![]() One of its morphs is commonly referred to as lake trout or Salmo lacustris. ![]() Originally an anadromous species, it now has fully landlocked populations that spawn throughout rivers and lakes across the US. inbetweenbays / CC BY 4.0īrown trout was introduced into California’s freshwater systems in the late 1800s. In freshwater systems where predators are scarce, they have the tendency to become overpopulated.ġ0) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) The black crappie is an important forage fish with a preference for clear, calm water. They are readily found throughout California’s wetland systems, particularly at low elevations. They thrive best in warm water temperatures ranging from 27 – 32˚C (80 – 90˚F). This ecologically important species plays a central role in the food chain of shallow lakes, ponds, streams, and reservoirs. Growing to an average weight of about 4.4 pounds (2 kg) in the wild, mature bluegill are distinguished by their blue-purple face coloration, dark vertical bands, and yellow-orange abdomens. As it moves around in small schools, it seeks shelter and protection from submerged vegetation, where its ambush predators may also lie in wait. It favors calm freshwater systems with high structural diversity. Catie Clune / CC BY 4.0Ī member of the sunfish family, this species is known for being a highly nutritious forage fish. When males reach sexual maturity, their bellies become light red or pink. Populations that are located in the Columbia River are considered the most productive of their kind.ħ) Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Coho salmon change their appearance multiple times throughout their lives. Though this fish can live for a century, it takes several years to become sexually mature and seems capable of growing in size for the rest of its life. Harvesting species from the wild is illegal, but poaching continues to persist as sturgeon caviar sells for remarkably high rates.Ĭonsidered the largest freshwater fish species in North America, a single white sturgeon can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds! Its natural range extends through California and upwards into British Columbia. It is now often cultivated in aquaculture farms for two main reasons: to meet the demands of the aquarium industry and for the production of its top-quality caviar. In truth, it is a gentle, toothless giant that prefers to remain on the benthos of lakes and river systems. ![]() Known for growing to shocking lengths, this freshwater “monster” fish is often feared due to its resemblance to sharks. Some of the most notable ones are listed below. There are more than 100 fish species in these regions. These regions are mostly found in Northern California, though diverse water systems are found in Southern California too. These rivers drain into ecologically important lakes, ponds, and bays throughout the hydrologic regions of the state. The freshwater bodies with the highest species richness are situated in the San Joaquin, Sacramento, Amargosa, Salinas, Klamath, and Pit rivers. They are also the most imperiled by anthropogenic threats. Nevertheless, freshwater vertebrates (including mammals, amphibians, and fish) are the most well-known and appreciated. Most of these animals are composed of mussels and insects. Around 16% of native species consist of animals and plants that exclusively rely on wetland systems to survive. The complexity and range of its freshwater systems are nothing short of exceptional.Ĭalifornia’s freshwater rivers and lakes are situated at practically all altitudes, with some at sea level and others extending into elevations of 14,000 feet. Its wildlife is definitely hard to beat as it has an expansive coastline and considerably large inland territory. ![]() Its highly diverse terrain and wide variation in climate conditions make it a truly special place with amazing natural attractions. The Golden State has hundreds of bodies of freshwater spread across a massive area of about 420,000 km 2. ![]() jcookfisher, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 1.28 28) White bass (Morone chrysops) The San Joaquin River has some of the highest species richness in California. ![]()
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