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A POCKET GUIDE TO

Kansas Stream Fishes

By Jessica MountsIllustrations © Joseph Tomelleri

Sponsored by Chickadee Checkoff,Westar Energy Green Team,

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism,Kansas Alliance for Wetlands & Streams,

and Kansas Chapter of the American Fisheries SocietyPublished by the Friends of the Great Plains Nature Center

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Table of Contents• Introduction • 2• Fish Anatomy • 3• Species Accounts:

Sturgeons (Family Acipenseridae) • 4■ Shovelnose Sturgeon • 5■ Pallid Sturgeon • 6

Minnows (Family Cyprinidae) • 7■ Southern Redbelly Dace • 8■ Western Blacknose Dace • 9■ Bluntface Shiner • 10■ Red Shiner • 10■ Spotfin Shiner • 11■ Central Stoneroller • 12■ Creek Chub • 12■ Peppered Chub / Shoal Chub • 13■ Silver Chub • 14■ Hornyhead Chub / Redspot Chub • 15■ Gravel Chub • 16■ Brassy Minnow • 17■ Plains Minnow / Western Silvery Minnow • 18■ Cardinal Shiner • 19■ Common Shiner • 20■ Bigmouth Shiner • 21■ Redfin Shiner • 21■ Carmine Shiner • 22■ Golden Shiner • 22■ Topeka Shiner • 23■ Bluntnose Minnow • 24■ Bigeye Shiner • 25■ Emerald Shiner • 26■ Sand Shiner • 26■ Bullhead Minnow • 27■ Fathead Minnow • 27■ Slim Minnow • 28■ Suckermouth Minnow • 28

Plains Minnow

Cover Photo: Photo by RyanWaters. KDWPT StreamSurvey and AssessmentProgram collected thesemale Orangespotted Sunfishfrom Buckner Creek inHodgeman County, Kansas.The fish were cataloguedand returned to the streamafter the photograph.

©Ryan Waters

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Suckers (Family Catostomidae) • 29■ River Carpsucker • 30■ Quillback • 30■ Spotted Sucker • 31■ Blue Sucker • 32■ White Sucker • 33■ Golden Redhorse • 33■ River Redhorse • 34■ Northern Hog Sucker • 35■ Pealip Redhorse / Shorthead Redhorse • 36

Catfishes (Family Ictaluridae) • 37■ Slender Madtom • 38■ Stonecat • 39■ Freckled Madtom • 40■ Brindled Madtom • 41■ Neosho Madtom • 42

Topminnows (Family Fundulidae) • 43■ Blackstripe Topminnow • 44■ Northern Plains Killifish • 44

Livebearers (Family Poeciliidae)■ Western Mosquitofish • 45

Silversides (Family Atherinopsidae)■ Brook Silverside • 46

Sunfishes (Family Centrarchidae) • 47■ Bluegill • 48■ Green Sunfish • 48■ Warmouth • 49■ Orangespotted Sunfish • 49■ Longear Sunfish • 50

Darters (Family Percidae) • 51■ Greenside Darter • 52■ Arkansas Darter • 53■ Bluntnose Darter • 54■ Fantail Darter • 54■ Johnny Darter • 55■ Orangethroat Darter • 56■ Ozark Logperch • 56

©Jessica Mounts

Shovelnose Sturgeon

©Ryan Waters

Red Shiners

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■ Redfin Darter • 57■ Banded Darter • 58■ Channel Darter • 59■ Slenderhead Darter • 59

Aquatic Nuisance Species • 60■ Zebra Mussel • 61■ White Perch • 61■ Black Carp • 62■ Silver Carp • 62■ Bighead Carp • 62

• Glossary and Terms • 64• Map of Kansas Streams • 65• References • 66• Author, Illustrator • 66• Acknowledgements • 67• Pocket Guides • 68

IntroductionAbout 120 species of freshwater fish are found in the

streams of Kansas. While some stream fish grow quite large,many of them rarely reach lengths of more than a fewinches, and limited public access to smaller streams keepsthem from the view of the casual angler and naturalist.

Three major streams are open to the public inKansas: the Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri rivers.Streams located on private land are accessible only withpermission from the landowner.

We hope this guide initiates a genuine interest in thefishes of Kansas, and that readers will seek additionalinformation from the resources listed in this pocket guide.

The size ranges and distribution maps for the fishspecies in this guide were created from data collected since1994 by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks andTourism’s Stream Survey and Assessment Program.

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Kansas regulations restrict the transport of live fishand the use of threatened and endangered species forbait. For more information, see www.ksoutdoors.com.

Arkansas Darter

Neosho Madtom

Fish Anatomy

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Sturgeons (Family Acipenseridae)Sturgeon are among the most ancient of fish species in

Kansas, with fossil records dating back to the UpperCretaceous period. They are known for their unique bodyshape and lack of scales, except for the large, bony platescalled scutes that run along the sides of their bodies. Thesturgeon of Kansas are small, rarely reaching lengths over30 inches. However, other species in the Pacific Northwestcan reach lengths of up to twelve feet; these larger speciesare often harvested exclusively for their roe (eggs), whichare made into caviar.

Sturgeon are slow-growing, with some species living100 years. They are sensitive to pollution andenvironmental changes. Current research suggests thatdams block migration, change flow, cause heavysedimentation and reduce the amount of oxygenavailable to fish. These factors have contributed to thePallid Sturgeon being listed as endangered by naturalresource agencies.

With their flattened, shovel-shaped snout, sturgeons“stir” the bottom of the stream bed, coaxing smallinsects and crustaceans from between the small rocks.They use special organs called barbels to sense food, buthave no teeth and cannot grab or chew their prey.

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Shovelnose SturgeonScaphirhynchus platorynchus

S i z e : Common length of <30 inches, maximum lengthof 35 inches.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Long-bodied with five rows of bonyscales along the sides. Head flattened with ashovel-shaped snout, mouth located on theunderneath side of the head. Four barbels of equallength in a straight line in front of the mouth.Dorsal fin with 30-36 rays, anal fin with 18-23 rays.Top lobe of caudal fin much longer than lower lobe.Tan or buff colored back and sides fading to a palebelly.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the ShovelnoseSturgeon is found in large rivers and theirtributaries with strong currents and gravel or sandybottoms, where it feeds on larval insects.

■ Shovelnose Sturgeon

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Pallid SturgeonScaphirhynchus albus

C o n s e r v a t i o n S t a t u s : Federally EndangeredS i z e : Common length of <39 inches, maximum length

of 60 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Similar to the Shovelnose Sturgeon,

except the four barbels are not in a straight lineacross the snout, the center two being fartherforward and only about half as long as the outerbarbels. Dorsal fin with 37-43 rays, anal fin with 24-29 rays.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Pallid Sturgeon isfound in larger rivers with strong currents andgravel or sandy bottoms, where it feeds on larvalinsects.

■ Pallid Sturgeon

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Minnows (Family Cyprinidae)The minnow family is the largest family of fishes in

North America. They have toothless jaws, and rely onunique ways to chew and digest food. Minnows havespecial structures near the back of the mouth calledpharyngeal teeth that help crush food, others feed byfiltering microscopic plants and animals from the water.Minnows have scales (except on their heads) and areusually torpedo-shaped with small mouths and soft,spine-less fins.

