfin Family
Bowfin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Freshwater Eel Family
American Eel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Herring Family
Gizzard Shad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mooneye Family
Mooneye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Trout Family
Rainbow Trout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Brook Trout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Pike Family
Chain Pickerel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0
Minnow and Carp Family
Central Stoneroller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1
Grass Carp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2
Common Carp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3
CO N TE N TS
Arkansas F IFish
S H LO CATO R
C O N TE N TS
Silver Carp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redspot Chub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cardinal Shiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Southern Redbelly Dace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
25
26
27
Sucker Family
Blue Sucker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8
Black Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 9
Golden Redhorse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0
Bullhead Catfish Family
Yellow Bullhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1
Checkered Madtom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2
Flathead Catfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3
Cavefish Family
Ozark Cavefish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4
Pirate Perch Family
Pirate Perch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5
Killifish Family
Northern Studfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6
Live-bearer Family
Western Mosquitofish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7
Silverside Family
Brook Silverside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 8
Temperate Bass Family
White Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 9
Sunfish Family
Ozark Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0
Bluegill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1
Longear Sunfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2
Pygmy Sunfish Family
Banded Pygmy Sunfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6
Perch Family
Stippled Darter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Orangethroat Darter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Logperch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Walleye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47
48
49
50
Drum Family
Freshwater Drum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 1
Sculpin Family
Banded Sculpin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2
CO N TE N TS
Smallmouth Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3
Largemouth Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4
Black Crappie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 5
ERIC ENGBRETSON
6
Arkansas is rich in fish. Just five states are home to
more species of fish than is The Natural State, which
harbors 20 percent of the species found in North
America.
I N TRO D UC TI O N
ArkansasS P EFish
C I E S FO U ND IN T HE NAT U R A L S TAT E
At least 215 species live here, many more than can be
described in a pocket guide. Some fish on these pages
are very familiar – bass, crappie, catfish – although
most people won’t encounter some of the other
families described.
Arkansas also has a wealth of water. The main
reason for the diversity of fish species here is distinct
eco-regions (see map), which have a wide variety
of habitats – bayous of the Delta with cypress and
tupelo gum trees, big rivers, oxbow lakes, clear
highland streams and springs, and huge, deep and
cool reservoirs. Different species have filled highly
variable niches
in these bodies
Crowley’s Ridge
of water. Of
Ozarks
the 215 species,
197 are native
and the others
River Valley
were introduced
Ouachitas
for food, bait,
Delta
sport fishing or
vegetation control.
Coastal
Plain
7
I N TRO D UCTI O N
Although this guide’s goal
is to familiarize readers
with fishes of Arkansas,
there’s another message.
The survival of wildlife
– including fish – is up to us.
As population, agriculture
and industry grow, we put
ERIC ENGBRETSON
more demands on our
aquatic resources. We can destroy in the blink of an
eye what nature created in thousands of years. We
must be thoughtful and unselfish in our stewardship
of all our natural resources.
How to Use This Handbook
At least one example of most families of Arkansas
fishes is included in this guide. They are listed in
“phylogenetic order,” which means they are arranged
from most primitive
to most physiologically
complex. This is the
order usually used
in scientific fish
identification keys. Much
of the information here
comes from “Fishes of
Arkansas” by Henry W.
Robison and Thomas
M. Buchanan, available
from The University
of Arkansas Press.
ERIC ENGBRETSON
8
“Fishes of Arkansas,” Henry W. Robison and Thomas M.
Buchanan. The University of Arkansas Press.
“Fishes of Oklahoma,” Rudolph Miller and Henry
Robison. Universtity of Oklahoma Press.
I N TRO D UC TI O N
Suggested Reading
“Inland Fishes of Mississippi,” Stephen Ross. University
Press of Mississippi.
“The Fishes of Missouri,” William L. Pflieger. Missouri
Department of Conservation.
“The Fishes of Tennessee,” David Ethnier and Wayne
Starnes. University of Tennessee Press.
Suggested Web Sites
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
www.agfc.com
North American Native Fishes Association
www.nanfa.org
NatureServe
www.natureserve.com
Southeastern Fishes Council
www.flmnh.ufl.edu\fish\organizations\sfc\sfcdefault\htm
9
DABBL
L AM P RE
I NYG FAM
D UCKS
I LY
Southern Brook Lamprey
BRUCE BAUER
I c h thyomyzo n c as t an e u s
Range Found throughout upland streams of the White
River and in the upper tributaries of the Arkansas, Little
and Ouachita rivers. Several have been found in lowland
streams in southwest Arkansas.
Habitat and Habits Juveniles (ammocoetes) are filter
feeders that eat plankton and decaying organic matter.
Juveniles generally are found in calm, quiet areas near
stream edges. Adults live in clear, flowing waters and build
nests for spawning.
