Which Fish is Which?
A Dichotomous Key for Identifying the Fishes
of Boneyard Creek in Illinois
A dichotomous key (a.k.a. taxonomic key), is a series of questions and statements for identifying organisms. They are based upon physical traits of the organism (e.g., the number of spines in the dorsal fin). Each question comes in a pair of statements. Each question has a number, and each number has two statements (a and b). Each statement either directs a user to another question (e.g., "Go to 7"), or indicates the species of the fish (e.g., "Central Stoneroller Campostoma anomalum").
Using a key is easy! Here's how to do it. Have your fish with you. Start with question number 1. After reading both statements of a question, follow the instructions of the statement that matches the fish they are identifying. If the statement directs you to another question, read both statements of that question in the same way. If you are confused by technical terms, take a look at the pictures showing examples of each statement.
For a given question, one statement, and only one statement, should match your fish. If both or neither statement match the fish, there are two possible sources of error. The user could have made a mistake earlier in the key. Alternatively, the key may not have been made to identify the particular fish.
Those species whose names are underlined have links to other pages on this website that go into more detail about the fish themselves.
Some Key Terms
- adipose fin: a soft fleshy rayless modification of the posterior dorsal fin
- anal fin: the unpaired fin located on the ventral side of the body of a fish; posterior to the anus
- barbels: slender, fleshy protuberances near the mouth
- caudal fin: the terminal fin of a fish-also called tail fin
- dorsal fin: a median longitudinal vertical fin on the back of a fish
- fin rays: one of the hornlike, cartilaginous, or bony, dermal rods which form the skeleton of the fins of fishes
- gill rakers: bony or cartilaginous processes that project from the gill arch and are involved with filter feeding tiny prey
- opercle: bony plates which support the gill covers of fish
- papillose lips: lips are covered with rough pimple-like structures
- pectoral fin: paired fins located on each side of the fish just behind the operculum
- plicate lips: pleated lips, folded like a fan
- saddles: usually wide dark bands of coloration wrapping around the sides of a fish
- subterminal mouth: mouth oriented and opening primarily forward but also somewhat ventrally
Dichotomous Key:
Click on each Step for a corresponding video.
Step 1
1a. Adipose fin present, sometimes as a low fleshy ridge; eight large barbels or "whiskers" around mouth; skin smooth; scales absent; pectoral fin with a strong sharp spine at front. Go to 2 1b. Adipose fin absent. Go to 6 Step 2 2a. (from 1a) Adipose fin small, not connected to caudal fin; caudal fin rounded. Go to 3 2b. (from 1a) Adipose fin long and low, joined to or only slightly separated from, the caudal fin. Go to 4 Step 3 3a. (from 2a) Chin barbels yellow or white; anal fin long, with 24 or more rays. Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) Got something other than Ameiurus natalis? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Ictaluridae. 3b. (from 2a) Chin barbels black; anal fin short, with less than 24 rays. Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) Got something other than Ameiurus melas? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Ictaluridae. Step 4 4a. (from 2b) Subterminal mouth; white edges on fins. Stonecat (Noturus flavus) Got something other than Noturus flavus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Ictaluridae. 4b. (from 2b) Mouth not subterminal. Go to 5 Step 5 5a. (from 4b) Rear edge of pectoral fin spine without sawlike teeth; one or two dark stripes along each side of body; upper jaw equal in length to lower jaw. Tadpole Madtom (Noturus gyrinus) Got something other than Noturus gyrinus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at www.FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Ictaluridae. 5b. (from 4b) Rear edge of pectoral fin spine with sawlike teeth; three bold, black saddles, the last one completely traversing the adipose fin. Brindled Madtom (Noturus miurus) Got something other than Noturus miurus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Ictaluridae. Step 6 6a. (from 1b) Dorsal fin single, without spines or one stout saw-toothed spine. Go to 7 6b. (from 1b) Dorsal fin divided into two distinct parts, or single and with four or more stiff spines. Go to 33 Step 7 7a. (from 6a) Caudal fin emarginate or forked. Go to 8 7b. (from 6a) Caudal fin rounded or truncate. Go to 32 Step 8 8a. (from 7a) Snout shaped like a duck's bill; scales present on side of head; scales small, more than 95 in lateral series; suborbital bar or teardrop present; cheek and opercle fully scaled Grass Pickerel (Esox americanus) Got something other than Esox americanus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Esocidae. 