Most minnow species grow to only a few incheslong, but larger minnows, such as carp, are an importantsource of food and recreational fishing. The smallerfishes of this family are an important part of the streamecosystem and food web. Many of them are food forlarger predators, and some are hosts for larvalfreshwater mussels.

While they have a lot of things in common, minnowsvary greatly in their sensitivity to environmentalchanges. Some are tolerant of pollution, while others aremore sensitive. Minnows vary widely in the ways theyreproduce. Some lay eggs in nests, others have free-floating eggs, or lay eggs among the stems of plants.

©Jessica Mounts

Sand Shiners

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Southern Redbelly DaceChrosomus erythrogaster

C o n s e r v a t i o n S t a t u s : Species In Need ofConservation (SINC)

S i z e : Common length of 1½-3 inches, maximum lengthof 3½ inches.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with dark stripes alongthe sides. Mouth small and eye large. Body scalestiny to nearly invisible. Typically olive-brown withscattered spots at the back, but breeding malesdisplay yellow coloring on their fins and red ontheir lower bodies.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Southern RedbellyDace can be found in small, clear streams nearsprings, where it feeds on microorganisms andalgae that grow on plants and rocks. Eggs are laidin spring in the gravel nests of the CentralStoneroller and/or Creek Chubs.

■ Southern Redbelly Dace

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Western Blacknose DaceRhinichthys obtusus


S i z e : Common length of 2-3 inches, maximum lengthof 4 inches.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with the sides coveredwith many dark specks. Mouth overhanging withone barbel in each corner, snout pointed. Usuallylight and dark brown in color, with breeding malesshowing an orange stripe along the sides.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Western BlacknoseDace can be found in clear streams and small riverswith gravel bottoms in Nemaha County, where itfeeds on small insects. Eggs are laid in earlysummer.

■ Western Blacknose Dace

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Bluntface ShinerCyprinella camuraS i z e : Common length of 2½-4 inches, maximum length

of 5 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Deep bodied with a nearly terminal

mouth. Anal fin with 9 rays; rounded dorsal finwith black streaks or blotches between last fewrays. Bluish or silvery in color with breeding malesshowing salmon or pink on the fins.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Bluntface Shiner isfound in fast moving and clearwaters with gravel bottoms, oftennear riffles.

Red ShinerCyprinella lutrensisS i z e : Common length of 2-2½ inches, maximum length

of 3 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Deep bodied with a terminal mouth.

Dorsal fin over or just behind pelvic fin. Breedingmales are blue in color with a dark mark behind thehead and reddish fins. Females and non-breedingmales are bluish-silver.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Red Shiner iscommon in almost every body of water in the state.It thrives in unstable areas proneto flooding, where it feeds mostlyon insects, and spawns in thenests of other fishes.

■ Red Shiner

■ Bluntface Shiner

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Spotfin ShinerCyprinella spiloptera


S i z e : Common length of 2½-4 inches, maximum lengthof 4¾ inches.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with flattened sides anda terminal mouth. Anal fin with 8 rays; dorsal finwith dark streaks between last few rays. Silvery incolor, with breeding males being a steely-blue withdusky streak on sides and yellowish coloring on thelower fins.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Spotfin Shiner hasbeen documented only in the Spring River drainagein Kansas. It prefers moderate currents near cleangravel bars, where it feeds on small insects driftingin the current.

■ Spotfin Shiner

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Central StonerollerCampostoma anomalumS i z e : Common length of 3-6 inches, maximum length

of 8½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with a blunt snout and a

crescent-shaped, overhanging mouth with a scraper-like edge on the lower lip. Fins short and rounded,greenish- gray in color with dark gray flecks.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Central Stonerollercan be found in small streams, usually in slowerflowing riffles where it feeds on algae andmicroorganisms found in rocks and gravel.Spawning occurs over pebblednests built by the male. Stonerollerscan be seen surfacing and jumpingvertically out of the water on warmfall and spring days.

Creek ChubSemotilus atromaculatus S i z e : Common length of 5-7 inches, maximum length

of 12 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Cylindrical and slender bodied with a

large head and large, terminal mouth. Anal fin with 8rays. Scales near head are small, with dark markingson either side of the upper lip and chin. Dark olive incolor with silvery and iridescent sides and a darkblotch at the front base of the dorsal fin. Breedingmales show iridescent green and red coloring with asmall red spot in front of the dorsal fin.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Creek Chub isfound mostly in small, clear, permanent streams,but will survive in pools duringdrought. It can be caught on hookand line, and feeds mainly onother fishes, insects and smallstream animals.

■ Creek Chub

■ Central Stoneroller

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Peppered Chub and Shoal ChubMacrhybopsis tetranema & Macrhybopsis hyostomaC o n s e r v a t i o n S t a t u s : Peppered Chub:

Endangered in Kansas. Shoal Chub: Threatened inKansas.

S i z e : Common length of 2-2½ inches, maximum lengthof 3 inches.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Both species are slender bodied with amouth located beneath the snout. Scattered darkspots “pepper” the sides and back, with silverysides fading to a white belly. The Peppered Chubhas a small eye and two barbels at each corner ofthe mouth. The Shoal Chub has a larger eye bycomparison to the Peppered Chub, and has onebarbel at each corner of the mouth.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, both species prefer theshallow channels of large, sandy bottomed streamswithin the river current, where they feed on aquaticinsects. The Peppered Chub isfound almost exclusively in theArkansas River Basin, while theShoal Chub is found almostexclusively in the Kansas RiverBasin.

■ Shoal Chub

■ Peppered Chub

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Silver ChubMacrhybopsis storeriana

C o n s e r v a t i o n S t a t u s : Endangered in Kansas.S i z e : Common length of 4-6 inches, maximum length

of 9 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with a large eye, small

mouth located beneath a rounded snout and onebarbel at each corner of the mouth. Yellowish-whitewith a bright silver patch in front of the eye andbright silver streak running along the sides.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Silver Chub isfound in large sandy rivers, preferring deeperwater in summer and sandy shallows in spring andfall. It prefers to search for food along the bottom,including small clams, insects and plant seeds.

■ Silver Chub

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Hornyhead Chub and Redspot ChubNocomis biguttatus & Nocomis asperC o n s e r v a t i o n S t a t u s : Both threatened in Kansas.S i z e : Common length of 5-6 inches, maximum length

of 10 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : These two species are similar, but are

found in different parts of the state. Bodycylindrical with a large eye and moderately largescales. Mouth located beneath the snout and abarbel at each corner of the mouth. Greenish toolive on the back fading to yellowish-white sidesand belly. A dusky stripe runs the length of thebody ending in a dark spot at the base of the tail.Young may have an orange tail fin. Breeding malesof both species show a red spot behind the eye,however it is more defined in the Redspot Chub.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, both species are foundin streams with a steady flow of clear, cool water indeep runs and pools, especially in areas withaquatic plants at the edges. The Hornyhead Chubis found in the Kansas and Marais des Cygnes riverbasins, while the Redspot Chub is found in theNeosho and Spring rivers. Bothspecies feed on small insects,crayfishes and snails.

■ Redspot Chub

■ Hornyhead Chub

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Gravel ChubErimystax x-punctatus


S i z e : Common length of 2-2½ inches, maximum lengthof 3½ inches.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with a mouth locatedbeneath the snout and one barbel at each corner ofthe mouth. Pale greenish-yellow with scattered X-shaped markings on the sides, fading to a silverybelly.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Gravel Chub isfound in gravel bottomed streams with deep riffles.It feeds on small particles found by probing aroundrocks and spawns on gravel bars with swift current.