Fish Fact Juveniles stop feeding when sexual maturity is
reached. Adults die a few days after spawning.
As a Group Lampreys belong to the Petromyzontidae
family. Many lampreys are parasitic but only one of the
four species in Arkansas is parasitic (chestnut lamprey).
10
SDABBL
TURGEI NOGN DFAM
UC KS
I LY
Shovelnose Sturgeon
GAROLD SNEEGAS
S c a p h ir hyn c h u s p lat o r y n c h u s
Range Primarily in large rivers such as the Arkansas,
Mississippi, Red and lower White.
Habitat and Habits Prefers shallow areas near deep
river channels. Also found on sand and gravel bars in
areas with strong current. Feeds on small aquatic insects,
mollusks, crustaceans and worms on river bottoms.
Fish Fact Sturgeon roe (eggs) produce caviar sold in
the U.S. Sturgeons are covered with rows of bony plates
called scutes.
As a Group Sturgeons belong to the family Acipenseridae.
Three of seven sturgeons of North America occur in
Arkansas: shovelnose, lake and the endangered pallid
sturgeon.
11
PAD D L E F I S H FAM I LY
Paddlefish
GAROLD SNEEGAS
Pol yod on s p a th u l a
Range Frequents large rivers within the Mississippi River
Basin – White, Arkansas, Ouachita and Red – plus major
tributaries in Arkansas.
Habitat and Habits Lives in areas slightly out of the
current, next to main river channels. Prefers tributary
mouths. Often uses backwater habitat during summer.
Feeds on zooplankton (microscopic crustaceans) filtered
through fine gill rakers.
Fish Fact Often called spoonbill catfish because of a
large paddle-like appendage (rostrum) extending past its
eyes.The rostrum contains pits, which may sense electrical
fields created by their microscopic prey.
As a Group Paddlefish belong to the Polyodontidae
family. The only other living member of this family is the
Chinese sturgeon of the Yangtze River in eastern Asia.
12
GAR FAM I LY
Alligator Gar
GAROLD SNEEGAS
A tr a c tos teu s s p a tu la
Range Lives primarily in the Mississippi, Arkansas and
Red rivers. Sometimes found in the lower St. Francis,
White and Ouachita rivers.
Habitat and Habits Likes sluggish pools and backwater
areas of big rivers. Feeds on fish and spawns in spring.
Little is known about its life history.
Fish Fact Alligator gar were once an important sport
and commercial fish in Arkansas, although the population
has declined drastically in the last 50 years. Known as a
vicious fighter. The state rod-and-reel record as of 2006
was 215 pounds.
As a Group Gars belong to the family Lepisosteidae.
Four species are found in Arkansas – alligator, longnose,
spotted and shortnose gar – and five species live in the
U.S.
13
BOWF I N FAM I LY
Bowfin
WILLIAM ROSTON
Amia c a l va
Range Found throughout the Arkansas River Valley and
in all the major drainages of the Coastal Plain lowlands.
Habitat and Habits Widespread in rivers, oxbow lakes,
bayous and swamps in lowlands of Arkansas. Feeds on fish
at night.
Fish Fact Often caught by anglers and known as grinnell.
A bowfin’s air bladder can be used like a lung, allowing the
fish to breathe air.
As a Group The bowfin belongs to the family Amiidae.
It’s the sole species of an ancient bony fish family.
14
F RE S H WATE R E E L FAM I LY
American Eel
GAROLD SNEEGAS
A n g u il l a r os tr a ta
Range Throughout the state, primarily in large rivers.
Habitat and Habits Frequents deep pools of large
rivers and streams around logs, boulders and other cover.
Sometimes found in smaller streams. Feeds primarily at
night, scavenging river bottoms for dead fish, crustaceans
and other organisms.
Fish Fact Adults die after spawning near Bermuda in
the Atlantic Ocean. Offspring find their way to freshwater
streams after a journey that takes more than a year. The
American eel population has declined because dams block
migration.
As a Group Freshwater eels belong to the family
Anguillidae. Fifteen species exist worldwide; only American
eels live in North America.
15
H E RRI N G FAM I LY
Gizzard Shad
GAROLD SNEEGAS
D or os om a c ep ed i an u m
Range All rivers, most abundant in large rivers and
impoundments.
Habitat and Habits Lives in a variety of habitats, usually
in large schools in open water. Prefers deep, calm water
but found in strong currents as well.
Fish Fact Gizzard shad often overpopulate manmade
reservoirs.
As a Group Shad belong to the Clupeidae family,
which includes about 200 species worldwide. Four family
members live in Arkansas: the rare Alabama shad, skipjack
herring, gizzard shad and threadfin shad.
