Freshwater Fish and Shellfish
Art by Jean Gawalt
From small, rarely seen species of darters to large game fish like salmon and muskellunge, New York's waters are home to an incredible variety of freshwater fish species. Over 165 fish species inhabit the state's 7,500 lakes and ponds and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, providing New York with one of the richest fish faunas in the nation.
View the Fish Atlas Maps of New York for a general overview of the distribution of each of New York's fishes.
Fish Drawings
Fish drawings are available from DEC's Flickr Fish Drawings Album. These images are free to use for non-commercial purposes. Please credit NYSDEC when using these fish images.
More about Freshwater Fish and Shellfish:
- Endangered & Threatened Fishes Of New York - Information about New York's endangered and threatened fish species.
- Fish Atlas Maps of New York - Maps showing the habitat, native range and status of freshwater fishes.
- Sea Lamprey - Description of sea lamprey and control of the species in the Northeast.
- Spiny Waterflea - Spiny waterflea is an aquatic invasive animal that is becoming more prevalent in New York State. Learn more about what you can do to prevent its spread!
- Round Goby - The Round Goby is an invasive fish in the Great Lakes and New York State. learn how to identify the round goby and what you can do to help stop the spread.
- Mitten Crab - Chinese Mitten Crab may be the newest invader in the Hudson River.
- Northern Snakehead - Description of the invasive northern snakehead fish, distribution in New York, identifying characteristics, contact information.