■ Gravel Chub

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Brassy MinnowHybognathus hankinsoni



D e s c r i p t i o n : Stout-bodied with rounded sides and asmall, crescent-shaped mouth. Dorsal fin roundedand located directly above pelvic fins. Brassy-yellow in color with a dusky stripe along the sides.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Brassy Minnow isfound in small, clear streams with slow currentsand organic matter on the bottom, where it feeds oninsects and other small creatures.

■ Brassy Minnow

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Plains Minnow and Western Silvery MinnowHybognathus placitus & Hybognathus argyritis

C o n s e r v a t i o n S t a t u s : Both threatened in Kansas.S i z e : Common length of 3-4 inches, maximum length

of 5-6 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with a small, crescent-

shaped mouth. Dorsal fin is high on the body andpointed. Straw-colored to silvery sides. TheWestern Silvery Minnow has a larger eye, largerscales and a heavier body by comparison to thePlains Minnow.

C o m m e n t s : Both of these minnows are native toKansas. The Plains Minnow can be found in alllarge Kansas streams with shallow, braidedchannels and shallow backwaters, whereas theWestern Silvery Minnow is found almostexclusively in the Missouri River and in the streamsand backwaters of the Missouri River floodplain.Both species feed on microscopicplants and animals.

■ Western Silvery Minnow

■ Plains Minnow

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Cardinal ShinerLuxilus cardinalis



D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied, silvery in color with alarge eye and a thin, dark line running along itssides. Anal fin with 9 rays. Breeding males developbrilliantly red fins and lower sides accompaniedwith a dark, broad lateral stripe.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Cardinal Shiner isabundant in Shoal Creek and Spring River inCherokee County, with some being documented inthe upper Neosho river drainage. It prefers swift,shallow riffles during the day where it feeds onlarval insects and bits of plant matter.

■ Cardinal Shiner

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Common ShinerLuxilus cornutus



D e s c r i p t i o n : Deep bodied with a terminal mouth.Large eyes. Olive with silver sides scattered withdark crescent-shaped blotches and dark stripealong the back. Tall, diamond-shaped scales on thesides and much smaller scales on the back in frontof the dorsal fin. Breeding males have a deep bluehead with the fins and body showing pink.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Common Shiner isfound in small to medium sized clear streams withmoderate current and gravel bottoms, mostly innortheastern Kansas, where it feeds on insects.

■ Common Shiner

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Bigmouth ShinerNotropis dorsalisS i z e : Common length of 2-2½ inches, maximum length

of 3¼ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Stout bodied with an arched back and

small, crowded scales behind the head. Largemouth and eye. Sandy-colored fading to silveralong sides and a dusky stripe along the middle ofthe body.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Bigmouth Shiner isfound in the northeastern part of Kansas in small,sandy bottomed streams where itfeeds on larval insects, smallcrustaceans and algae.

Redfin ShinerLythrurus umbratilisS i z e : Common length of 2-3 inches, maximum length

of 3½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with flat sides and tiny,

nearly invisible scales between head and dorsal fin.Terminal mouth and large eye. Olive to dusky-blueoften with a fine sprinkling of dots on the back,fading to silvery sides. Fins may be reddish on theedges. Breeding males show darker blue coloringand reddish caudal fins.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Redfin Shiner isfound in small streams withrocky riffles in eastern Kansas. Itforms schools near the surface,mainly in pools where it feeds onplankton and small insects.

■ Redfin Shiner

■ Bigmouth Shiner

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Carmine Shiner(formerly Roseyface Shiner)

Notropis percobromus S i z e : Common length of 2-2½ inches, maximum length

of 3 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with a terminal mouth

and pointed snout. Olive fading to silver sides andpale-pink coloring located at the base of the dorsalfin. Head and body flush with red in breeding males.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Carmine Shiner isfound in clear, upland streams with limestonebedrock, mostly in the easternone-third of the state where itfeeds on aquatic insects.

Golden ShinerNotemigonus crysoleucasS i z e : Common length of 3-6 inches, maximum length

of 12 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Deep bodied with a fleshy keel on the

belly behind the pelvic fins. Small, upturnedmouth. Greenish to olive back fading to goldensides and a yellowish-white belly.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Easterm Kansas, the GoldenShiner is found in deep pools orlakes with aquatic vegetationwhere it feeds on microscopicanimals and some aquaticinsects.

■ Golden Shiner

■ Carmine Shiner

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Topeka ShinerNotropis topeka

C o n s e r v a t i o n S t a t u s : Federally Endangered,Threatened in Kansas.

S i z e : Common length of 1½-2½ inches, maximumlength of 3 inches.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Stout bodied, often with a reddish-orange dorsal fin and a tail fin with a tiny, chevron-like spot at its base. Mouth small and terminal.Resembles the Sand Shiner but has a dusky streakalong the sides.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas and once widespread,the Topeka Shiner is restricted to small Flint Hillsstreams and a few others across the state. It prefersclear, open pools of water where it feeds on smallinsects.

■ Topeka Shiner

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Bluntnose MinnowPimephales notatus

S i z e : Common length of 1½ -3½ inches, maximumlength of 4 inches.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with a broad back andmouth located underneath a blunt, rounded snout.Scales on back are small and crowded. Olive-yellowwith silvery sides. Dusky stripe along the sidesextending past the eye. Dark spot at the base of thetail. Similar in appearance to the Slim Minnow.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Bluntnose Minnowis found in the clear, warm pools of small streamswhere it feeds on organic particles and tiny insectlarvae.

■ Bluntnose Minnow

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Bigeye ShinerNotropis boops



D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with a large eye, sharplypointed dorsal fin, terminal mouth and large backscales. Olive to yellow on back with silvery sides,with a dusky band running the length of the bodytoward the eye and continuing around the snout.Pores along the lateral line are dark and visible.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Bigeye Shiner isfound in clear upland streams with rocky bottomswhere it feeds on small insects.

■ Bigeye Shiner

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Emerald ShinerNotropis atherinoidesS i z e : Common length of 2½-3½ inches, maximum

length of 5 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender and streamlined with a

terminal mouth. Dorsal fin pointed. Body mostlytranslucent to pale-yellow or olive with a narrowiridescent streak along the sides

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Emerald Shiner isfound in large sandy bottomed rivers, usually instrong currents where it eats avariety of animals and algae.

Sand ShinerNotropis stramineus S i z e : Common length of 2 inches, maximum length of

3½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Stout bodied with a narrow black line

along back from back of head to dorsal fin, andshort black line at the back of the dorsal fin. Silveryin color with a small dusky spot at the base of thetail and a small mouth. Pores along the lateral lineare dark and visible.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Sand Shiner isfound in nearly all sandy, shallowstreams in Kansas where it feedson a variety of insects and algae.

■ Sand Shiner

■ Emerald Shiner

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Bullhead MinnowPimephales vigilax S i z e : Common length of 1½-3 inches, maximum length of

3½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Stout bodied with a large head and a

blunt, rounded snout. Scales small and crowded infront of dorsal fin and fins short and rounded. Paleyellowish-olive in color, with noticeable dark spots atthe front edge of the dorsal fin and at the base of thetail. Distinctive but small dark marks on either side ofthe upper lip.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Bullhead Minnow isfound in sluggish pools andbackwaters of medium to largestreams over sandy or siltedbottoms where it feeds on larvalinsects and small crustaceans.