16
M O O N E Y E FAM I LY
Mooneye
GAROLD SNEEGAS
H iod on terg is u s
Range Large rivers: Arkansas, White, Black, Little Red,
Strawberry, Spring, Current and Ouachita. Rarely found in
the Mississippi River.
Habitat and Habits Inhabits clear water, less tolerant
of turbid waters. Commonly found in current above firm
river bottoms. Feeds on aquatic insects, crayfish, mollusks
and fish.
Fish Fact Mooneyes are known as toothed herrings
because of their superficial resemblance to herrings and
teeth on their jaws, roof of the mouth and tongue.
As a Group Mooneyes belong to the family Hiodontidae,
which has one genus and two species (the other is
goldeye) that occur in Arkansas.
17
TRO UT FAM I LY
Rainbow Trout
ERIC ENGBRETSON
On c h or yn c hys my k i s s
Range Introduced in the cold tailwaters below dams in
the Ozark and Ouachita mountains and into some large
springs such as Mammoth Spring in northern Arkansas.
Habitat and Habits Although natural reproduction
occurs, most rainbow trout in Arkansas have been raised
in hatcheries and stocked. Rainbows feed on crustaceans,
aquatic insects and fish. Spawning, though rarely successful,
occurs in fall and early winter.
Fish Fact Large-scale stocking of rainbow trout began
in the late 1940s when the construction of large, deep
reservoirs in the Ozarks and their coldwater discharges
wiped out native fish populations.
As a Group Brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout
fishing has become immensely valuable to the state’s
economy and provides many recreational benefits.
18
TRO UT FAM I LY
Brook Trout
WILLIAM ROSTON
Sal vel in u s fon tin a l is
Range Introduced in the cold tailwaters of dams in the
Ozarks and some large springs.
Habitat and Habits This colorful, small trout prefers
cover, such as boulders and logs, protected from current
and predators. It eats insects and crustaceans, often during
daylight. Spawning, though rarely successful, occurs in late
fall and early winter. Brook trout are less tolerant of warm
water than are rainbows.
Fish Fact Like other trout species, breeding males
develop a “kipe” (hooked lower jaw) during spawning to
build and defend their “redds” (nests).
As a Group Trout are not native to Arkansas.
19
P I KE FAM I LY
Chain Pickerel
GAROLD SNEEGAS
E s ox n ig er
Range Streams and lakes in the coastal lowlands, Delta,
Arkansas River Valley and the foothills of the Ouachitas
and Ozarks.
Habitat and Habits The chain pickerel spawns from
late February to early March by laying sticky eggs on aquatic
plants. The parents do not guard the eggs. This species is
not very abundant in Arkansas but can be found in clear
water near vegetation. It eats fish, especially sunfish.
Fish Fact A tiger muskie grew larger than 22 pounds in
six years in the Spring River.
As a Group Only one other pike, the grass pickerel, is
native to Arkansas. Muskellunge and northern pike (and
tiger muskies, a hybrid of the two) have been introduced.
20
M I N N OW AN D C ARP FAM I LY
Central Stoneroller
GAROLD SNEEGAS
C a m p os tom a an o m al u m
Range Almost statewide; not found in the lowlands of
southern and eastern Arkansas.
Habitat and Habits Lives among riffles and runs in
small and medium, rocky streams. Lives mostly on algae
growing on the stream bottom.
Fish Fact The stoneroller gets its name from its habit
of pushing rocks around on the stream bottom while it
scrapes off algae with a ridge of cartilage on its lower jaw.
As a Group Arkansas is home to two stonerollers –
central and largescale – which often are found together in
northern Arkansas.
21
M I N N OW AN D C ARP FAM I LY
PAUL SHAFLAND, FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Grass Carp
C ten op h a r yn g od on i d e ll a
Range Statewide in all major river basins, plus ponds and
lakes where they’ve been stocked.
Habitat and Habits Typically found in large rivers,
but also can be found in ponds and reservoirs. Feeds on
aquatic plants and sometimes eats animal matter. Females
can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs that float until
they hatch, usually within 36 hours, depending on water
temperature.
Fish Fact Grass carp are used to control unwanted
vegetation in lakes and ponds.
As a Group Asian carp belong to the family Cyprinidae,
along with minnows and common carp. Grass carp, silver
carp and bighead carp are the three major species in
Arkansas.
22
M I N N OW AN D C ARP FAM I LY
Common Carp
WILLIAM ROSTON
C yp r in u s c ar p i o
Range This introduced species is found almost
statewide.
Habitat and Habits Among most adaptable species
of fish, the common carp is abundant in mud-bottom
streams and lakes. It is tolerant of pollution and can exist
where few other species can. Spawns in late spring and
early summer. Carp eat almost any kind of organic matter,
plants, insects and crustaceans. They destroy habitat for
other fishes by rooting the bottom when they feed.
