Fins, Tails & Scales: Identifying Great Lakes Fish

An impressive variety of freshwater fish inhabit the waters of the Great Lakes region. Scientists have documented more than 160 distinct fish species belonging to some 29 families.*

While some Great Lakes fish may look similar in size, shape and color, each family shares similar traits. These distinguishing features, combined with information on geographic range, help scientists, anglers and amateur naturalists observe and identify fish.

Some fish characteristics that can be easily compared include structure and location of dorsal fin(s) on the fish’s back, mouth position and shape of snout, tail shape, and presence or absence of unusual traits such as barbels (whiskers).

By observing and comparing distinguishing characteristics, students learn to organize fish species into meaningful groups for identification and further study.

See: Project FLOW Unit 3, lesson 1 | lesson 2

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