Fathead MinnowPimephales promelas S i z e : Common length of 1½-3 inches, maximum length of

4 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Stout bodied with a rounded head and

blunt snout. Scales small and fins short and rounded.Olive or brownish with a dusky stripe along the side,fading to a silvery-white on the belly. Breeding malesare mostly black but have yellowish bars around thebody behind the head and under the dorsal fin.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Fathead Minnow isfound in the pools of intermittent creeks with bottomsof mud or firm clay where it feeds on small animals,plants and other organic matter. More tolerant topollution and habitat disturbancesthan other fishes, large populationsof Fathead Minnows could indicateenvironmental changes.

■ Fathead Minnow

■ Bullhead Minnow

Suckermouth MinnowPhenacobius mirabilis S i z e : Common length of 2-3½ inches, maximum length

of 4¾ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with a sucker-like

mouth and lobed lips located under a fleshy snout.Greenish in color fading to yellowish-white with adusky streak along the length of the body ending ina dark, square spot at the base of the tail.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the SuckermouthMinnow is found in streams with permanent flowand mixed sand and small gravelbottoms, especially in riffles. Itfeeds on larval insects and othertiny organisms.

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Slim MinnowPimephales tenellus S i z e : Common length of 1½-2 inches, maximum length

of 2¾ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with a broad back and

small, crowded scales behind the head showingdark edges, creating a cross-hatched appearance.Dusky stripe along the side with noticeable darkspots at the front edge of the dorsal fin and at thebase of the tail. Fins may be slightly orange in color.Similar in appearance to the Bluntnose Minnow.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, theSlim Minnow is found instreams with clear, flowingwater over rocky bottoms,where it swims in schools.

■ Suckermouth Minnow

■ Slim Minnow

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Suckers (Family Catostomidae)Suckers are named for the location of their mouth,

which is on the underside of the head (subterminal), withfleshy lips and no barbels. They move along the bottomin search of food, and are mostly found in rivers andstreams, but can often be found in ponds and reservoirs.Most suckers prefer benthic (bottom-dwelling) insects,crustaceans and worms, and have a toothy bone in theirthroats that helps crush food. They have large scales andlong, cylindrical bodies, and are often mistaken for carpor other fishes in the minnow family.

Four sucker species in this guide are listed as SINC(Species in Need of Conservation) due to their decliningnumbers in the state of Kansas. Other suckers in Kansasthat are not included in this guide include black buffalo,bigmouth buffalo and smallmouth buffalo, which areoften targeted by bow fishing anglers and commercialanglers, and with proper preparation can be eatensmoked, canned or fried.

©Ryan Waters

Blue Sucker

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River CarpsuckerCarpiodes carpio S i z e : Common length of 12-15 inches, maximum length

of 20-25 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Deep bodied, silvery-white in color

with a small mouth. Thin lips with a distinct bumpor projection at the center of the lower lip.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the River Carpsucker isthe most widespread and common sucker inKansas. This species is found in avariety of streams, reservoirs andponds where it feeds in calmwater on small crustaceans,insects and algae.

QuillbackCarpiodes cyprinus S i z e : Common length of 12-17 inches, maximum length

of 20-26 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Similar to the River Carpsucker, but

silvery-straw in color; snout length is longer withthicker lips not producing a bump or projection inthe center of the lower lip.

C o m m e n t s : Introduced to Kansas but similar to theRiver Carpsucker and often found together, theQuillback prefers large, sandy rivers where it feedsin calm water on small crustaceans, insects andalgae. Widespread reservoir construction in the1950s and 60s is said to be thecause for the currentdistribution of the Quillback.

■ Quillback

■ River Carpsucker

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Spotted SuckerMinytrema melanops


S i z e : Common length of 9-16 inches, maximum lengthof 19½ inches.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with charcoal andbronze colors fading to a light belly. Scales on sidesand back have a black spot creating horizontal linesalong the body. Thin but fleshy lips.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Spotted Suckeravoids currents. It inhabits quiet clear pools ofsmall, rocky streams and some lakes where it feedson aquatic invertebrates.

■ Spotted Sucker

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Blue SuckerCycleptus elongatus



D e s c r i p t i o n : Long and slender bodied with a long,sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Dusky, blue-gray colorwith an elongated snout; small, subterminal mouth.Lips are fleshy with a bumpy surface.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Blue Sucker isfound in the Missouri, Neosho and Kansas riverbasins where they occupy the swift currents of themain channel over silt-free gravel and rockysubstrates, where it feeds on aquatic insects.

■ Blue Sucker

33

White SuckerCatostomus commersonii S i z e : Common length of 10-14 inches, maximum length

of 15 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Long and slender bodied with short

dorsal fin. Juvenile white suckers have 3 dark spotson sides; adults lack spots and have a greenish-brown color on body with smaller scales on theback than sides. Lips have a bumpy surface.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, theWhite Sucker prefers limestoneand bedrock streams, where itfeeds in riffles for invertebratesand algae.

Golden RedhorseMoxostoma erythrurum S i z e : Common length of 8½-14 inches, maximum

length of 18 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : A stout bodied, coarse scaled sucker

with a blunt snout and grooved lips. Sides are aplain golden-straw color, dorsal and caudal finsdusky.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Golden Redhorseprefers clear pools of small, unpolluted streamswith bedrock or coarse gravelbottoms where it feeds on smallinsect larvae.

■ Golden Redhorse

■ White Sucker

34

River RedhorseMoxostoma carinatumC o n s e r v a t i o n S t a t u s : Species In Need of

Conservation (SINC)S i z e : Common length of 10-16 inches, maximum length

of 18 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : With a large head, this species most

resembles the Golden Redhorse, but has bright reddorsal and caudal fins. The biggest differencebetween the two is the presence of large molar-likethroat (pharyngeal) teeth, found near the back ofthe gills in the River Redhorse.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the River Redhorse isfound in deep-flowing runs and pools of largerivers. Large, bony pharyngeal teeth are used tocrush clams, snails and large aquatic insects. Recentefforts by the Kansas Stream Survey andAssessment Program found juvenile and largeadult River Redhorse in the Elk River above ElkCity Lake, where they were thought to beextirpated

■ River Redhorse

35

Northern Hog SuckerHypentelium nigricans



D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied tapering from a large,flat, square head to a slimmer tail. Lips are fleshywith a bumpy surface. Brown sides with darksaddles across the body.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Northern HogSucker is currently found only in Shoal Creek andthe Spring River of Cherokee County. The flattenedhead acts as a hydrofoil (opposite of an airplanewing which provides lift), pushing the fish to thebottom. The Northern Hog Sucker feeds on aquaticinsects over rocky bottoms.

■ Northern Hog Sucker

36

Pealip Redhorse/ShortheadRedhorseMoxostoma pisolabrum / Moxostomamacrolepidotum


D e s c r i p t i o n : Fins red, head small and cone-shaped.Pealip: mouth small, upper lip with a smooth,swollen bulb. Found in the Arkansas River Basin.Shorthead: upper lip grooved and not swollen.Found in the Kansas River Basin. Dark crescentmarking between scales on upper surface of back.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, both species are foundmostly in large streams with moderate currentwhere they feed mostly on larval insects. Bothmigrate upstream in spring to small tributarieswhere they spawn in shallow flowing water overgravel.