Fish Fact Common carp, native to Asia, were introduced
in Europe, then the U.S., as a food fish.
As a Group The minnow family, which has the largest
number of species here and in the world, contains the
other Asian carps (also introduced in Arkansas) and
goldfish (sometimes found in the wild).
23
M I N N OW AN D C ARP FAM I LY
Silver Carp
CRAIG YOUNG ( INSET: DOUG HARDESTY)
Hyp op h th a l m ic h thys mo li t r i x
Range This introduced species has been documented
in the Arkansas, Mississippi and White rivers. Probably
escaped from various fish farms or was introduced as
unused baitfish.
Habitat and Habits Native to eastern Asia and found
in the lowland rivers of China. A filter feeder with spongelike gill rakers that eats phytoplankton.
Fish Fact Silver carp are known to leap from water
when disturbed by noises and vibrations from boat
motors. Boaters have been injured by these jumping fish.
As a Group Asian carp are in the family Cyprinidae,
along with minnows and common carp. Grass carp, silver
carp and bighead carp are the major species in Arkansas.
24
M I N N OW AN D C ARP FAM I LY
Redspot Chub
GAROLD SNEEGAS
N oc om is a s p e r
Range The Arkansas River basin in the northwest
corner of the state, plus isolated populations in the upper
Ouachita and Little Missouri rivers.
Habitat and Habits Lives in clear, cool, spring-fed,
gravel-bottom streams. Feeds on aquatic insects.
Fish Fact This chub is so similar to the hornyhead chub
of the White River basin that the two can be identified
only by the distribution of “tubercles” (bumps on the
heads of breeding males).
As a Group Some chubs, like the redspot, build nests
with stones on stream bottoms. These piles can reach a
foot high and may contain stones from as far away as 20
feet.
25
M I N N OW AN D C ARP FAM I LY
Cardinal Shiner
WILLIAM ROSTON
L u x il u s c a r d in a l is
Range Arkansas River basin tributaries in the western
Ozarks.
Habitat and Habits Lives in moderately swift riffles
and raceways of clear, gravel-bottom streams.
Fish Fact This colorful minnow grows to almost 4 inches
long, rather large for a shiner.
As a Group
minnows.
26
“Shiner” refers to large-scaled, silvery
M I N N OW AN D C ARP FAM I LY
Southern Redbelly Dace
WILLIAM ROSTON
P h ox in u s er yt h r ogas t e r
Range Across northern Arkansas in the White, Black and
Illinois river basins. An isolated population lives in streams
on Crowley’s Ridge.
Habitat and Habits Lives in cool, clear, rocky headwater
creeks. Swims in schools and forages on the bottom for
algae and aquatic insects.
Fish Fact The southern redbelly dace spawns in the
nests of other minnow species.
As a Group Dace are small, fine-scaled members of the
minnow family that like cold water. This is the only species
of dace in Arkansas.
27
S UC KE R FAM I LY
Blue Sucker
GAROLD SNEEGAS
Cyc l ep tu s el on g ta u s
Range Arkansas and Mississippi rivers and a few other
lowland and foothill streams.
Habitat and Habits
This peculiar-looking but
streamlined sucker is ideally suited for living on the bottom
of fast-moving rivers. It feeds on aquatic insect larvae and
some mollusks. Spawning occurs in May and June, usually
over gravel.
Fish Fact Suckers were very popular with early
Arkansans. Families caught shoaling suckers, which they
would clean and can on gravel bars.
As a Group This family of bottom feeders includes
redhorses, which require unpolluted water, hogsuckers
and buffalo fishes. They all eat invertebrates and other
organisms.
28
S UCKE R FAM I LY
Black Buffalo
GAROLD SNEEGAS
I c tiob u s n ig er
Range Statewide in large rivers and reservoirs.
Habitat and Habits The black buffalo prefers strong
currents in big rivers. It eats mainly macroinvertebrates
and mollusks. Spawning is believed to occur in April.
Fish Fact Buffalo are an extremely important commercial
fish species in this state. Thousands of tons are harvested
from the wild each year and sold to fish markets here
and abroad.
As a Group Bigmouth and smallmouth buffalo are more
numerous than black buffalo in Arkansas. They also live in
larger streams and have similar feeding habits.
29
S UC KE R FAM I LY
Golden Redhorse
WILLIAM ROSTON
Mox os tom a er yth r u r u m
Range Clear, gravel-bottom streams of the Ozarks,
Ouachitas and foothills.
Habitat and Habits These shiny yellow suckers feed
on algae, organic matter, invertebrates and small mollusks.
Adults congregate in April and early May, swim up swift
streams to spawn on gravel shoals and riffles. They don’t
build nests or protect young.
Fish Fact When dogwoods bloom in the hill country,
the redhorse is spawning.
