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Table of Contents
Species Accounts
THE BAITFISH PRIMER
- Species are grouped by evolutionary order of families, followed by groups of similar species within families.
- The following information is presented in the species accounts:
- Characteristics: anatomical features used to distinguish species from similar species
- Size: known maximum length
- Similar species: other species with which the species may be confused
- Ontario distribution: general distribution in Ontario
- Habitat: brief description of habitat used by the species
- Use as bait: description of use as bait if legal baitfish, or reason for prohibited or cautionary use
- The species are also labeled as Legal, Caution or Illegal based on the following criteria:
- Legal: member of fish family listed as legal in the Ontario Fishery Regulations and not listed by the Federal Species at Risk Act.
- Caution: not illegal species, but should not be used as can easily be confused with illegal species; listed as Special Concern by the Federal Species at Risk Act; introduced to Ontario; or use as baitfish is restricted.
- Illegal: listed on Schedule 1 as Extirpated, Endangered or Threatened by the Federal Species at Risk Act; or listed as illegal in the Ontario Fishery Regulations.
ALEWIFE
(Alosa pseudoharengus)
Characteristics:
1. very compressed body;
2. saw-toothed edged belly;
3. large eye;
4. large mouth.
Size: to 205mm
Similar species: gizzard shad (illegal baitfish, not included in this Primer)
Ontario distribution: introduced throughout The Great Lakes
Habitat: open water
Use as bait: restricted to the Great Lakes, the St. Clair, Detroit, Niagara, and St. Marys rivers, Lake George and Munuscong Lake
BLACKCHIN SHINER
(Notropis heterodon)
Characteristics:
1. upturned mouth;
2. black pigment on snout and lower lip (chin);
3. scales darkly outlined;
4. black stripe along side has zig-zag appearance.
Size: to 71mm
Similar species: blacknose shiner, bridle shiner, pugnose minnow, pugnose shiner
Ontario distribution: central and northern Ontario, limited in southern Ontario
Habitat: vegetated, nearshore areas of lakes and small rivers
Use as bait: occasionally sold mixed with other shiners
BLACKNOSE SHINER
(Notropis heterolepis)
Characteristics:
1. black stripe around snout, barely onto upper lip and not on chin;
2. black crescents within stripe along side;
3. scales darkly outlined except above dark stripe along silver side.
Size: to 81mm
Similar species: blackchin shiner, bridle shiner, pugnose minnow, pugnose shiner
Ontario distribution: central and northern Ontario, limited in southern Ontario
Habitat: cool, clear, weedy streams and shallow bays of lakes with sand or gravel bottom
Use as bait: mixed with other shiners, it may not be recognized
BRIDLE SHINER
(Notropis bifrenatus)
Characteristics:
1. small upturned mouth;
2. brown-black stripe along side and around snout;
3. scales darkly outlined;
4. black spot at base of caudal fin.
Size: to 50mm
Similar species: blackchin shiner, blacknose shiner, pugnose minnow, pugnose shiner
Ontario distribution: southeastern Ontario
Habitat: clear, still, shallow streams, ponds or lakes with submerged aquatic vegetation and bottom is mud, silt, or sand
Use as bait: discouraged; special concern
PUGNOSE MINNOW
(Opsopoeodus emiliae)
Characteristics:
1. small, strongly upturned mouth;
2. two dark areas (front and rear) on dorsal fin.
Size: to 64mm
Similar species: blackchin shiner, blacknose shiner, bridle shiner, pugnose shiner
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: slow moving waters of turbid small to large streams
Use as bait: discouraged; special concern
PUGNOSE SHINER
(Notropis anogenus)
Characteristics:
1. very small upturned mouth;
2. black pigment on chin, lower lip, side of
upper lip;
3. scales darkly outlined;
4. dark stripe along side.
Size: to 60mm
Similar species: blackchin shiner, blacknose shiner, bridle shiner, pugnose minnow
Ontario distribution: isolated populations in southwestern Ontario and the St. Lawrence River Habitat: clear, heavily vegetated lakes, and pools of vegetated streams and rivers with clean sand or mud bottoms
Use as bait: prohibited; endangered
BLACKNOSE DACE
(Rhinichthys atratulus)
Characteristics:
1. thin barbel in
corner of mouth;
2. no groove
separating snout from upper lip;
3. pointed snout slightly overhangs mouth;
4. stripe along side, through eye and onto snout.
Size: to 58mm
Similar species: longnose dace
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: small, cool, clear, fast streams with rocky or gravelly substrate
Use as bait: used to a limited extent in Ontario; considered a relatively hardy species
LONGNOSE DACE
(Rhinichthys cataractae)
Characteristics:
1. thin barbel in corner
of mouth;
2. no groove separating snout
from upper lip;
3. long, fleshy snout extends beyond mouth.
