Fish Found in Forested Wetlands


Fish Species Interesting Facts Wetland Role
Black crappie Build nests in shallow wetlands near vegetation. Females can lay up to 188,000 eggs. Food; Nursery
Bluegill Live in shallow water marshes and fens among wetland plants. Males create nests for eggs and protect eggs until they hatch. Fry remain in marshes and use these wetlands as nursery areas. Food; Nursery
Channel catfish Locates plant seeds, insects, crawfish, fish, and other prey through smell and touch. Food
Common carp Undesirable nuisance species whose introduction into this country was an ecological and commercial blunder. While searching for food, carp rip up aquatic vegetation and muddy the water, making conditions less desirable for native fish. Food; Nursery; Spawning
Freshwater drum Feed on insects, crayfish and fish. Feed in wetlands at night. Males make drumming sounds during reproduction Nursery; Spawning
Largemouth bass Spawn in late spring to mid-summer. Males create nests and guard eggs and young. Wetland vegetation provides cover and supports its food source. Flooded stumps and trees and marsh plants such as water lilies and cattails provide cover. Adults move to deep water during the day and return to the shallow water at night to feed on small fish, frogs, and crayfish. Food; Nursery
Northern Pike Spawn in shallow, vegetated areas along the borders of lakes where they are most vulnerable to being caught. Frequents marshes in search of food. The color pattern of northern pike allows it to hide from its prey among wetland vegetation. Food; Spawning
Paddlefish Strain small organisms out of the water. Nursery
Shovelnose sturgeon Live in bottom of stream channels and in pools and backwater wetlands of large, slow-moving rivers. Are endangered. Food; Nursery
White bass Can be found in shallow and deep portions of lakes. Broadcast eggs in shallow water. Food; Spawning
Yellow bullhead Visit wetlands to eat plant matter, crayfish, aquatic insects, mollusks, and fish. Males and females make nests in shallow wetlands among plants and roots. Juveniles also use these wetlands as nursery areas. Food; Nursery; Spawning



Source: WETLANDS AND FISH: CATCH THE LINK, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)