As a Group The other redhorse species in Arkansas
are found in roughly the same waters as the golden. Their
meat is tasty but, because of small bones, fillets must be
deeply scored every quarter-inch before frying.
30
BUL L H E AD C ATF I S H FAM I LY
Yellow Bullhead
GAROLD SNEEGAS
I c ta l u r u s n a tal i s
Range Streams, ponds and reservoirs statewide.
Habitat and Habits This small catfish, which rarely
grows to a foot long, spawns in early summer. It feeds
on aquatic insects, crustaceans and fish. It is distinguished
from the other two bullheads by its white “barbels” (chin
whiskers). Like other catfish, it uses its highly developed
sense of smell to find food as it feeds at night.
Fish Fact Sometimes mistakenly stocked as channel
catfish, bullheads quickly overpopulate a pond and crowd
out desirable species.
As a Group Bullheads generally are thought to have
a strong, unpleasant flavor and are not considered highquality table fare. Their flavor may be associated with the
type of water they live in and the food available.
31
BUL L H E AD C ATF I S H FAM I LY
Checkered Madtom
WILLIAM ROSTON
Notu r u s fl ava ter
Range Found only in the White River basin of Arkansas
and Missouri.
Habitat and Habits Lives among rocks and boulders
in deeper pools of clear, cool, rocky creeks. They spawn in
cavities under rocks; males guard the eggs.
Fish Fact The checkered madtom, which grows to about
7 inches, is the second-largest species of madtom.
As a Group The dorsal and pectoral fins of madtoms
have a sharp spine that can inject a painful toxin.
32
BUL L H E AD C ATF I S H FAM I LY
Flathead Catfish
WILLIAM ROSTON
P yl od ic tis ol iv ar i s
Range Lakes and streams statewide.
Habitat and Habits This mottled, camouflaged catfish
prefers to hide on the bottom, on logs and among rocks to
ambush its prey, usually crayfish and fish. It is an aggressive
predator that often reaches 60 pounds in Arkansas. It
feeds primarily at night. Spawning begins in late June.
Fish Fact Unlike other catfish, flatheads rarely bite bait
that is not alive.
As a Group All 19 catfish species in Arkansas have sharp
spines that can inflict painful wounds. Most have highly
developed senses of smell and taste that help them find
food and other catfish and avoid predators.Their whiskers
help them navigate in the dark.
33
C AV E F I S H FAM I LY
Ozark Cavefish
DANTÉ FENOLIO
A m b l yop s is r os a e
Range Extreme northwest Arkansas, southwest Missouri
and northeast Oklahoma.
Habitat and Habits Lives in cave streams and other
underground waters.
Fish Fact Cavefish have little pigment and no eyes. They
are long-lived and little is known about their habits. This
species is listed as “threatened” under the Endangered
Species Act of 1973.
As a Group Arkansas is home to two species of cavefish,
both in the Ozark Plateau.
34
P I RATE P E RC H FAM I LY
Pirate Perch
GAROLD SNEEGAS
A p h r ed od er u s s ay an u s
Range Lowlands of Arkansas and suitable habitat of the
Ouachita uplands.
Habitat and Habits Quiet pools, swamps, ditches and
oxbow lakes.
Fish Fact This secretive fish spends most of its time
hidden in vegetation or among roots beneath undercut
banks. It is most active at dusk and dawn.
As a Group The pirate perch is the only living member
of its family. It lives in the lowlands of the eastern U.S.
35
KI L L I F I S H FAM I LY
Northern Studfish
WILLIAM ROSTON
Fu n d u l u s c a ten a tu s
Range The Ozark Mountains and Ouachita Mountains.
Habitat and Habits Quiet, shallow edges of pools in
clear, upland streams with permanent flow. Males establish
territory in shallow, quiet water, where eggs are laid on a
gravel bottom.
Fish Fact Male studfish are among the most brightly
colored native fishes; females are tan and brown.
As a Group Often called topminnows, which refers to
an upturned mouth. They feed on mosquitoes and other
aquatic insects at the surface.
36
L I V E -BE ARE R FAM I LY
Western Mosquitofish
GAROLD SNEEGAS
G a m b u s ia a f f i n i s
Range Statewide, but rare in the Ozarks.
Habitat and Habits
Prefers shallow, vegetated,
backwater areas. Found in a variety of streams, from spring
runs to swamps, to the edges of large rivers.
Fish Fact The mosquitofish is a live-bearer, like guppies
in pet shops. It is the only live-bearer native to Arkansas,
and can produce up to four broods in a summer. This
species has been introduced for mosquito control around
the world.
As a Group Mosquitofish (and other Poeciliidae
members) use a modified “gonopodium” (anal fin) to
transfer sperm to the female, which can store the sperm
for several months before fertilizing eggs.