Size: to 118mm
Similar species: blacknose dace
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: clean, swift streams with gravel beds, occasionally taken in inshore waters of lakes
Use as bait: not commonly used, possibly because of its drab colouration and its intolerance of the still water of bait buckets
BLUNTNOSE MINNOW
(Pimephales notatus)
Characteristics:
1. crowded scales between head and dorsal fin;
2. blunt snout overhanging small mouth;
3. scales darkly outlined (often with cross-hatched appearance);
4. conspicuous black spot on caudal fin base.
Size: to 112mm
Similar species: fathead minnow
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: main river channels over substrate of silt, sand, gravel or rocks; avoids heavy vegetation
Use as bait: not a popular species, as it does not withstand crowding in a bait bucket as well as other species
FATHEAD MINNOW
(Pimephales promelas)
Characteristics:
1. crowded scales between head and dorsal fin;
2. blunt snout with slanted mouth;
3. head short, flat on top.
Size: to 73mm
Similar species: bluntnose minnow
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: found in a wide range of habitats, but generally prefers still waters
Use as bait: angler preference varies locally; transports and holds well in commercial tanks and bait buckets
BRASSY MINNOW
(Hybognathus hankinsoni)
Characteristics:
1. brassy-yellow body;
2. diffuse dusky stripe, developed on rear half of side.
Size: to 158mm
Similar species: eastern silvery minnow
Ontario distribution: widespread in southern and northwestern Ontario
Habitat: small, sluggish weedy streams with sand, gravel or mud bottom covered by organic sediment. Also common in silt-bottomed, shallow bog ponds, streams and lakes
Use as bait: not commonly used
EASTERN SILVERY MINNOW
(Hybognathus regius)
Characteristics:
1. small, slightly
subterminal mouth, rounded snout;
2. body deepest and widest in front of dorsal fin.
Size: to 120mm
Similar species: brassy minnow
Ontario distribution: southeastern Ontario
Habitat: pools and backwaters of medium to large streams with sandy bottoms
Use as bait: occasionally used
CENTRAL STONEROLLER
(Campostoma anomalum)
Characteristics:
1. hard ridge along edge of lower jaw;
2. some speckling on sides.
Size: to 190mm
Similar species: none
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario, introduced in other parts of southern Ontario
Habitat: small- to medium-sized streams with moderate, sometimes fast current and gravel to rock bottoms with attached filamentous algae
Use as bait: occasionally used, becoming more common
COMMON SHINER
(Luxilus cornutus)
Characteristics:
1. large scales, much deeper than wide;
2. dark stripe along middle of back;
3. crowded scales between head and dorsal fin.
Size: to 169mm
Similar species: striped shiner
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: small- to medium-sized weedless streams with gravel to rubble bottom, and nearshore of lakes
Use as bait: commonly used as a bait species - its large size and silvery appearance make it particularly attractive, transports and holds well in commercial tanks but does not live long in bait buckets
STRIPED SHINER
(Luxilus chrysocephalus)
Characteristics:
1. large scales, much deeper than wide;
2. relatively deep body;
3. dark stripes on upper sides meet at middle of back behind dorsal fin to form large V's;
4. scales between head and dorsal fin not crowded.
Size: to 240mm
Similar species: common shiner
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: weedless, medium-sized streams with alternating pools and riffles over a gravel or rubble bottom, often with some silt
Use as bait: not known
CREEK CHUB
(Semotilus atromaculatus)
Characteristics:
1. small, thick barbel in groove above corner of mouth;
2. large black spot at front of dorsal fin base;
3. black caudal spot (not obvious
in large individuals);
4. black stripe along side around snout and onto upper lip.
Size: to 240mm
Similar species: fallfish, hornyhead chub, lake chub, river chub
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: small, clear, streams; nearshore of small lakes
Use as bait: one of the most important bait minnows as it is hardy, grows to a large size, and can be readily caught in most streams
FALLFISH
(Semotilus corporalis)
Characteristics:
1. small, thick barbel in groove above corner of mouth;
2. scales on back and
upper side darkly outlined.
Size: to 420mm
Similar species: creek chub, hornyhead chub, lake chub, river chub
Ontario distribution: eastern Ontario
Habitat: clear, flowing, gravel-bottomed streams, and lakes
Use as bait: limited use, smaller individuals may not be recognized
HORNYHEAD CHUB
(Nocomis biguttatus)
Characteristics:
1. thin barbel at corner of large mouth;
2. large, dark-edged scales;
3. spot on tail.