■ Pealip Redhorse/Shorthead Redhorse

37

Catfishes (Family Ictaluridae)The catfish family in Kansas includes larger species of

catfish such as the Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish,Bullhead Catfishes and Channel Catfish, which are allprized by anglers. Catfish are named for their four pairsof long “whiskers,” which are actually barbels used assensory organs to find food. There are around 40 speciesof catfish in North America, with 12 of them inhabitingthe waters of Kansas. This guide includes the smaller andless commonly seen catfish called madtoms. They sharemany common traits with their larger cousins. An adiposefin connected to their tail fin distinguishes the madtomsfrom juveniles of larger catfish species.

©Ryan Waters

Neosho Madtom

38

Slender MadtomNoturus exilis


D e s c r i p t i o n : Lower jaw nearly even with upper jawwith mouth closed. Anal fin long and narrow;caudal fin squared without a notch. Fins are dark-edged, body grey to brown and often mottled withdark brown and yellow, fading to a pale yellow onthe belly.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Slender Madtom isfound in cool, shallow riffles of small, permanentstreams with clear water and rocky bottoms. Itfeeds at night on insects, crustaceans and snails.

■ Slender Madtom

39

StonecatNoturus flavus


D e s c r i p t i o n : Lower jaw slightly shorter than upperjaw with mouth closed. Anal fin short and rounded;caudal fin squared without a notch. Bodyyellowish-brown with a dusky streak runninghorizontally through the center of tail.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Stonecat is foundin shallow riffles of large, clear streams with rockybottoms where it feeds on insects, crustaceans andoccasionally other small fishes.

■ Stonecat

40

Freckled MadtomNoturus nocturnus


D e s c r i p t i o n : Lower jaw slightly shorter than upperjaw with mouth closed. Anal fin short and rounded;caudal fin broad and round without a notch. Bodylight tan, brown or grey with underside of headand body finely freckled.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Freckled Madtomis found in debris along stream banks, rocks,shallow backwaters, or in the roots of vegetation. Itfeeds on insects and small crustaceans.

■ Freckled Madtom

41

Brindled MadtomNoturus miurus



D e s c r i p t i o n : Lower jaw slightly shorter than upperjaw with mouth closed. Anal fin short and rounded;caudal fin squared without a notch. Adipose finwith a dark, vertical splotch. Body yellow to brownwith dark saddles on body; dorsal and caudal fintipped with black.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Brindled Madtomis found in pools of clear streams with mud, sandor fine graveled bottoms, usually over leaf litter,where it feeds on insects and crustaceans.

■ Brindled Madtom

42

Neosho MadtomNoturus placidus

C o n s e r v a t i o n S t a t u s : Federally Threatened,Threatened in Kansas.


D e s c r i p t i o n : Lower jaw slightly shorter than upperjaw with mouth closed. Anal fin short and rounded;caudal fin square to rounded without a notch. Somepigment in the adipose fin, but without a distinctvertical bar. Body mottled with dark and lightbrown with dark bars on caudal fin. Dusky streakson dorsal and anal fins.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Neosho Madtom isfound exclusively in the Neosho River basin insloping gravel bars in moderate to strong currents.This species feeds along the bottom of the streamon larval insects, and are often missed by seines astheir small size allows them to hide in between thelarger pieces of gravel.

■ Neosho Madtom

43

Blackstripe Topminnow

Topminnows & Killifishes(Family Fundulidae)

Topminnows and killifishes are small fish with boldor colorful markings. They have a flattened head andback, upturned mouth, large eyes and a dorsal finlocated far back toward their tail. Their name refers totheir mouth position and specialized shape that allowsthem to eat larval insects from the top of the water byattacking from below. Males in this family are oftenmuch more brightly marked or colored than the females,especially during their breeding season. Both of thespecies in this guide are common in Kansas streams,tend to school in large groups and are often used as baitby anglers.

©Ryan Waters

44

Blackstripe TopminnowFundulus notatusS i z e : Common length of 2-2½ inches, maximum length

of 3-4 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Slender bodied with large eye and

rounded fins. Dorsal fin located above anal fin.Caudal fin rounded and unforked. Wide anddistinct black stripe along sides of body extendingthrough eye. Mouth small and upturned.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the BlackstripeTopminnow is found in clear, small streams withrocky or muddy bottoms in avariety of habitats, where itfeeds on insects and larvae atthe water’s surface.

Northern Plains KillifishFundulus kansaeS i z e : Common length of 1½-3 inches, maximum length

of 4 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Stout bodied and straw-colored with

vertical bars or stripes along the body. Stripes aredarker and wider in breeding males, which mayalso show an orange tint on their fins. Dorsal finlocated above the anal fin. Caudal fin squared andunforked. Mouth slightly upturned.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Northern PlainsKillifish is widely found inshallow streams with sandybottoms in strong currents whereit feeds on insects such as midgeand mayfly larvae.

■ Northern Plains Killifish

■ Blackstripe Topminnow

45

Livebearers (Family Poeciliidae)This family of fish also includes common aquarium

fish such as the guppy and molly. The adult female (top)and adult male (bottom) Western Mosquitofish arepictured above.

Western Mosquitofish (Family Poeciliidae)Gambusia affinisS i z e : Common length of 1-2 inches, maximum length

of 2½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Females are stout bodied with a rounded

anal fin. Males are smaller in size, and more slenderwith an elongated anal fin. Strongly upturned mouthand dorsal fin positioned above the anal fin. Caudalfin rounded and unforked. Greenish-gray andiridescent in color, pregnant females show a darkspot on the belly above the anal fin.

C o m m e n t s : An introduced species to Kansas, theWestern Mosquitofish is the only Kansas fish speciesto give birth to live young. They are common inmost waters in Kansas and do well in warm, shallowwaters making them fairly drought-resistant. Widelyfound in the warm, shallow pools and calmbackwaters of streams where itfeeds on insect larvae, larval fishes,plants and crustaceans, mostly atthe surface.

■ Western Mosquitofish

46

Silversides (Family Atherinopsidae)Although Silversides are mainly a marine family

with around 50 species in North America, four speciesdo occur in freshwater across the continent.

Brook Silverside Labidesthes sicculusS i z e : Common length of 2½-3 inches, maximum length

of 4 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Long, slender fish with transparent

sides, small scales and a beak-like snout. Dorsal fintiny, caudal fin forked. Upturned mouth. They havetwo widely-spaced dorsal fins as well as a fairlylarge eye and a broad, silvery stripe along theirsides. The silversides tend to school in groups.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Brook Silverside isfound in calm, clear waters with rocky bottomswhere it feeds on insects and small crustaceans atthe water’s surface.Silversides are attracted tolight, and may be collectedat night when drawn to theshine of a flashlight.

■ Brook Silverside

47

Sunfishes (Family Centrarchidae)The sunfishes are a large family of fishes in Kansas

that includes fish species such as black basses andcrappies in addition to the sunfish in this guide. Theyvary in size and color, but have at least 3 anal fin spinesas well as sharp dorsal fin spines. Sunfish are often called“perch” or “bream” by anglers, but are quite differentfrom the perch family of fishes. Sunfish spawn in latespring and early summer with the male making a bowllike depression as a nest, then protecting the eggs untilthey hatch. Sunfish are usually flattened, and because oftheir shape and size sometimes also called “panfish.”They are fairly aggressive when eating and defendingtheir nests, and are easily caught by hook and line.Sunfish are the foundation of the diet of larger predatorsin ponds and lakes, including Largemouth Bass.