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S I LV E RS I D E FAM I LY
Brook Silverside
WILLAM ROSTON
L a b id es th es s ic c u l u s
Range Statewide.
Habitat and Habits This fish tends to prefer the
surface of calm, backwater areas, where it feeds on midges
(chironomids), small insects and zooplankton. It spawns in
late spring and summer, laying eggs that stick to objects
underwater.
Fish Fact Eggs hatch in about a week, fish grow rapidly
and the life cycle is completed in about a year.
As a Group Brook and inland silversides live in Arkansas.
Most members of this family live in saltwater.
38
TE M P E RATE BAS S FAM I LY
White Bass
WILLIAM ROSTON
Mor on e c h r ys op s
Range Statewide; abundant in large streams and
reservoirs.
Habitat and Habits White bass school and live in
open water. Adults eat small shad in morning and evening.
They make spawning runs up tributaries in early March.
Fish Fact White bass feeding on small shad in reservoirs
may create acres of thrashing on the surface.
As a Group Yellow bass – the other native Morone – is
a small fish that tends to overpopulate and is considered
a nuisance.The sea-going striped bass has been stocked in
many reservoirs and is – along with the manmade hybrid
of the striper and the white – a very popular sport fish.
39
S UN F I S H FAM I LY
Ozark Bass
WILLIAM ROSTON
A m b l op l ites c on s tel l at u s
Range White River drainage in northwest Arkansas.
Habitat and Habits Clear, highland streams and a few
clear reservoirs, among woody debris, crevices, overhangs
and other structure.They feed on insects and crayfish, and
spawn in April and May.
Fish Fact Ozark bass aggressively take a variety of lures.
This popular sport fish is good to eat and can reach a
pound or more.
As a Group The rock bass and the shadow bass are
close cousins with different color patterns that inhabit
different drainages in Arkansas.
40
S UN F I S H FAM I LY
Bluegill
ERIC ENGBRETSON
Lep om is m a c r oc h ir u s
Range Almost statewide.
Habitat and Habits Bluegill, among the larger sunfish,
thrive in still, warm water such as ponds and small lakes.
They have been widely stocked in farm ponds. Spawning
begins in May and can last until July; nests are built close
together. Males guard eggs but not free-swimming fry.
Bluegill eat insects, crayfish and small fish.
Fish Fact Bluegill and largemouth bass evolved together
in the big rivers and oxbows of the U.S. and have a dynamic
relationship. When their numbers are in balance, bluegill
feed bass and bass keep bluegill from overpopulating.
As a Group Bream fishing is one of the most popular
outdoor activities in Arkansas. Since bluegill are colonial,
once an angler finds one, he has found many.
41
S UN F I S H FAM I LY
Longear Sunfish
GAROLD SNEEGAS
Lep om is m eg a l o t i s
Range Abundant statewide.
Habitat and Habits This little sunfish, as beautiful as
any tropical fish, has adapted to almost all types of habitat
in Arkansas but prefers the clear streams and reservoirs
in the highlands. It is an opportunistic feeder but mainly
eats insects and crayfish. It spawns in colonies on gravel
bottoms in June.
Fish Fact Longears are aggressive and will happily snap
at your freckles and hairs when you’re standing in their
water.
As a Group Twenty species of sunfish live in Arkansas,
including black basses, crappie, rock bass and bream
(bluegill, redear and warmouth). They make nests and
guard their young from predators. Sunfish often are the
most numerous species in a body of water.
42
S UN F I S H FAM I LY
Smallmouth Bass
ERIC ENGBRETSON
M ic r op ter u s d o l o m i e u i
Range Throughout the cool, clear streams of the Ozark
and Ouachita mountains and foothills, and in some deep,
clear reservoirs.
Habitat and Habits Spawning usually begins when
surface water temperature reaches about 57 degrees
in early April. Smallmouth feed on crayfish, amphibians
and fish. Some may reach 12 years old. They lurk among
woody debris, boulders, overhangs and other structures
in streams.
Fish Fact Smallmouth are considered to be the hardestfighting bass pound for pound, and often strike a lure
multiple times. They are prized by float fishermen.
As a Group In general, largemouth bass are found in
slower, murkier reaches of streams; smallmouth live in the
clear headwaters, and spotted bass in between.
43
S UN F I S H FAM I LY
Largemouth Bass
ERIC ENGBRETSON
M ic r op ter u s s a l mo i d e s
Range Statewide; widely stocked.
Habitat and Habits Largemouth bass spawn in
Arkansas in April. The male aggressively guards the nest
until the young begin to swim away. They feed first on
zooplankton then switch to insects, fish, crayfish and even
small animals or birds. They’re usually found along the
shoreline or other structure in lakes and streams.