Size: to 188mm
Similar species: creek chub, fallfish, lake chub, river chub
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario, introduced elsewhere
Habitat: small- to moderate-sized clear streams with gravel bottoms
Use as bait: not important as a bait species in Ontario, probably due to limited distribution and may not be distinguished from the more common creek chub; highly regarded in the northern US, especially for northern pike; attains large size, is hardy, and can withstand handling in commercial storage tanks and bait buckets
LAKE CHUB
(Couesius plumbeus)
Characteristics:
1. thin barbel at corner
of large mouth;
2. large pectoral fins;
3. lead-coloured sides and back.
Size: to 189mm
Similar species: creek chub, fallfish, hornyhead chub, river chub
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: gravel-bottomed pools and runs of streams, lakes
Use as bait: limited use as live bait in lake trout fishing in the vicinity of Rossport, Lake Superior; spring spawning runs fished by bait harvesters for walleye bait
RIVER CHUB
(Nocomis micropogon)
Characteristics:
1. thin barbel at corner of
large mouth;
2. large, dark-edged scales;
3. no spot on tail.
Size: to 287mm
Similar species: creek chub, fallfish, hornyhead chub, lake chub
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario, introduced elsewhere
Habitat: medium-sized streams with gravel to boulder substrates
Use as bait: when used as a baitfish, it may not be distinguished from the more common
creek chub
CUTLIP MINNOW
(Exoglossum maxillingua)
Characteristics:
1. fleshy lobe on each side of lower jaw.
Size: to 157mm
Similar species: none
Ontario distribution: southeastern Ontario
Habitat: warm, clear, gravelly streams and rivers relatively free of vegetation and silt; dwells mostly under stones in quiet pools
Use as bait: prohibited by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resouces (OMNR)
EMERALD SHINER
(Notropis atherinoides)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate body;
2. large mouth on fairly pointed snout;
3. dorsal fin origin behind pelvic fin origin;
4. black lips (front half).
Size: to 124mm
Similar species: rosyface shiner, silver shiner
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: pools and runs of medium to large rivers, lakes
Use as bait: very popular baitfish, particularly for ice fishing; most important commercial baitfish in Ontario
ROSYFACE SHINER
(Notropis rubellus)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate body;
2. large mouth on sharply pointed long snouth;
3. dorsal fin origin well behind pelvic fin origin;
4. faint red at base of dorsal fin.
Size: to 92mm
Similar species: emerald shiner, silver shiner
Ontario distribution: southern Ontario
Habitat: clear, fast-flowing large creeks and small rivers with bottoms of fine gravel or rubble, usually in or around riffles
Use as bait: not readily kept in commercial tanks
SILVER SHINER
(Notropis photogenis)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate body;
2. large mouth on long snout;
3. dorsal fin origin over pelvic fin origin;
4. two black crescents between nostrils.
Size: to 130mm
Similar species: emerald shiner, rosyface shiner
Ontario distribution: isolated populations in southwestern Ontario
Habitat: clear, weedless medium to large streams with clean gravel or boulder bottoms, usually in riffles
Use as bait: discouraged; special concern
FINESCALE DACE
(Phoxinus neogaeus)
Characteristics:
1. very small scales;
2. large mouth extending to under eye;
3. single stripe along side.
Size: to 80mm
Similar species: northern redbelly dace, pearl dace
Ontario distribution: central and northern Ontario, limited in southern Ontario
Habitat: tea-stained, cool, small, boggy creeks and lakes usually over silt and near vegetation; often common in beaver ponds
Use as bait: widely distributed and often abundant baitfis
NORTHERN REDBELLY DACE
(Phoxinus eos)
Characteristics:
1. very small scales;
2. very small mouth;
3. two black stripes along side.
Size: to 61mm
Similar species: finescale dace, pearl dace
Ontario distribution: widespread in central and northern Ontario, limited in southern Ontario
Habitat: quiet, boggy creeks, ponds and small lakes over a bottom of organic muck and vegetation
Use as bait: generally considered too small for a bait minnow but is hardy and readily available in less populated areas of Ontario, where it is used for bait
PEARL DACE
(Margariscus margarita)
Characteristics:
1. very small scales;
2. small
mouth;
3. barbel in groove above lip (often missing on one or both sides);
4. many small black and brown specks on silver side.
Size: to 132mm
Similar species: finescale dace, northern redbelly dace
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: boggy streams, ponds, and small lakes with sand or gravel bottoms
Use as bait: in many areas it is an important bait minnow, but is usually unrecognized and included with other species sold as chub or dace
GHOST SHINER
(Notropis buchanani)
Characteristics:
1. body translucent milky white overall in colour.
Size: to 64mm
Similar species: mimic shiner, sand shiner
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: quiet waters of large creeks, rivers and lakes with clean sand, gravel bottoms and some aquatic vegetation
Use as bait: none
MIMIC SHINER
(Notropis volucellus)
Characteristics:
1. lateral band weakly pigmented;
2. black pigment at base of anal fin.