©Jessica Mounts

Green Sunfish

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BluegillLepomis macrochirusS i z e : Common length of 6 inches, maximum length of

11 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Pale blue-green to rust in color, with

dark vertical bars on the sides. Smallest mouth ofall sunfish, with pectoral fins shorter than theRedear Sunfish.

C o m m e n t s : Native to eastern Kansas, but widelyintroduced to western Kansas, the Bluegill is foundthroughout the state. It does best in ponds andlakes with clear water or streams with deep pools,where it feeds on smallcrustaceans and insects, andoccasionally smaller fishes.

Green SunfishLepomis cyanellusS i z e : Common length of <8 inches, maximum length of

11½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Greenish with a dull orange breast and

pale blue streaks on the head. Mouth large, finsshowing yellow on the edges.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Green Sunfish isfound in many types of habitats, and does well atsurviving drought. It is often found alone and notin schools, and prefers rocks,stems and woody debris at thewater’s edge, where it feeds oninsects and smaller fishes.

■ Green Sunfish

■ Bluegill

49

WarmouthLepomis gulosusS i z e : Common length of 4-6 inches, maximum length

of 10½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Dorsal fin with 10 spines, connected

broadly to the soft dorsal fin. Mouth large, with atoothy patch on the tongue. Body brown andyellow with red eye and brown streaks on the sideof the head.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Warmouth is foundin pools and backwaters and mostoften in ponds with soft mudbottoms and dense weed beds.Usually solitary, it feeds onaquatic insects, crayfishes andsmaller fishes.

Orangespotted SunfishLepomis humilisS i z e : Common length of 3-4½ inches, maximum length

of 6 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Mouth smaller, body silvery with

scattered brown and red (orange) spots. Coloring ismore noticeable in breeding males, which may alsodisplay a red eye and the belly showing orange oryellow. Earflap is round, with dark spot and whitemargin.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the OrangespottedSunfish is found in sandy streams. It is abundantacross the state of Kansas feeding mainly on insectsas well as some smaller fish species. Spawningoccurs in spring, and the abandoned nests ofOrangespotted Sunfish are often used by thefederally endangered TopekaShiners. These sunfish aresometimes caught on hook andline with flies and are often a foodsource for larger predators.

■ Orangespotted Sunfish

■ Warmouth

50

Longear SunfishLepomis megalotis


D e s c r i p t i o n : Mouth small. Body bluish-green withamber colored fins and belly. Dark earflap with anarrow white margin is flexible and elongated,most noticeably in males.

C o m m e n t s : Native to much of Kansas, the LongearSunfish is found in clear flowing water and streambottoms of stone or firm clay, where it feedsprimarily on insects.

■ Longear Sunfish

51

Darters (Family Percidae)The perch family is one of the most spectacularly

colored groups of fishes, and includes the Walleye andSauger as well as the darters included in this guide.Darters are a slender-bodied fish with a cylindrical bodyand spiny fins. Many of them have teeth which help griptheir prey. Males in this family are brightly colored,especially during breeding season, and their lively colorsare comparable to marine fish of the coral reefs! Darterstend to be found on the bottom of streams and are notoften caught by anglers because of their small size andtheir tendency not to school in groups. There are severaldarters in Kansas listed as SINC (Species in Need ofConservation), and the Arkansas Darter is listed asthreatened due to loss of habitat from drought and thetranspiration of water by increasing numbers of treesalong smaller prairie streams.

©Ryan Waters

Redfin Darter

52

Greenside DarterEtheostoma blennioides



D e s c r i p t i o n : Snout short, blunt and rounded. Mouthsmall and crescent-shaped. Caudal fin fan-shapedwith a shallow notch. Sides with greenish or brownw-shaped markings and some orange-red spots.Breeding males are solid green with 5-6 green orbrown bands around the body.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Greenside Darter isfound in clear, cool water with deep, swift riffleswhere it feeds on small animals including insectsthat live along the bottom of the stream.

■ Greenside Darter

53

Arkansas DarterEtheostoma cragini

C o n s e r v a t i o n S t a t u s : Threatened in Kansas.S i z e : Common length of 1½-2 inches, maximum length

of 2¼ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Cylindrical and stout bodied with

spiny fins and large, fan-shaped pectoral fins. Headshort and without scales, snout blunt. Dorsal finwith 9 spines and 11-13 soft rays. Caudal fin square,rounded and without a notch. Mottled brown incolor with dark, horizontal blotches, but never withvertical bands that encircle the body. Dark barbeneath the eye. Breeding males are orange alongthe belly with an orange band on the dorsal fin.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Arkansas Darter isfound in small prairie streams, springs or seepswith aquatic vegetation; inshallow clear water with a slowcurrent where it feeds on insects.

■ Arkansas Darter

54

Bluntnose DarterEtheostoma chlorosomaC o n s e r v a t i o n S t a t u s : Species In Need of Conservation

(SINC)S i z e : Common length of 1½-2 inches, maximum length of 2½

inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Head small and densely scaled, with snout

short and rounded. Mouth small and horizontal, with ablack bar crossing the upper lip from eye to eye. Caudal finsquared and without a notch. Straw colored with a fewdark, w-shaped markings.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, theBluntnose Darter is found in smallslow creeks with mud or clay bottomswhere it feeds on larval insects andsmall crustaceans.

Fantail DarterEtheostoma flabellareS i z e : Common length of 1½-3 inches, maximum length of 3¼

inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Cylindrical and slender bodied with spiny fins

and large, rounded pectoral fins. Head small and withoutscales, snout pointed. Mouth small and pointing upward.Spiny dorsal fin with 8-9 spines and much shorter than thesoft dorsal fin. Caudal fin broad and rounded and withouta notch. Olive brown in color with thin, dark stripes alongthe length of the body. Vertical dark bars on tail and body.Breeding males are dark brown with a black head

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, theFantail Darter is found in small,clear tributaries over small gravel orstones where it feeds on smallinsects.

■ Fantail Darter

■ Bluntnose Darter

55

Johnny DarterEtheostoma nigrum


S i z e : Common length of 1½-2 inches, maximum lengthof 2¾ inches.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Head small and snout blunt. Mouthsmall and horizontal. Caudal fin square without anotch. Translucent and yellow in color with dark,w- or x-shaped marks along the sides and a barredtail. Breeding males are dark brown or black incolor.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Johnny Darter isfound in small, clear tributaries in shallow slow-moving pools where it feeds on bloodworms andother small insects.

■ Johnny Darter

56

Orangethroat DarterEtheostoma spectabileS i z e : Common length of 1-2 inches, maximum length

of 2¾ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Head short and snout blunt with a

terminal mouth. Caudal fin squared. Mottledyellow-brown in color with vertical bars that areblue and orange. Breeding males are darker, withblue bands and fins bright blue and orange.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the OrangethroatDarter is found in small streamsover shallow riffles with finegravel or sand, where it feeds oninsect larvae, insects and theeggs of other fishes.