Fish Fact The largemouth bass has the largest mouth for
its size of any freshwater fish and is a voracious predator,
which explains why it is the most popular sport fish in
the state.
As a Group Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass
are called black bass because their “fry” (recently hatched
young) are black.
44
S UN F I S H FAM I LY
Black Crappie
WILLIAM ROSTON
Pom ox is s a l m oid es
Range Statewide; widely stocked.
Habitat and Habits Black crappie are most abundant
in reservoirs, oxbow lakes and backwater of large rivers.
They thrive among woody cover or aquatic vegetation
along the shoreline. Adults feed on fish but also eat
insects. Spawning begins when the water temperature hits
64 degrees. Males build nests and guard the eggs and fry.
Fish Fact When less than a year old, crappie often
migrate into open water of lakes, probably to escape bass
and other predators along the shoreline.
As a Group White and black crappie are among the
most popular panfish in Arkansas and second only to
largemouth bass as sport fish. They are prized for their
sweet flavor.
45
P Y GM Y S UN F I S H FAM I LY
Banded Pygmy Sunfish
GAROLD SNEEGAS
Elas s o m a z o n at u m
Range Lowlands of the southeastern half of Arkansas.
Rarely found in the Ouachita and Ozark mountain
regions.
Habitat and Habits Lives in well-vegetated, sluggish
swamps, sloughs and backwaters of oxbow lakes. It is a
secretive sight feeder that eats only live prey.
Fish Fact Not a true sunfish; it’s a member of a family of
very small fish that grow to about 1.5 inches.
As a Group Pygmy sunfish were once placed in the
sunfish family, but many characteristics, such as a missing
lateral line, have deemed these fish worthy of their own
family.
46
P E RCH FAM I LY
Stippled Darter
WILLIAM ROSTON
E th eos tom a p u n c tu l at u m
Range Parts of the White and Arkansas river basins in
the Ozarks.
Habitat and Habits Thrives in headwater creeks
and spring runs, as well as larger creeks and small rivers.
Requires clear water and permanent flow. Often found
among aquatic vegetation.
Fish Fact Referred to as “stenothermal,” which means
it has adapted to a narrow temperature range. That’s
why it’s often found near springs, which have constant
temperatures.
As a Group Darters have little or no swim bladder, the
organ that fish inflate to rise toward the surface. Darters
tend to sink and they get their common name from their
habit of darting among rocks.
47
P E RC H FAM I LY
Orangethroat Darter
BRIAN WAGNER
E th eos tom a sp e c t ab i l e
Range Northwest quarter of the state to Little Rock,
Arkansas River and upper White River basins. Strawberry
and Current darters were once included in this species.
Habitat and Habits Lives among rocks in riffles of small
headwater creeks. The orangethroat spawns in spring and
buries its eggs in an unguarded gravel nest.
Fish Fact Like most darters, the females are drab and
the males are brightly colored, especially during breeding
season.
As a Group Darters belong to the family Percidae, along
with walleye. Arkansas has 43 darter species.
48
P E RCH FAM I LY
Logperch
GAROLD SNEEGAS
Per c in a c a p r od es
Range Most of Arkansas but has not been found in the
mainstream of the Mississippi or Red rivers.
Habitat and Habits Most abundant in the Ozarks and
Ouachitas, this is the state’s most adaptable darter. It lives
in a variety of habitats, including reservoirs.
Fish Fact The logperch, Arkansas’ largest darter, can
grow to 7 inches.
As a Group Darters in the genus Percina have a
small swim bladder, so they move more freely than their
Etheostoma cousins.
49
P E RC H FAM I LY
Walleye
ERIC ENGBRETSON
S tiz os ted ion v i t r e u m
Range Native to the Ozarks and Ouachitas; widely
stocked in reservoirs.
Habitat and Habits This nocturnal predator has big
eyes adapted for low light and a formidable set of teeth.
It feeds on crayfish, amphibians and fish. Spawning begins
in late February and continues until almost April. Walleye
prefer gravel shoals in streams but also spawn near a lake’s
shore.
Fish Fact Walleye taste great but are not especially hardfighting sport fish.
As a Group Sauger are the only other sport fish in this
group, which includes darters. The sauger is a much smaller
cousin of the walleye, although similar in appearance, and
is found in large streams.
50
D RUM FAM I LY
Freshwater Drum
ERIC ENGBRETSON
A p l od in otu s g r u n n i e n s
Range Statewide in large bodies of water; most abundant
in large rivers.
Habitat and Habits Large, slow-flowing rivers and
large reservoirs. Drum feed on small fish, crustaceans and
mollusks. It is a popular sport fish but mediocre as table
fare.
Fish Fact The drum gets its name from drumming sounds
made by males during spawning season by contracting
muscles next to their air bladders.