Size: to 76mm
Similar species: ghost shiner, sand shiner
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: quiet or still waters of streams, rivers and lakes
Use as bait: not known
SAND SHINER
(Notropis stramineus)
Characteristics:
1. lateral band weakly pigmented;
2. no black pigment at base of anal fin.
Size: to 81mm
Similar species: ghost shiner, mimic shiner
Ontario distribution: southern Ontario
Habitat: sandy shallows of small to large rivers and lakes with some rooted aquatic plants
Use as bait: transports and holds well in commercial tanks, can withstand low oxygen conditions
GOLDEN SHINER
(Notemigonus crysoleucas)
Characteristics:
1. small, upturned mouth;
2. deep-bodied but very thin;
3. scaleless keel along belly from pelvic to anal fin.
Size: to 211mm
Similar species: rudd
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: clear, weedy, quiet waters of streams, rivers and lakes
Use as bait: one of the most popular of all baitfishes in North America (including Ontario); easily damaged by handling
RUDD
(Scardinius erythrophthalmus)
Characteristics:
1. small, upturned mouth;
2. deep-bodied but very thin;
3. scaled keel along belly from pelvic to anal fin;
4. bright red anal, pelvic and pectoral fins, red-brown dorsal and caudal fins.
Size: to 450mm
Similar species: golden shiner
Ontario distribution: isolated introduced populations in southern Ontario
Habitat: clear, weedy, quiet waters of streams, rivers, and lakes
Use as bait: discouraged; introduced
REDFIN SHINER
(Lythrurus umbratilis)
Characteristics:
1. very small scales in front of dorsal fin;
2. dark spot at dorsal fin origin.
Size: to 81mm
Similar species: spotfin shiner
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: quiet waters of creeks and small to medium rivers, with some vegetation
Use as bait: generally considered too small and uncommon in Ontario to be used as baitfish
SPOTFIN SHINER
(Cyprinella spiloptera)
Characteristics:
1. scales on side diamond-shaped (taller than wide);
2. dusky to black bar on chin;
3. black spot on rear half of dorsal fin.
Size: to 120mm
Similar species: redfin shiner
Ontario distribution: southern Ontario
Habitat: moderate to large, unvegetated rivers over sand, gravel, or rubble, often in somewhat turbid waters
Use as bait: can be used as a baitfish but of no real importance in Ontario due to limited distribution; not readily kept in tanks
SILVER CHUB
(Macrhybopsis storeriana)
Characteristics:
1. rounded snout overhanging mouth;
2. barbel in corner of mouth;
3. no spot on caudal peduncle.
Size: to 231mm
Similar species: spottail shiner
Ontario distribution: Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair
Habitat: nearshore areas of the Great Lakes
Use as bait: discouraged; special concern
SPOTTAIL SHINER
(Notropis hudsonius)
Characteristics:
1. rounded snout overhanging mouth;
2. no barbel;
3. large black caudal spot.
Size: to 137mm
Similar species: silver chub
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: large rivers and lakes, usually over sandy or rocky shallows with sparse vegetation
Use as bait: most frequently used bait minnow in many parts of northern Ontario
COMMON CARP
(Cyprinus carpio)
Characteristics:
1. deep, thick body, strongly arched to
dorsal fin, flattened below;
2. saw-toothed spine at
front of dorsal, pectoral and anal fins;
3. two barbels on each side of upper jaw.
Size: to 800mm
Similar species: goldfish, grass carp
Ontario distribution: introduced throughout southern Ontario, isolated populations in northern Ontario
Habitat: wide variety of habitats, in small to large streams, nearshore of lakes over all types of substrates
Use as bait: prohibited; introduced
GOLDFISH
(Carassius auratus)
Characteristics:
1. deep, thick body, strongly arched to dorsal fin, flattened below;
2. saw-toothed spine at front of dorsal, pectoral and anal fins;
3. no barbels.
Size: to 457mm
Similar species: common carp
Ontario distribution: introduced throughout southwestern Ontario, isolated populations elsewhere. Habitat: wide variety of habitats, in small to large streams, nearshore of lakes over all types of substrates
Use as bait: prohibited; introduced
GRASS CARP
(Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Characteristics:
1. thick body, not deep;
2. large, dark-edged scales;
3. no spines on dorsal, pectoral and anal fins.
Size: to 1500mm
Similar species: common carp, goldfish
Ontario distribution: isolated individuals introduced
Habitat: wide variety of habitats, large streams and nearshore of lakes over all types of substrates
Use as bait: prohibited; introduced
GRAVEL CHUB
(Erimystax x-punctatus)
Characteristics:
1. small, thin barbel in corner of mouth;
2. many dark X's on back and side.
