Fishes in Michigan and the Great Lakes
More than 160 species of freshwater fish inhabit the waters of the Great Lakes. Fish, like other living organisms (e.g., birds, plants), can be organized and classified into meaningful groups for identification and further study. Most fish have common characteristics that include gills, scales, fins, and bony skeletons. Distinguishing characteristics can provide clues to where a species typically lives and what it eats.
Learn More About Freshwater Fish
- What fish species can you identify? You may be most familiar with fish in the sunfish and bass family, cold-water species in the salmon and trout family, or some of the 62 species that make up the minnow family.
- Ancient fish, such as Lake Sturgeon and Longnose Gar also inhabit waters of the Great Lakes region. These fish have unique attributes that have allowed them to survive for millions of years.
- Each family of fishes in the Great Lakes region has physical traits that set it apart from others, called distinguishing characteristics.
- Try using a dichotomous key, a classification tool used to identify fish. Michigan Sea Grant education specialists developed a Fish ID Lesson (Fins, Tails and Scales) that includes a simplified dichotomous key, colorful fish cards and instructions on how to identify fish families. See how well you know your families and species.
- See: Fins, Tails and Scales Lesson | Fish Characteristics Fact Sheet
See More Lessons About Fish
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