8b. (from 7a) Snout rounded or pointed, not shaped like a duck's bill; scales absent on side of head; scales large, fewer 95 in lateral series. Go to 9 Step 9 9a. (from 8b) Pelvic axillary process (small flap-like projection at upper margin of pelvic fin base) present; gill opening extending forward on throat to beneath eye; lower margins of gill covers overlapping on midline of throat; principal rays of anal fin 17 or more; both jaws of the same length; last ray of dorsal fin elongated into a long slender filament; dark humeral (shoulder) spot present; saw-tooth keel present; lateral line absent. Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) Got something other than Dorosoma cepedianum? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Clupidae, Hiodontidae. 9b. (from 8b) Pelvic axillary process absent; gill opening not extending forward on throat to beneath eye; lower margins of gill covers not overlapping on midline of throat; principal rays of anal fin 16 or fewer. Go to 10 Step 10 10a. (from 9b) Dorsal and anal fins each with a stout, saw-toothed spine at front; dorsal fin very long, containing 17-21 rays; 2 barbels, rear one much larger, on each side of upper jaw; mouth terminal on young, subterminal on adults. Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Got something other than Cyprinus carpio? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Cyprinidae, Carassius. 10b. (from 9b) Dorsal and Anal fins without stout, saw-toothed spines. Go to 11 Step 11 11a. (from 10b) Dorsal fin with 8 (in two species 9 or 10) principal rays; anal fin placed forward; distance from front of anal fin to base of caudal fin contained less than 2.5 times in distance from front of anal fin to tip of snout; branched caudal fin rays 17; pharyngeal (throat) teeth in 1 or 2 rows, with 6 or fewer teeth in major row. Go to 12 11b. (from 10b) Dorsal fin with 10 or more principals rays, or if only 9, then lateral line absent or reduced to a few pores; anal fin placed posteriorly; distance from front of anal fin to base of caudal fin contained more than 2.5 time in distance from front of anal fin to tip of snout; branched caudal fin rays 16; pharyngeal (throat) teeth in 1 row of 10 or more teeth. Go to 26 Step 12 12a. (from 11a) Hard cartilaginous ridge on lower jaw present. Go to 13 12b. (from 11a) Hard cartilaginous ridge on lower jaw absent. Go to 14 Step 13 13a. (from 12a) Number of scale rows around body just in front of dorsal fin usually 37 - 48; least width of skull between eyes usually less than distance from back of eye to upper end of gill cover; nuptial male with 1-3 tubercles beside each nostril. Central Stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum) Got something other than Campostoma anomalum? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Campostoma, Nocomis, Cyprinidae. 13b. (from 12a) Number of scale rows around body just in front of dorsal fin usually 31 - 36; least width of skull between eyes about equal distance from back of eye to upper end of gill cover; nuptial male without tubercles beside each nostril. Largescale Stoneroller (Campostoma oligolepis) Got something other than Campostoma oligolepis? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Campostoma, Nocomis, Cyprinidae. Step 14 14a. (from 12b) Scales taller than wide, sometimes diamond-shaped; dusky to black bar on chin or on sides behind gill cover present. Go to 15 14b. (from 12b) Scales wider than tall, or as wide as tall; dusky to black bar absent from chin and on sides behind gill cover. Go to 17 Step 15 15a. (from 14a) Deep, strongly compressed body; dark stripes from each upper side converge posteriorly to for large V's (difficult to see); dusky to black bar on sides behind gill cover. Striped Shiner (Luxilus chrysocephalus) Got something other than Dorosoma cepedianum? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Luxilus, Cyprinella, Lythrurus, Notropis, Cyprinidae. 15b. (from 14a) Scales diamond-shaped; dusky to black bar on chin; breeding male with yellow and white or yellow-white fins (except dorsal). Go to 16 Step 16 16a. (from 15b) Little or no black on the front half of dorsal fin; usually 8 anal rays. Spotfin Shiner (Cyprinella spiloptera) Got something other than Dorosoma cepedianum? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Cyprinella, Luxilus, Lythrurus, Notropis, Cyprinidae. 16b. (from 15b) Black specks on all membranes of dorsal fin when living; usually 9 anal rays. Steelcolor Shiner (Cyprinella whipplei) Got something other than Dorosoma cepedianum? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Cyprinella, Luxilus, Lythrurus, Notropis, Cyprinidae. Step 17 17a. (from 14b) Predorsal scales smaller than postdorsal scales. Go to 18 17b. (from 14b) Predorsal scales of equal size or larger than postdorsal scales. Go to 20 Step 18 18a. (from 14b) Mouth large, extending back behind front of eye; black spot on anterior basal portion of dorsal fin. Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) Got something other than Semotilus atromaculatus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Nocomis. 18b. (from 14b) Mouth small; sometimes a black spot on anterior non-basal portion of dorsal fin; predorsal scales crowded; 2nd ray of dorsal fin short and stout, distinctly separated from 3rd ray by a membrane. Go to 19 Step 19 19a. (from 18b) Blunt snout overhanging subterminal, horizontal mouth; distinct lateral band ending in prominent caudal spot; lateral line complete. Bluntnose Minnow (Pimephales notatus) Got something other than Pimephales notatus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Nocomis. 19b. (from 18b) Mouth terminal, upturned; body compressed, deep; lateral line usually incomplete (difficult to see). Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) Got something other than Pimephales promelas? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Step 20 20a. (from 17b) Predorsal scales larger than postdorsal scales; mouth moderately large; tiny barbels at corners of mouth (usually too small to see). Hornyhead Chub (Nocomis biguttatus) Got something other than Nocomis biguttatus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. 20b. (from 17b) Predorsal scales equal in size to postdorsal scales; Go to 21 Step 21 21a. (from 20b) Large"pearl" organs present on cheek and lower jaw; lower jaw flattened; eyes directed upward. Silverjaw Minnow (Ericymba bucatta) Got something other than Ericymba bucatta? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. 21b. (from 20b) Large "pearl" organs absent from cheek and lower jaw. Go to 22 Step 22 22a. (from 21b) Body compressed and deep; Go to 23 22b. (from 21b) Body cylindrical or compressed and not so deep. Go to 24 Step 23 23a. (from 22a) 10-12 anal fin rays; keel without scales, fleshy; 7-9 dorsal rays. Golden Shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) Got something other than Notemigonus crysoleucas? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Cyprinidae. 23b. (from 22a) 11-14 anal fin rays; scales small on anterior upper sides; intense black spot at origin of dorsal fin. Redfin Shiner (Lythrurus umbratilus) Got something other than Lythrurus umbratilus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Cyprinidae. Step 24 24a. (from 22b) Body long and cylindrical; mouth subterminal, with fleshy lips; intense black caudal spot present. Suckermouth Minnow (Phenacobius mirabilis) Got something other than Phenacobius mirabilis? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Cyprinidae. 24b. (from 22b) Body not as deep as other shiners; lips not fleshy. Go to 25 Step 25 25a. (from 24b) Mouth large, terminal, slightly upturned; snout sharply pointed. Carmine Shiner (Notropis percombromus) - previously N. rubellus Got something other than Notropis precombromus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Cyprinidae. 25b. (from 24b) Mouth small; lateral line punctate, decurved; dusky stripe along back expanded into dark wedge at dorsal fin origin. Sand Shiner (Notropis stramineus) Got something other than Notropis stramineus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Cyprinidae. Step 26 26a. (from 11b) Lips plicate, sometimes both plicate and papillose. Go to 27 26b. (from 11b) Lips papillose or smooth, not plicate. Go to 30 Step 27 27a. (from 26a) Lips plicate in juveniles, papillose at all stages; head small; scales on upper sides with rows of faint spots; caudal fin red or pink when living. Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum) Got something other than Moxostoma macrolepidotum? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Moxostoma. 27b. (from 26a) Lips only plicate; Go to 28 Step 28 28a. (from 27b) Lower lip not bi-lobed, U-shaped; caudal fin slate colored while living; 13-14 dorsal fin rays. Golden Redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum) Got something other than Moxostoma erythrurum? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Moxostoma. 28b. (from 27b) Lower lip V-shaped, sometimes bi-lobed. Go to 29 Step 29 29a. (from 28b) Scales on sides with dark spots at bases, forming interrupted parallel lines; outer margin of dorsal fin straight of concave, and with a black blotch at edge in young; standard length at least 4 times the length of body depth. Spotted Sucker (Minytrema melanops) Got something other than Minyterma melanops? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. 