Size: to 99mm
Similar species: creek chub, fallfish, hornyhead chub, lake chub, river chub
Ontario distribution: only known from the Thames River in the 1950's
Habitat: gravel-bottomed small to large rivers, preferably slow moving and deep
Use as bait: prohibited; extirpated
REDSIDE DACE
(Clinostomus elongatus)
Characteristics:
1. long pointed snout, with very large mouth;
2. bright red stripe on lower side.
Size: to 85mm
Similar species: finescale dace, northern redbelly dace, pearl dace
Ontario distribution: isolated populations throughout southern Ontario
Habitat: clear, cool, flowing streams over rubble or gravel substrate
Use as bait: prohibited by OMNR; special concern
BIGMOUTH BUFFALO
(Ictiobus cyprinellus)
Characteristics:
1. long, curved dorsal fin;
2. thin lips on upturned large mouth;
3. no barbels.
Size: to 696mm
Similar species: black buffalo, quillback, smallmouth buffalo
Ontario distribution: isolated populations in southwestern Ontario
Habitat: turbid, vegetated large rivers and lakes
Use as bait: discouraged; special concern
BLACK BUFFALO
(Ictiobus niger)
Characteristics:
1. long, curved dorsal fin;
2. thin lips on larger mouth under snout;
3. small eye.
Size: to 1041mm
Similar species: smallmouth buffalo, bigmouth buffalo, quillback
Ontario distribution: isolated, introduced populations in southwestern Ontario
Habitat: turbid, vegetated large rivers and lakes
Use as bait: discouraged; introduced
QUILLBACK
(Carpiodes cyprinus)
Characteristics:
1. long, curved dorsal fin, long first dorsal ray;
2. thick lips on small mouth under
snout, with smooth line between lips.
Size: to 660mm
Similar species: bigmouth buffalo, black buffalo, smallmouth buffalo
Ontario distribution: southern Ontario
Habitat: turbid, vegetated large rivers and lakes
Use as bait: not known
SMALLMOUTH BUFFALO
(Ictiobus bubalus)
Characteristics:
1. long, curved dorsal fin;
2. thin lips on small mouth under snout;
3. large eye;
4. deep body.
Size: to 780mm
Similar species: black buffalo, bigmouth buffalo, quillback
Ontario distribution: isolated, introduced populations in southwestern Ontario
Habitat: turbid, vegetated large rivers and lakes
Use as bait: discouraged; introduced
LONGNOSE SUCKER
(Catostomus catostomus)
Characteristics:
1. thick lips with many 'pimples' on mouth under snout;
2. very small scales.
Size: to 583mm
Similar species: northern hog sucker, white sucker
Ontario distribution: Great Lakes, central and northern Ontario
Habitat: cold, deep lakes
Use as bait: only incidental, caught rarely with small white suckers
NORTHERN HOG SUCKER
(Hypentelium nigricans)
Characteristics:
1. thick lips on mouth under long, blunt snout;
2. large scales;
3. large, rectangular head, broadly flat (young) or concave (adult) between eyes;
4. body wide in front, abruptly tapering behind dorsal fin;
5. 3-6 dusky or brown saddles on upper side.
Size: to 610mm
Similar species: longnose sucker, white sucker
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: riffles and adjacent pools of clear shallow streams with gravel to rubble substrates; found infrequently in shallow lakes near the mouths of streams
Use as bait: sometimes sold as "pike" bait
WHITE SUCKER
(Catostomus commersonii)
Characteristics:
1. thick lips (lower lip about twice as thick as upper lip) with many 'pimples' on mouth under snout;
2. small scales.
Size: to 487mm
Similar species: longnose sucker, northern hog sucker, black redhorse, golden redhorse,
silver redhorse
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: found in a wide range of habitats
Use as bait: widespread; often sold as "pike" bait
LAKE CHUBSUCKER
(Erimyzon sucetta)
Characteristics:
1. thin lips with grooves on small, slightly, upturned mouth;
2. deep body;
3. rounded edge on dorsal fin.
Size: to 292mm
Similar species: other suckers
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: shallow, clear, vegetated ponds and lakes over silt, sand or debris; rarely in streams
Use as bait: prohibited; threatened
BLACK REDHORSE
(Moxostoma duquesnei)
Characteristics:
1. mouth under snout has thick lips with grooves;
2. large scales;
3. gray caudal fin;
4. concave dorsal fin;
5. lower lip not notched.
Size: to 658mm
Similar species: golden, greater, river, shorthead, and silver redhorses
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: pools in the swifter flowing portions of clear medium to large rivers with gravel, rock, or sand bottoms
Use as bait: discouraged; threatened
GOLDEN REDHORSE
(Moxostoma erythrurum)
Characteristics:
1. mouth under snout has thick
lips with grooves;
2. large scales;
3. gray caudal fin;
4. concave dorsal fin;
5. lower lip notched.