As a Group The freshwater drum is a member of the
family Sciaenidae, primarily a saltwater group. This drum,
an important commercial fish, is the only member of this
family in Arkansas.
51
S C UL P I N FAM I LY
Banded Sculpin
WILLIAM ROSTON
C ottu s c ar o l i n ae
Range White and Illinois river basins.
Habitat and Habits Lives among rocks in riffles of
cold, highly oxygenated springs and spring-fed creeks.
They thrive in swift water, where they feed on insects,
crustaceans and small fish. They spawn in late winter and
early spring.
Fish Fact Sculpins are a favorite food of trout.
As a Group A sculpin resembles a darter with a huge
mouth. Most sculpins live in or near saltwater. Arkansas is
home to the banded sculpin and the Ozark sculpin.
52
Learning more about Arkansas fish is easy thanks to
this program, which includes mobile aquariums and
classroom aquariums. The trailer-mounted aquariums
are filled with fish native to Arkansas and are available
for county fairs, festivals, schools and civic events.
The classroom aquarium program provides 55-gallon
aquariums for teachers.
AQ UATI C RE S O URC E S
Aquatic Resources
Education Program
For more information about these programs, visit
the AGFC Web site, www.agfc.com, or call
(501) 676-9506.
Aquatic
Resources
Education
A R E You Fishing
in Arkansas?
53
S TRE AM TE AM
Arkansas Stream Team Program
More people are discovering
the beauty of our state’s
waters. And, even though we
want everyone to enjoy what
Arkansas has to offer, we must
protect these waters from the
problems caused by increased
use. With more than 90,000
miles of streams in the state,
that’s a huge job.
The Arkansas Stream Team Program is a volunteerbased effort coordinated by the Arkansas Game
and Fish Commission to keep our waters clean and
healthy. The program encourages volunteers of all ages
and walks of life to band together to preserve our
water for future generations. Stream Team volunteers
are involved in tasks ranging from litter control and
shoreline stabilization to aquatic resource education
and petitioning for environmental law policy at the
state level.
For information
on how to join
the Stream Team
program or start
a chapter of your
own, contact the
AGFC at (800)
364-4263.
54
Keeping native fish in an aquarium is a great way to
understand and appreciate these little residents of
The Natural State. But be aware that some of these
fish require specialized conditions and may not be as
easy to care for as their pet shop cousins. Arkansans
are allowed to keep
native fish as pets if
legally collected as bait
or taken by sportfishing methods. See
the current Arkansas
Fishing Guidebook for
details.
F I S H AS P E TS
Fish as Pets
Don’t Let ’em Go!
If you keep native fish, you must keep them for the
rest of their lives. Releasing fish is prohibited because
fish released in areas where they do not naturally
occur can introduce disease.
55
E N DAN GE RE D S P E CI E S
Endangered Species
Arkansas’ endangered fish include Ozark cavefish
(Amblyopsis rosae), leopard darter (Percina
pantherina), and pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhyncus
albus). By AGFC code (and federal law) it is illegal to
import, transport, sell, purchase, take or possess any
endangered species of wildlife or parts thereof.
Leopard darter
RICHARD STANDAGE
Ozark cavefish
DANTÉ FENOLIO
56
Aquatic plants and animals that escape or are
purposefully released into waters where they are
not native can become a nuisance. Aquatic nuisance
species can upset the ecological balance and cause
economic harm. Examples of aquatic nuisance species
in Arkansas are zebra mussels, bighead carp and
hydrilla.
You can do your part to prevent the spread of
aquatic nuisance species by never releasing plants, fish
or animals into a body of water unless they come
out of that body of water, and eliminating water
from livewells, motors and other equipment before
transplanting equipment.
N UI S AN C E AQ UATI C S P E C I E S
Nuisance Aquatic Species
For more information on how you can help, visit
www.protectyourwaters.net.
Northern snakehead
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY,
FLORIDA INTEGRATED SCIENCE CENTER
Red-bellied piranha
PIRANHA © 2006 BRIAN JORG
CRITTERZONE.COM
57
F I S H E RI E S S TAF F CRE D I TS
Fisheries Staff Credits
Michael Armstrong
Chief of Fisheries
Coordinators
Contributors
Mark Oliver
Jimmy Barnett
Assistant Chief of Fisheries
Management
Aquatic Resources Education
Coordinator
Andrea Daniel
Sam Barkley
Fisheries Staff Biologist
District Fisheries Supervisor
Brian Wagner
Stephen Brown
Nongame Aquatics Biologist
Fisheries Managment Biologist
Lee Holt
Sam Henry
Fisheries Management Biologist
Fisheries Management Biologist
Frank Leone
Fisheries Management Biologist
Ron Moore
District Fisheries Supervisor
Jeremy Risley
Fisheries Management Biologist
58
www.agfc.com
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
(800) 364-4263