29b. (from 28b) Scales on sides without dark spots at bases, buts sides may have single lateral stripes, blotches, or uniform coloration; outer margin of dorsal fin convex or rounded and never with a black blotch; standard length less than 4 times the length of body depth; scales in lateral series usually 40-45; dark stripe along midside in young only; broken into 5-8 confluent blotches in subadults (often indistict in adults). Creek Chubsucker (Erimyzon oblongus) Got something other than Erimyzon oblongus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org Step 30 30a. (from 26b) Lips smooth; upper jaw does not extend behind front of eye; subtriangular subopercle. Quillback (Carpoides cyprinus) Got something other than Carpoides cyprinus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org 30b. (from 26b) Lips papillose. Go to 31 Step 31 31a. (from 30b) Head between eyes broad and strongly concave; head squarish in cross-section; back and upper side with 4-6 prominent dark crossbars. Northern Hog Sucker (Hypentellium nigricans) Got something other than Hypentellium nigricans? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. 31b. (from 30b) Head between eyes narrower and convex; head roundish in cross-section; back and upper sides without prominent crossbars; lateral line scales 53-74; caudal peduncle scale rows 20-27; snout rounded, projection only slightly beyond upper lip. White Sucker (Catostomas commersoni) Got something other than Catostomas commersoni? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Moxostoma. Step 32 32a. (from 7b) Dorsal fin base almost entirely over anal fin base; scales in lateral series usually more than 30; anal fin of male not slender and rod-like; third ray of anal fin branched. Blackstripe Topminnow (Fundulus notatus) Got something other than Fundulus notatus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Fundulidae, Cyprinodontiformes, Poeciliidae. 32b. (from 7b) Dorsal fin base almost entirely (females and immatures) or entirely (males) behind anal fin base; scales in lateral series usually 30 or fewer; anal fin of male slender and rod-like (modified into intromittent organ); third ray of anal fin unbranched. Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) Got something other than Peocilia reticulata? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Poeciliidae, Cyprinodontiformes, Fundulidae. Step 33 33a. (from 6b) Spinous dorsal fin clearly separated from soft dorsal fin and with 3 to 5 thin spines; pectoral fin base near upper end of gill opening. Brook Silverside (Labidesthes sicculus) Got something other than Labidesthes sicculus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Antherinidae. 33b. (from 6b) Spinous dorsal fin connected to soft dorsal fin, or, if separate, with 6 or more stout spines; pectoral fin base far below upper end of gill opening. Go to 34 Step 34 34a. (from 33b) Anal fin with 3 spines or more. Go to 35 (Centrachidae) 34b. (from 33b) Anal fin with either 1 or 2 spines. Go to 41 (Percidae) Step 35 35a. (from 34a) Anal fin spines usually 5-8; anal fin much smaller than dorsal fin, with 5 or 6 spines and 10 or 11 rays; mouth large, extending to below middle of eye; dark bar below eye (if present) extending backward. Rock Bass (Amploplites rupestris) Got something other than Amploplites rupestris? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Centrarchidae. 35b. (from 34a) Anal fin spines usually 3, rarely 4. Go to 36 Step 36 36a. (from 35b) Body more slender, its standard length usually 3-5 times its body depth except in largest females; scales small, with 53 or more in lateral line; mouth larger, upper jaw extending to or behind middle of eye; dorsal fins nearly separate. Go to 37 36b. (from 35b) Body deeper, its standard length usually 2-2.8 times its body depth; scales larger with 52 or fewer in lateral line; mouth smaller, upper jaw not extending behind middle of eye except in adults of two species; dorsal fins continuous. Go to 39 Step 37 37a. (from 36a) Spinous dorsal and soft dorsal spines nearly separate; margin of spinous dorsal membrane strongly convex, the length of spine near notch between fins less than half the length of longest spine; mouth large, mouth extending far behind eye in fish longer than 6 inches total length; caudal fin of young 2-colored, the rear edge darker than the base. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) Got something other than Micropterus salmoides? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Centrarchidae. 37b. (from 36a) Spinous dorsal and soft dorsal spines well connected; margin of spinous dorsal membrane gently rounded to nearly straight, the length of spine near notch between fins more than half the length of longest spine; mouth smaller, mouth not extending much behind back of eye; caudal fin of young 3-colored, with a prominent dark verticle bar separating a yellow or orange base from a white fringe on rear edge. Go to 38 Step 38 38a. (from 37b) Side with a black horizontal stripe; lower side with a series of dark horizontal streaks or rows of dark spots in adults; juveniles with a prominent black spot at base of caudal fin; scales larger, usually 60-68 in lateral line, 8-9 above lateral line, and 23-27 around narrowest part of caudal peduncle. Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus) Got something other than Micropterus punctulatus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Centrarchidae. 