Size: to 660mm
Similar species: black redhorse, greater redhorse, river redhorse, shorthead redhorse, silver redhorse
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: clear, small to large streams in riffles over variety of substrates
Use as bait: discouraged; redhorse species (including species at risk) are very difficult to distinguish from one another
GREATER REDHORSE
(Moxostoma valenciennesi)
Characteristics:
1. mouth under snout has thick lips with grooves;
2. large scales;
3. red caudal fin;
4. concave dorsal fin;
5. grooves on lower lip are parallel.
Size: to 673mm
Similar species: black redhorse, golden redhorse, river redhorse, shorthead redhorse, silver redhorse
Ontario distribution: southern Ontario
Habitat: large streams in riffles with bottoms of clean sand, gravel or boulders
Use as bait: discouraged; redhorse species (including species at risk) are very difficult to distinguish from one another
RIVER REDHORSE
(Moxostoma carinatum)
Characteristics:
1. mouth under snout has thick lips with grooves;
2. large scales;
3. red caudal fin;
4. dorsal fin edge usually straight;
5. grooves on lower lip are parallel.
Size: to 617mm
Ontario distribution: isolated populations in southern Ontario
Similar species: black redhorse, golden redhorse, greater redhorse, shorthead redhorse,
silver redhorse
Habitat: rocky pools and swift runs of small to large rivers; impoundments
Use as bait: discouraged; special concern; redhorse species (including species at risk) are very difficult to distinguish from one another
SHORTHEAD REDHORSE
(Moxostoma macrolepidotum)
Characteristics:
1. mouth under snout has thick lips with grooves;
2. large scales;
3. red caudal fin;
4. concave dorsal fin;
5. lower lip notched.
Size: to 620mm
Similar species: black redhorse, golden redhorse, greater redhorse, river redhorse, silver redhorse
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: lakes and rivers over bottoms of sand or gravel without heavy silt
Use as bait: discouraged; redhorse species (including species at risk) are very difficult to distinguish from one another
SILVER REDHORSE
(Moxostoma anisurum)
Characteristics:
1. thick lips with grooves or pimples on mouth under snout;
2. large scales;
3. gray caudal fin;
4. convex dorsal fin;
5. lower lip notched.
Size: to 635mm
Similar species: black redhorse, golden redhorse, greater redhorse, river redhorse,
shorthead redhorse
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: mud to rock bottomed pools and runs of small to large rivers; occasionally lakes
Use as bait: discouraged; redhorse species (including species at risk) are very difficult to distinguish from one another
SPOTTED SUCKER
(Minytrema melanops)
Characteristics:
1. thin lips with grooves;
2. small scales;
3. rows of dark spots at scale bases on back and side.
Size: to 449mm
Similar species: other suckers
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: creeks and small rivers with sandy, gravelly, or hard clay bottoms without silt, but occasionally in large rivers and impoundments
Use as bait: discouraged; special concern
CENTRAL MUDMINNOW
(Umbra limi)
Characteristics:
1. dorsal and anal fins far back on body;
2. black bar on caudal fin base;
3. rounded caudal fin.
Size: to 132mm
Similar species: none in Ontario
Ontario distribution: southern Ontario
Habitat: still, mud-bottomed, often heavily vegetated streams and ponds
Use as bait: sold and used as bait, hardy (capable of breathing air)
RAINBOW SMELT
(Osmerus mordax)
Characteristics:
1. streamlined, elongate body;
2. adipose fin;
3. large teeth on jaw and tongue.
Size: to 297mm
Similar species: cisco and other cisco species (illegal baitfish, most at risk; not included in this Primer)
Ontario distribution: native to Ottawa Valley in Ontario, widely introduced elsewhere
Habitat: open waters of lakes
Use as bait: prohibited use as bait in some areas, elsewhere restricted to dead individuals only
CISCO
(Coregonus artedi)
Characteristics:
1. streamlined, elongate body;
2. adipose fin;
3. no teeth.
Size: to 395mm
Similar species: other cisco species (illegal baitfish, most at risk; not included in this Primer), rainbow smelt
Ontario distribution: Great Lakes, central and northern Ontario
Habitat: primarily found in opens waters of lakes but may occur in large rivers in the Hudson Bay region
Use as bait: local restrictions apply
TROUT-PERCH
(Percopsis omiscomaycus)
Characteristics:
1. large, unscaled head;
2. adipose fin;
3. spines in dorsal, anal and pelvic fins;
4. rows of 7-12 dusky spots along back, upper side and side.
Size: to 123mm
Similar species: none
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: lakes or deep flowing pools of small to large rivers, usually over sand
Use as bait: incidental capture and sold with mixed species
BROOK STICKLEBACK
(Culaea inconstans)
Characteristics:
1. 4-6 short dorsal spines;
2. deep, thin body with no bony plates on side.
