Similarities And Differences Among New York's Smaller Unusual Fish
| Species | Description | Habitat | Reproduction | Feeding | Comments/ Fishing Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mosquitofish | 1-2" long Gray and brown with some dark spots Mouth located on upper side of head Male has modified, tube-like anal fin |
Found in small water bodies in slow moving or stagnant water | Long spawning season - females produce 2-4 broods per year Only freshwater fish that gives birth to young rather than laying eggs Males use modified anal fin to fertilize females Young born 3-4 weeks after mating Young do not have egg sac; rather they look like miniature adults |
Surface feeder Mostly eats mosquito larvae |
Limited in range to New York City and Long Island First introduced into New York waters as a biological control for mosquitos Only freshwater fish in New York that gives birth to young rather than laying eggs |
| Banded Killifish | 2-3" long Brown in color, fading to yellow/white on belly Flattened head with up-turned mouth and large eyes 12-20 dark vertical bars on sides |
Weedy shallows of lakes and ponds and slower-moving portions of streams | Spawns in May in weedy areas of quiet water Males become quite aggressive Females initially lay a single large egg that is attached to the body by a thin thread. After some chasing, 5-10 more eggs are released. Eggs break free and sink into vegetation No parental care is given |
Eats insects, snails and flatworms Often feeds in schools |
Similar in appearance to female mosquitofish When frightened, will sometimes dive into the soft bottom Occasionally used as bait |
| Central Mudminnow | 2-4" long Robust, almost round body shape Generally dark brown with mottled sides. During spawning, body has metallic green sheen Prominent black bar at base of tail |
Occurs in heavily vegetated ponds or pools in creeks and rivers. Also found in swamps and isolated stagnant pools | Spawns in April in shallow, weedy water at the edge of ponds and streams The sticky eggs are scattered over vegetation No parental care is given |
Bottom feeder. Primarily eats aquatic insects, mollusks and other small aquatic organisms Similar to pike, it remains motion-less in vegetation and darts out to grab food |
When disturbed, the mudminnow dives into the soft muck bottom A hardy fish, it can survive in waters where other fish cannot - such as swamps and stagnant pools. Can gulp air at water's surface Sometimes used as bait |
| Brook Silverside | 3-4" long Slender, nearly transparent fish Large eyes and long, almost beak-like jaw Bright silver streak runs along sides |
Weedy areas of streams and lakes Found at water's surface Prefers clear water |
Spawns June-July Males defend territories and mate with females after a short chase that usually includes leaping out of the water Orange colored eggs are deposited over aquatic vegetation. Eggs contain oil globules and a long adhesive filament that acts as an anchoring device |
Eats small aquatic animals and insects Leaps out of water when chasing flying insects |
Short-lived; most silversides only reach one year of age |
| American Brook Lamprey | 6-8" long Long cylindrical, worm-like body Blue/gray or muddy brown in color Skin is smooth and leathery: no scales Disc-like mouth with poorly developed teeth |
Found in clear, cold brooks and small streams | Spawns in spring Male (sometimes aided by female) builds nest. Uses mouth to deposit pebbles to form rim of shallow depression The sticky eggs are deposited in the nest and adhere to the sand and gravel Adults die after spawning |
Young lamprey (called ammocoetes) burrow into sand and silt to feed on microscopic plant & animal life & detritus. Remain there for 5 years Ammocoetes change (metamorphose) into sexually mature adult fish that cannot eat |
Only non-parasitic lamprey in New York Spotty distribution - found in Allegheny and upper Genesee River system as well as some tributaries of Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. The St. Lawrence River, Lake Champlain and the New York City area. |
| Pirate Perch | 2-3" long Stubby, heavy bodies in appearance Dark, purple brown in color Small eyes; large, up-turned mouth Bone near gill cover (preopercle) has saw-toothed edge Body openings (anus & urogenital) located far up on body; between gill openings |
Shallow, weedy water areas with slow current and plenty of soft muck and organic material | Spawns in May Both sexes build a nest Adults guard eggs and young |
Eats insects and an occasional small fish Feeds mostly at night |
Only found in two areas of New York State; a few small streams west of Rochester, and numerous Long Island streams |
| Brook Stickleback | 1.5-3" long Olive green to jet black with light spots or wavy lines Prominent mouth and large eyes 4-6 spines on front portion of dorsal fin Smooth body - no scales. Tiny, bony plates on sides |
Clear, cold water wherever dense vegetation is common | Very interesting spawning ritual Male builds golf ball-sized nest of dead grass, fine fibers and algae held together by kidney secretions The male nips, butts and nudges the female into the nest, then chases her away after the eggs are deposited Male fans eggs and then defends young until they leave nest |
Mostly carnivorous - eats aquatic insects, eggs and fish larvae | Found statewide except in high Adirondacks, Catskills and New York City and Long Island areas Occasionally used as bait |