38b. (from 37b) Side plain or with a series of vertical bars; lower side without dark horizontal streak or rows of dark spots; juveniles without a prominent black spot at base of caudal fin; scales smaller, usually 71-77 in lateral line, 12-13 above lateral line, and 29-31 around narrowest part of caudal peduncle. Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) Got something other than Micropterus dolomieu? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Centrarchidae. Step 39 39a. (from 36b) Pectoral fin longer and more pointed, usually extending far beyond front of eye when bent forward toward eye; mouth smaller, upper jaw not extending to beneath pupil of eye; soft dorsal fin with a distinct black blotch near base of last few rays; ear flap dark to its margin, without a light-colored border and without a red or orange-colored spot; gill rakers on first arch longer, their length 4 or more times their width at base. Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) Got something other than Lepomis macrochirus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Centrarchidae. 39b. (from 36b) Pectoral fin shorter and more rounded, usually not extending beyond front of eye when bent forward toward eye; mouth larger, upper jaw extending to beneath pupil of eye except in small young. Go to 40 Step 40 40a. (from 39b) Rear margin of gill cover (lying within base of, but not including membranous ear flap) stiff; membranous ear flap not greatly elongated; body slender, its depth usually less than distance from tip of snout to front of dorsal fin; snout longer, less than 2 times the length from back of eye to rear margin of ear flap; lateral line scales usually 43 or more; soft dorsal and anal fins with black blotches near bases of last few rays in adults; soft dorsal, caudal, and anal fins with yellow or orange margins while living. Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) Got something other than Lepomis cybanellus? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Centrarchidae. 40b. (from 39b) Rear margin of gill cover thin and flexible; membranous ear flap elongated in adults, especially males; ear flap black with narrow white margin; sides of male brilliantly colored with blues and reds, female without brown spots; gill rakers on first arch shorter, thier length about 2 times their width at base; pectoral fin rays usually 13 or 14. Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) Got something other than Lepomis megalotis? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Centrarchidae. Step 41 41a. (from 34b) One or more enlarged and modified scales between pelvic fins; midline of belly usually without scales or with a series of enlarged and modified scales (with scales of normal size and shape in some females); lateral line always complete, extending to base of caudal fin; anal fin often nearly as large or larger than second dorsal fin. Go to 42 41b. (from 34b) No enlarged and modified scales between pelvic fins; midline of belly usually with at least a few scales of normal size and shape; lateral line incomplete in some species; anal fin usually smaller than second dorsal fin. Go to 44 Step 42 42a. (from 41a) Mouth overhung distictly by conical snout, with a whitish pad at the tip; total dorsal fin elemts 30 or more; color pattern consisting of 15-20 narrow, vertical brownish bars that are continuous across the back. Logperch (Percina caprodes) Got something other than Percina caprodes? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Percidae. 42b. (from 41a) Mouth pointed to a blunt, but not overhung by conical snout; total dorsal fin elemts 29 or fewer; color pattern consisting of series of blackish blotches, or of fewer than 12 vertical bars. Go to 43 Step 43 43a. (from 42b) Distance from front of upper lip to junction of gill covers (by throat) equal to or greater than distnance from junction of gill covers to back of pelvic fin base; back and sides with 11-13 vague greenish or brownish blotches; membrane of first dorsal fin of male with a submarginal row of orange spots; snout distinctly elongated. Slenderhead Darter (Percina phoxocephala) Got something other than Percina phoxocephala? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Percidae. 43b. (from 42b) Distance from front of upper lip to junction of gill covers (by throat) much less than distnance from junction of gill covers to back of pelvic fin base; back and sides with usually 5-10 blackish blotches; membrane of first dorsal fin of male without a submarginal row of spots; snout more rounded, not distinctly elongated; dark blotches on side confined to midside and somewhat connected along lateral line; first dorsal fin with dark blotches at base of first 2-3 membranes; base of caudal fin with one discrete black spot; cheek fully scaled; adult male without bright colors on body and fins. Blackside Darter (Percina maculata) Got something other than Percina maculata? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Percidae. Step 44 44a. (from 41b) Upper lip joined to snout by a bridge of skin (frenum). Go to 45 44b. (from 41b) Upper lip completely separated from snout by a continous deep groove. Go to 46 Step 45 45a. (from 44b) Pectoral fin rays usually 13-15; sensory canal (infraorbital canal) beneath eye complete; adult male with red or orange spot in blue-green anal fin; side without horizontal rows of dark spots. Rainbow Darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) Got something other than Etheostoma caeruleum? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Percidae. 45b. (from 44b) Pectoral fin rays usually 11-12; sensory canal beneath eye interrupted; adult male without red or orange spot in blue-green anal fin; side with some short horizontal rows of dark spots. Orangethroat Darter (Etheostoma spectabile) Got something other than Etheostoma spectabile? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Percidae. Step 46 46a. (from 45b) Anal fin with 2 thick and stiff spines; gill covers broadly connected by membrane across throat; sides of body with prominent W or U-shaped markings, bars, or irregular blotches; mouth overhung by blunt, rounded snout; first dorsal fin with usually 12-14 spines; pelvic fins without discrete markings; pectoral fin shorter, extending backward to or only slightly beyond tip of pelvic fin. Greenside Darter (Etheostoma blennioides) Got something other than Etheostoma blennioides? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Percidae. 46b. (from 45b) Anal fin with 1 thin and flexible spine; gill covers narrowly connected by membrane across throat; sides of body with many small flecks or W or X-shaped markings; dark streak extending forward from front of eye not meeting its opposite on tip of snout; lateral line extending to near base of caudal fin; dorsal fins only slightly separated. Johnny Darter (Etheostoma nigrum) Got something other than Etheostoma nigrum? Perhaps you've made a mistake or found a fish that has not previously been found in Boneyard Creek. Retrace your steps or investigate at FishBase.org. Suggested taxa to search: Percidae. |
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Some Limitations of this Key
This key is very useful for fishes of Boneyard creek and probably a good amount of surrounding streams in the same watershed (the Emberough). We want to ensure no one misidentifies fish by using it for an unintended purpose.
This key assumes that fishes never present in Boneyard Creek, will not be encountered by anyone attempting to indentify a fish with this key. Some of these are entirely excluded from the key, and the first statement assumes they are already ruled out. These fishes include those with any one of the following four traits: 1) jaws absent; 2) more than one gill openings on the side of the head; 3) a deeply forked caudal fin with vertebrae turning up and into the upper lobe of the fin; 4) tough, diamond-shaped scales and long jaws with numerous sharp teeth.
Other fishes historically absent from Boneyard Creek may be included in a "yes" or "no" answer to a statement, but are not listed in this key. All statements ending in a determined genus and species include traits specific to that species and exclude even these fishes. A thorough website for species not listed here is www.fishbase.org.
This key is very useful for fishes of Boneyard creek and probably a good amount of surrounding streams in the same watershed (the Emberough). We want to ensure no one misidentifies fish by using it for an unintended purpose.
This key assumes that fishes never present in Boneyard Creek, will not be encountered by anyone attempting to indentify a fish with this key. Some of these are entirely excluded from the key, and the first statement assumes they are already ruled out. These fishes include those with any one of the following four traits: 1) jaws absent; 2) more than one gill openings on the side of the head; 3) a deeply forked caudal fin with vertebrae turning up and into the upper lobe of the fin; 4) tough, diamond-shaped scales and long jaws with numerous sharp teeth.
Other fishes historically absent from Boneyard Creek may be included in a "yes" or "no" answer to a statement, but are not listed in this key. All statements ending in a determined genus and species include traits specific to that species and exclude even these fishes. A thorough website for species not listed here is www.fishbase.org.
References
http://gallery.nanfa.org
http://fish.dnr.cornell.edu
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary
http://www.encyclopedia.com
http://www.britannica.com
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/glossary
http://gallery.nanfa.org
http://fish.dnr.cornell.edu
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary
http://www.encyclopedia.com
http://www.britannica.com
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/glossary