■ Ozark Logperch

■ Orangethroat Darter

Ozark LogperchPercina caprodes fulvitaeniaS i z e : Common length of 4-6 inches, maximum length

of 7¼ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Head elongated with a pointed and

fleshy snout overhanging the lower jaw. Caudal finrounded with a shallow notch. Yellow-green incolor with dark vertical bars on the sides andcaudal fin, and a dark blotch at the base of the tail.Breeding males are darker, with an orange band inthe dorsal fin.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Ozark Logperch isfound in large, clear tributariesin deep riffles or pools overgravel where it feeds on larvalinsects, crustaceans, algae andoccasionally small fishes.

57

Redfin DarterEtheostoma whipplei



D e s c r i p t i o n : Cylindrical and moderately slenderwith spiny fins and large, fan-shaped pectoral fins.Head elongated with a blunt snout and terminalmouth. Dorsal fin with 10-12 spines and 13-15 softrays. Caudal fin squared and rounded. Mottledbrown in color with dusky bars on the back, sidesscattered with pale spots. Breeding males aredarker, with scattered red spots and fins showingred, white and blue bands.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Redfin Darter isfound in small streams with a variety of substratesin slower flows with gentle riffles where it likelyfeeds on insects.

■ Redfin Darter

58

Banded DarterEtheostoma zonale



D e s c r i p t i o n : Head short with a blunt snout and asmall, horizontal mouth. Caudal fin squaredwithout a notch. Mottled brown in color with darkgreen or brown vertical bars on the sides. Breedingmales are darker, with bright green bars around thebody, blue-green on the belly and a brick-redsplotch at the base of the dorsal fin.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Banded Darter isfound in clear, moderately sized streams with deepriffles over rocky bottoms where it feeds on larvalinsects.

■ Banded Darter

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Channel DarterPercina copelandiS i z e : Common length of 1½-2 inches, maximum length

of 2½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Snout blunt and short with a small

mouth. Caudal fin elongated with a shallow notch.Olive- brown in color with a series of dark blotchesconnected by a thin line along the sides. Breedingmales are darker, with belly and fins being nearlyblack.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Channel Darter isfound in tributaries of theArkansas River in shallow poolswith rocky bottoms, where itfeeds on larval insects andcrustaceans.

Slenderhead DarterPercina phoxocephalaS i z e : Common length of 2-3¼ inches, maximum length

of 4 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Head elongated with a pointed snout

and terminal mouth. Caudal fin elongated with ashallow notch. Mottled brown with dark blotches ina line along the sides and a small black dot at thebase of the tail. Breeding males are darker, with anorange band in the dorsal fin.

C o m m e n t s : Native to Kansas, the Slenderhead Darteris found in large streams inswift, shallow water over gravel,where it feeds on aquaticinvertebrates.

■ Slenderhead Darter

■ Channel Darter

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Aquatic Nuisance SpeciesAquatic nuisance species are animals and plants not

native to Kansas that can threaten lake and river ecology,harm native or desirable species and interfere with oureconomy.

How Can I Help?• Clean, Drai n, Dry – learn how to banish aquatic

hitchhikers from your boat and equipment.• Recognize Aquatic Nuisance Species – pictures and

information about several of Kansas’ most unwantedfollow in this guide.

• Know Where They Are – find out if your favorite lakeor river has aquatic nuisance species

• Don’t Move Live Fish – in Kansas, if White Perch,Black Carp, Silver Carp or Bighead Carp are caught itis illegal to release them alive. Instead, eat or disposeof them properly.

• Get Bait from Certified Bait Dealers

• Take the Aquatic Nuisance Species CertificationCourse

• Know the Laws and Regulations

• Be a Responsible Aquarium Owner – don’t releaseanything from your aquarium into the wild

• Keep Up with the News – from KDWPT and otheragencies

S

K A 1 2 3 B X

ProtectKSWaters.org

XK A 1 2 3 B XXK A 1 2 3 B X

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Zebra MusselDreissena polymorphaS t a t u s : Invasive to Kansas waters. S i z e : Small, about the size of a fingernail. D e s c r i p t i o n : Black and white striped with a D-

shaped shell, often with visible byssal “threads”which help it to attach to almost any surface.

C o m m e n t s : Zebra Mussels were accidentallyintroduced into North America in 1988. Since then,they have spread across many states and haveinvaded several of our Kansas lakes. Theyreproduce quickly, spawning in the summer monthsand can quickly colonize across rocks and anystationary underwater surface. Unfortunately, nosolution exists to permanently rid our waters ofZebra Mussels once they have been introduced.Preventing the spread of zebra mussels by followingthe Clean, Drain, Dry steps is our key defense.

©Jessica Mounts

White PerchMorone americanaS t a t u s : Invasive to Kansas waters. S i z e : Rarely larger than 10-12 inches. D e s c r i p t i o n : Similar in appearance to the White Bass,

with no lines or stripes on the body. The spiny andsoft dorsal fins are connected, and the anal fin has 3spines: 1 short and 2 long. Two narrow tooth patchesat the edges of the tongue, but no tooth patch in thecenter of the tongue (as in a White Bass.)

L i f e H i s t o r y : White Perch were accidentallyintroduced into Kansas in 1995, and have sincespread across the state into several lakes andreservoirs. They have been associated with declinesin both Walleye and White Bass. White Perchreproduce quickly, and may hybridize with WhiteBass. They also eat the eggs of other fish species. InKansas, it is illegal to release White Perch alive ifcaught. Instead, eat or dispose of them properly.

■ White Perch

■ Zebra Mussel

62

■ Bighead Carp

■ Black Carp

■ Silver Carp

63

Bighead CarpHypophthalmichthys nobilisS t a t u s : Invasive to Kansas waters.S i z e : May grow to longer than 4 feet.D e s c r i p t i o n : Dark gray with splotched fading to a

silvery or white belly and small body scales. Low-set eyes and a large upturned mouth withoutbarbels. Young Bighead Carp are silver in color andresemble Gizzard Shad.

L i f e H i s t o r y : The Bighead Carp prefers large riversand reservoirs. They have been found in the Kansasand Missouri rivers in Kansas, and in the NemahaRiver basin. They grow quickly and eat up to 40percent of their bodyweight in a day.

Silver CarpHypophthalmichthys molitrixS t a t u s : Invasive to Kansas waters. S i z e : May grow to longer than 4 feet. D e s c r i p t i o n : Grey or olive in color fading to silvery

sides with small body scales. Low-set eyes and alarge upturned mouth without barbels. YoungSilver Carp are silver in color and resemble GizzardShad. Also resembles Bighead Carp in appearance.

L i f e H i s t o r y : Silver Carp prefer large rivers andreservoirs. They have been found in the Kansas andMissouri rivers in Kansas, and in the Nemaha Riverbasin. When disturbed by boat motors, silver carpjump out of the water, potentially injuring boaters.

Black CarpMylopharyngodon piceusS t a t u s : Invasive to Kansas waters. S i z e : May grow to longer than 3 feet.D e s c r i p t i o n : Black in color with large scales, similar

to the Grass Carp only darker in color.L i f e H i s t o r y : Black Carp prefer large rivers and

lakes. As adults, they feed almost exclusively onnative snails and mussels. They are a strong threatto the survival of native freshwater mussels inKansas.

64

GlossaryAquatic Nuisance Species: invasive animals and

plants not native to Kansas that can threaten lake andriver ecology, harm native or desirable species andinterfere with our economy.

