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.

Common Roach (Rutilus rutilus)

The Common Roach or Rutilus rutilus is a freshwater fish that is found in many places in Western Asia and Europe. From the Cyprinidae family, these fish are not very large, only growing to about 18 inches (45cm). These fish can also survive in brackish waters and can be identified by their red fins. Their bodies are generally silver with a white underbelly. As this fish grows it tends to become broader than the slender younger Common Roach. Most Roach have a red spot in their iris above their pupil.

Common Roach are often found in water with medium to thick vegetation. They can survive poor water conditions including pollution and high temperatures, as well as high salinity. In the winter months these fish will often retreat to deeper waters.

Often caught with a maggot or worm these fish are considered to be quite easily to catch in many places in Britain. The fact that Common Roaches are often found in schools like Perch, makes it all the easier once you have caught one, there is normally more in the same spot.

If you have any additional information about the Common Roach please leave us a comment below.

Fallfish (Semotilus corporalis)

The Fallfish or Semotilus corporalis is a member of the Cyprinidae family which is the largest family of fish in the world and includes Minnows and Carp.  Fallfish are often found in Eastern Canada south to Virginia in The United States.  They prefer cold clear streams, but are often found in lakes and ponds normally in shallow water.

Fallfish have long slender bodies with blunt heads.  They have a single dorsal fin which is located in the middle of their body.  This fish is often confused with the Creek Chub, but can be differentiated by the lack of a black spot which appears on the base of the dorsal fin on the Creek Chub.  Mall Fallfish will often have a reddish tinge and will develop tubercles on their heads as you can see in the picture below.

Fallfish are not particularly large, only growing to about 16" and weighing about 2lbs maximum.  They can live for about 10 years and will spawn in the late spring through summer.  The male Fallfish will build a nest of pebbles which can be very large.  It isn't uncommon for these nest to be 6' in length and 3' tall!  Impressive for such a small species.  The male will use this nest to mate with multiple females.

Also known as the Silver Chub and the Windfish, these fish will feed mostly on insects, but will also dine on smaller fish, algae and crustaceans.  They are edible, but they are not one of the best tasting fish.  If you have any additional information about the Fallfish please leave us a comment.