Size: to 87mm
Similar species: fourspine, ninespine and threespine sticklebacks
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: quiet, vegetated waters of small rivers, ponds or lakes over sand, muck or mud
Use as bait: only incidental
FOURSPINE STICKLEBACK
(Apeltes quadracus)
Characteristics:
1. four dorsal spines of various lengths, wide gap before last spine;
2. no bony plates on side.
Size: to 52mm
Similar species: brook, ninespine and threespine sticklebacks
Ontario distribution: introduced into northwestern Lake Superior
Habitat: quiet, vegetated waters
Use as bait: discouraged; introduced
NINESPINE STICKLEBACK
(Pungitius pungitius)
Characteristics:
1. nine short dorsal spines;
2. slender body;
3. well-developed keel on caudal peduncle;
4. no bony plates on side.
Size: to 68mm
Similar species: brook, fourspine and threespine sticklebacks
Ontario distribution: widespread in northern Ontario, the Great Lakes
Habitat: shallow, vegetated areas of stream, ponds or lakes; deep waters of Great Lakes
Use as bait: only incidental
THREESPINE STICKLEBACK
(Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Characteristics:
1. three dorsal spines, last very short;
2. bony plates on side;
3. bony keel along side of caudal peduncle.
Size: to 76mm
Similar species: brook, fourspine and ninespine sticklebacks
Ontario distribution: isolated populations mainly in central and eastern Ontario
Habitat: shallow areas over mud or sand with vegetation
Use as bait: discouraged; introduced
MOTTLED SCULPIN
(Cottus bairdii)
Characteristics:
1. dorsal fins joined at base;
2. 2-3 dark bars on body under second dorsal fin;
3. large black spots at front and rear of first dorsal fin.
Size: to 82mm
Similar species: slimy sculpin, round goby and tubenose goby (shorthead and deepwater sculpins look similar but, due to their deep water habits, they are not included in this Primer)
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: riffles of small rivers and headwaters over rubble or gravel; rocky shores of lakes
Use as bait: only incidental
SLIMY SCULPIN
(Cottus cognatus)
Characteristics:
1. long, fairly slender body;
2. three pelvic rays;
3. prickles on head and behind pectoral fin base.
Size: to 120mm
Similar species: mottled sculpin, round goby and tubenose goby (shorthead and deepwater sculpins look similar but, due to their deep water habits, they are not included in this Primer)
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: rocky areas of cold streams and lakes
Use as bait: only incidental
BLACKSIDE DARTER
(Percina maculata)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate body;
2. large mouth;
3. 6-9 large oval black blotches along side;
4. discrete medial black caudal spot.
Size: to 111mm
Similar species: channel darter, logperch, river darter
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: riffles and pools of medium-sized streams over gravel and sand with an abundance of vegetation
Use as bait: only incidental
CHANNEL DARTER
(Percina copelandi)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elgonated body;
2. blunt snout;
3. 9-10 horizontally oblong black blotches along side;
4. black X's and W's on back and upper side.
Size: to 61mm
Similar species: blackside darter, logperch, river darter
Ontario distribution: isolated populations in southern Ontario
Habitat: pools and margins of riffles of small to medium rivers usually over sand and gravel; shores of lakes
Use as bait: discouraged; threatened
LOGPERCH
(Percina caprodes)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate body;
2. large mouth;
3. dusky tear drop;
4. many alternating long and short bars along side.
Size: to 150mm
Similar species: blackside darter, channel darter, river darter
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: medium to large streams, rivers and lakes over sand and gravel bottoms
Use as bait: occasionally used as live bait but cannot be held long in a bait bucket
RIVER DARTER
(Percina shumardi)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate body;
2. large mouth; 3. black teardrop;
4. 8-15 black bars along side;
5. small black spot at front, large black spot near rear of first dorsal fin.
Size: to 80mm
Similar species: blackside darter, channel darter, logperch
Ontario distribution: widespread in northern Ontario, isolated populations in southwestern Ontario
Habitat: moderate to large rivers with strong, deep current over sand, gravel or rock
Use as bait: only incidental
FANTAIL DARTER
(Etheostoma flabellare)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate body;
2. small mouth;
3. black bands on second dorsal fin and caudal fin;
4. gold knobs on tips of dorsal spines.
Size: to 70mm
Similar species: greenside darter, Iowa darter, johnny darter, least darter, rainbow darter, tessellated darter
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: gravel- and boulder-bottomed streams of slow to moderate flow
Use as bait: only incidental
GREENSIDE DARTER
(Etheostoma blennioides)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate body;
2. small mouth;
3. dusky teardrop;
4. 5-18 green W's, V's, or bars on side.
