Northern Squawfish (Ptychocheilus oregonensis)

The Northern Squawfish or Ptychocheilus oregonensis is the largest member of the Cyprinidae family of freshwater fish.  This minnow is also known as the Columbia River Dace, Northern Pikeminnow and Columbia Squawfish and is found in North America in river, lakes, ponds and even some salt water drainage areas.  Growing to about 25" in length, they can live to about 10 years old and are considered to be a nuisance in some areas.   

Northern Squawfish can be identified by their rather large mouths which extend past the the edge of their eyes.  They have a slender dark green body with clear fins.  This species of Squawfish has 9-10 rays in the dorsal fin with 8 rays in the anal fin and a forked caudal fin.
When spawning the male Northern Squawfish will turn a yellow orange coloration with tubercles on its head and back.  They feed on insects, crustaceans, small fish, eggs and plankton.  If you have any additional information about the Northern Squawfish please leave us a comment.