Backwater: a part of the river or stream not reachedby the current, where the water has little or nomovement.

Barbel: a fleshy but slender or whisker-likeprojection near the mouth of some fish that acts as asensory organ.

Byssal threads: a group of strong filaments secretedby Zebra Mussels and some clams, used to attach theorganism to hard surfaces.

Invertebrate: an animal that does not have abackbone, such as insects, mollusks, worms, etc.

Lateral line: a visible line along the sides of a fishmade up of a series of sensory organs that detectpressure and vibrations.

Plankton: small or microscopic plants and animalsdrifting or floating in the water.

Snout: the nose and mouth of an animal.Subterminal Mouth: a mouth which opens on the

underside of the snout rather than straight forward fromthe head

Terminal Mouth: a mouth which opens at the frontor tip of the snout and head.

Body shapesCylindrical: a body type with parallel sides and a

circular or oval cross-section.Deep bodied: a body type that is deeper from top to

bottom than its width from side to side.Slender bodied: a body type that is much longer in

length than the height from top to bottom or width fromside to side.

Stout bodied: a body type that is short in lengthcompared to the height from top to bottom and widthfrom side to side.

65

Conservation StatusEndangered: in Kansas, any species of wildlife

whose continued existence as a viable component of thestate’s wild fauna is determined to be in jeopardy; at thefederal level, any species in danger of extinctionthroughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Threatened: in Kansas, any species of wildlife thatappears likely, within the foreseeable future, to becomean endangered species; at the federal level, any specieslikely to become endangered within the foreseeablefuture.

Species in Need of Conservation (SINC): in Kansas,any non-game species deemed to require conservationmeasures in attempt to keep the species from becominga threatened or endangered species.

Invasive: non-native or exotic species whoseintroduction causes or is likely to cause economic orenvironmental harm.

Kansas Rivers and Streams

This project is funded in part withfederal funds from the Sport FishRestoration Program, Fish and WildlifeService, Department of the Interior, andadministered by the Kansas Departmentof Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

66

References:Kansas Fishes Committee. 2014. Kansas Fishes.

University Press of Kansas. 541 pp.Tomelleri, J. R. and M. E. Eberle. 2011. Fishes of the

Central United States. Second Edition, revised andexpanded. University Press of Kansas. 192 pp.

Pflieger, W. L. 1997. The Fishes of Missouri.Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri. 372 pp.

Cross, F.B. and J.T. Collins. 1995. Fishes in Kansas.Second Edition, revised. University Press of Kansas. 315 pp.

Kansas Fishes was published in2014. More than 50 biologists havesummarized the natural history of144 Kansas species and 28additional species from adjacentstates on the Great Plains. The bookis written for a broad audienceinterested in the state’s aquaticresources. Detailed species accountsinclude color illustrations by Joseph

Tomelleri and distribution maps. The 541-pagehardcover book is available from the University Press ofKansas or retail booksellers for $39.95.

Author & Illustrator:Jessica Mounts is a Fisheries Biologist with the

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.Joseph R. Tomelleri is a Kansas artist specializing in

scientifically accurate illustrations of fish. All the fishillustrations in this pocket guide were done by him. Hiswork can be viewed at www.americanfishes.com.

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Acknowledgments:I would like to thank Aaron Austin for the idea of

producing this guide and Corinne (Juju) Wellemeyer forher assistance in compiling the species accounts. Thedistribution maps were provided by Ryan Waters based ondata collected by Jeff Conley and and others in the theKDWPT Stream Survey & Assessment program. RyanWaters also graciously supplied several photos. I wouldespecially like to thank Dr. Keith Gido and his lab at KSU,Jeremy Tiemann, Jordan Hofmeier and Casey Pennock forreviewing the species accounts, the Kansas Chapter of theAmerican Fisheries Society for their support, and LorrieBeck, Jim Mason and Bob Gress for editing the manuscript.

© 2015 Great Plains Nature Center

This publication would not be possible without financialsupport from the following sponsors:

Chickadee Checkoff

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Pocket Guides Jim Mason, Editor

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Single copies of these Pocket Guides may be picked up free at theGreat Plains Nature Center. Copies can be mailed for $3.00 each bysending your check, payable to GPNC, to: Pocket Guides, GreatPlains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th Street North, Wichita, KS 67220.

Great Plains Nature CenterThe Great Plains Nature Center is a cooperative project

between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, KansasDepartment of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, and the City ofWichita Department of Park and Recreation. The NatureCenter features the Koch Habitat Hall, Owl’s Nest gift shop,Coleman Auditorium, and 2 miles of Chisholm Creek Parknature trails. The Friends of the Great Plains Nature Centeris a support organization formed to increase awareness andhelp sustain the Center's environmental educationprograms, organize and promote special events, recruitvolunteers to assist staff, and raise funds for long-termviability. For more information visit the Great Plains NatureCenter web site at www.gpnc.org. Please visit or contact usat Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th Street North,Wichita, KS 67220 or phone us at 316-683-5499.

agency in the State of Kansas, witha Secretary appointed by theGovernor. A seven-memberbipartisan commission, alsoappointed by the Governor, advisesthe Secretary and approvesregulations governing outdoorrecreation and fish and wildliferesources in Kansas.www.ksoutdoors.com.

The Kansas Alliance forWetlands and StreamsThe Kansas Alliance for Wetlandsand Streams (KAWS) is a 501.C.3not-for-profit organization thatcoordinates conservation projects,organizes educational events,demonstrates innovative practices,conducts applied research, andinteracts with a large range ofstakeholders, interests, governmentsand NGOs to support local efforts tosolve priority watershed, wetlandand stream issues. The mission ofKAWS is to ensure the future ofwetlands, streams, riparian areasand prairies as an integral part ofour Kansas heritage and landscape.We work with our partners andcitizens of Kansas towards a visionof a healthy, sustainable ecosystemsand watersheds that preserve a highquality of life and water for us alland future generations. The StreamFish Pocket Guide highlights some ofthe important native species that arepart of our natural heritage, andKAWS is proud to be involved inwork to conserve these importantfish species in Kansas. Learn moreby visiting, www.kaws.org.

Chickadee CheckoffThe Chickadee Checkoff program is avoluntary donation program fornongame projects sponsored by theKansas Department of Wildlife, Parksand Tourism. Kansas taxpayers areable to contribute on their individualstate income tax form. Donations canalso be made by sending a check toChickadee Checkoff Program, 512 SE25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124. Since1980, the Chickadee Checkoffprogram has distributed over $4million to projects that helpendangered species, assist inreintroduction efforts of sensitivespecies, supports wildlife educationprojects at schools and naturecenters, and supports hundreds ofother nongame conservation projects.

Westar Energy Green TeamWestar Energy, Inc. is the largestutility in Kansas serving nearly700,000 customers with about35,000 miles of transmission anddistribution lines. Since 1989, theiremployees have operated anenvironmental team. The Green Teammembers volunteer hours to improvewildlife habitat through wetlandcreation and restoration and nativegrass and tree planting. They buildbridges and trails and work toprotect and reintroduce sensitiveplant and animal species. The GreenTeam can be contacted at 785-575-8125 or at [email protected].

Kansas Department ofWildlife, Parks and TourismThe Kansas Department of Wildlife,Parks and Tourism is a cabinet-level

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