Size: to 110mm
Similar species: fantail darter, Iowa darter, johnny darter, least darter, rainbow darter,
tessellated darter
Ontario distribution: isolated populations in southwestern Ontario
Habitat: small to large streams among rubble and small boulders with attached filamentous algae
Use as bait: discouraged; special concern
IOWA DARTER
(Etheostoma exile)
Characteristics: 1. slender, elgonated body;
2. small mouth; 3. black teardrop;
4. middle red band on first dorsal fin.
Size: to 58mm
Similar species: fantail darter, greenside darter, johnny darter, least darter, rainbow darter, tessellated darter
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: clear, standing, or slowly moving waters of streams, small to medium rivers and lakes with aquatic vegetation, and a bottom of organic debris and sand
Use as bait: only incidental
JOHNNY DARTER
(Etheostoma nigrum)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate body;
2. small mouth;
3. black teardrop;
4. dark brown X's and W's along side.
Size: to 60mm
Similar species: fantail darter, greenside darter, Iowa darter, least darter, rainbow darter, tessellated darter
Ontario distribution: widespread
Habitat: wide variety of aquatic habitats but most common in quieter waters over bottom of sand, gravel, silt, or a combination of these, but do inhabit weedy areas or gravel riffles of streams
Use as bait: only incidental
LEAST DARTER
(Etheostoma microperca)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate body;
2. small mouth;
3. large, black teardrop;
4. dark green saddles.
Size: to 46mm
Similar species: fantail darter, greenside darter, Iowa darter, johnny darter, rainbow darter, tessellated darter
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario, isolated populations in northern Ontario
Habitat: clear, quiet, weedy waters of lakes and slow-moving small to medium streams
Use as bait: likely none as a result of small size
RAINBOW DARTER
(Etheostoma caeruleum)
Characteristics:
1. relatively deep-bodied;
2. small mouth;
3. no teardrop;
4. 6-10 dark saddles.
Size: to 74mm
Similar species: fantail darter, greenside darter, Iowa darter,
johnny darter, least darter, tessellated darter
Ontario distribution: southwestern Ontario
Habitat: fast-flowing gravel and rubble-bottomed riffles of small to medium streams
Use as bait: only incidental
TESSELLATED DARTER
(Etheostoma olmstedi)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate body;
2. small mouth;
3. black teardrop;
4. dark
brown X's and W's along side;
5. six dark brown saddles.
Size: to 88mm
Similar species: fantail darter, greenside darter, Iowa darter, johnny darter, least darter,
rainbow darter
Ontario distribution: southeastern Ontario
Habitat: lakes and rivers over mud, sand or rock bottom
Use as bait: only incidental
EASTERN SAND DARTER
(Ammocrypta pellucida)
Characteristics:
1. slender, elongate, transparent body;
2. 10-19 horizontal dark green blotches along side.
Size: to 81mm
Similar species: other darters
Ontario distribution: isolated populations in southwestern Ontario
Habitat: sand-bottomed areas of small to large streams and wave-protected beaches
of large lakes
Use as bait: prohibited; threatened
RUFFE
(Gymnocephalus cernuus)
Characteristics: 1. fairly deep, compressed body;
2. broadly-joined, spiny dorsal fins;
3. many small black spots on dorsal and caudal fins.
Size: to 290mm
Similar species: yellow perch
Ontario distribution: introduced into western Lake Superior
Habitat: lakes; quiet pools and margins of streams
Use as bait: prohibited; introduced
TUBENOSE GOBY
(Proterorhinus marmoratus)
Characteristics:
1. fused pelvic fins;
2. long anterior nostrils;
3. spiny dorsal fin with oblique black lines (no spot).
Size: to 115mm
Similar species: round goby, mottled and slimy sculpins (shorthead and deepwater sculpins - not included in this Primer)
Ontario distribution: isolated, introduced populations in southwestern Ontario
Habitat: shallow, vegetated areas of lakes and streams
Use as bait: prohibited; introduced
ROUND GOBY
(Neogobius melanostomus)
Characteristics:
1. fused pelvic fins;
2. greenish, spiny dorsal fin with a black spot.
Size: to 250mm
Similar species: tubenose goby, mottled and slimy sculpins (shorthead and deepwater sculpins - not included in this Primer)
Ontario distribution: introduced populations in the lower Great Lakes and tributaries
Habitat: rocky or gravelly habitat, generally inhabit the nearshore area of lakes but will migrate to deeper water in winter; also found in tributaries
Use as bait: prohibited; introduced
RUSTY CRAYFISH
(Orconectes rusticus)
Characteristics:
1. greenish coloured claws with dark black bands near the tips;
2. prominent rusty patches on either side of the carapace.
Size: to 625mm
Similar species: native crayfishes (not included in this Primer)
Ontario distribution: isolated, introduced in southern Ontario
Habitat: streams and lakes with adequate rock, log, and debris cover and substrates of clay,
silt and gravel
Use as bait: discouraged; introduced
