The group of fishes identified as minnows is very large in Kansas. The physical characteristics that determine whether a fish can be considered a Minnow are as follows. External features include: scaleless head, toothless jaws, lack of adipose fin, lack of appendages at the base of the pelvic fins, and a single, soft dorsal fin in native species that has less than 10 rays. Internal anatomical features are: cyprinids have fewer than 10 teeth in any row on the pharyngeal…
All stories about sea monsters do not come from sailors who saw a strange beast a long time ago in a distant part of the world. Some start on our very doorstep. Every few years some excited Chicago vacationer babbles about a huge creature that he saw leap, splash, and beat the water into foam right in front of his eyes. This is good news. It means that the lake sturgeon is not yet extinct. The Sturgeons are primitive fishes…
The Catfishes belong in the family Ictaluridae. The family comprises 37 species, which encompass a wide range of sizes. Two North American species, the Blue and Flathead Catfishes, exceed 100 pounds, yet most of the Bullheads will typically grow no longer than 15 inches. The Madtoms are smaller still, with most species growing to a maximum of 5 inches or less. The Electric Catfish, Malapterurus electricus, native to Africa, is capable of producing an electric charge of up to 350 volts,…
The Sunfish family (Centrarchidae) includes 30 species, and is found only in North America. This family includes the Black Bass (Micropterus) and Crappie (Pomoxis). This family is one of the most popular and widely known gamefish groups in North America. Anglers like Sunfish because of their fierce tenacity when caught by hook-and-line, and their firm, white flesh. Different types of Sunfish often crossbreed, resulting in hybrids that have some characteristics of both parents. Hybrids may even crossbreed with other hybrids…