Contributed by Texas A&M University Students: Aedan Fenley, Cole Fischer, Anthony Lucido, Jessica Sebastian, and Maylee Woodard

What Are Fish?

Fish are aquatic animals, meaning that they live in and acquire oxygen from the water. They are vertebrate animals with spinal cords and gills, which they use to breathe in the water. Fish are very important organisms for freshwater systems such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They are also a great source of food and recreation for humans.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are one of the several Black bass species in Texas. This species is characterized by its large mouth, green color, and horizontal stripe on its side. Adult largemouth bass usually measure around 16 inches. These bass are top predators in their habitats, eating many species, including other fish, smaller bass, frogs, insects, and worms.

Striped Bass

The Striped bass is one of several Temperate bass species in Texas, it is the largest bass in this category, usually over 20 inches long. This bass is easily recognizable by its seven or eight thin horizontal stripes along its body. This bass can survive in both fresh and saltwater. Although this bass is not native to Texas it is prominent because it has been introduced to many Texas ponds and lakes.

Channel Catfish

The channel catfish is one of several catfish species in Texas. It is recognized by its “overbite,” fork-shaped tail, and spots distributed along its body. These catfish typically mature at around 12 inches in length. The males of this species guard their offspring's eggs until they hatch. 

Crappie

Crappie is one of the several sunfish species in Texas, which are smaller fishes than the others we have discussed, usually maturing at about 10 inches. They can be recognized by their faded vertical stripes. Like other sunfish, they are nest builders and can have many offspring.

Resources and Imaging

  1. Google image result for https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/r29vz2xl/avvxsegbe9eypqokxzu15hl_rpdurwbswbxg-x0l0c60hqpw0bis5zqjrgw0yuosgjxzn0jo22mcrz8rexltqmqb_4vrudrfegb0v4rtqyjip8iszd-j-rnqmdv9evx8fwbscn0bmh9scl0wnlod/s400/micropterus+salmoides.jpg. (n.d.). https://images.app.goo.gl/2zNkNS3cVcpJbaq89 
  2. Freshwater fishes found in Texas. Aquatic Species Found in Fresh Water. (n.d.). https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/aquaticspecies/inland.phtml 
  3. Kentucky Wildlife and Fisheries. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife. (n.d.). https://fw.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx 
  4. Google (n.d.). https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/1Ex5tsSuFGjnDf50vt-i8igMhRXe8H5JDZuZ2eurPmtSOAjeUaAzRjVx-aRb8CAapVHjyvzKGqcALzWAb58JdC9sM6YsMpmOzIKEMYGjZ71wb7n_z-gCHJStBlcvEdzmWp8wVrOBP2p538S5yRtYkg=s0-d 
  5. Thread. Differences of a White Crappie vs. Black Crappie (WHITE CRAPPIE). (n.d.). https://www.crappie.com/crappie/archives-stuff-we-don-t-want-to-lose-/6699-differences-white-crappie-vs-black-crappie-white-crappie/ 
  6. Julia Hampton, G. R. F. S. (2021, March 26). Channel Catfish. Webtools. https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/7362/140158490 
  7. Fishing. Iowa Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). https://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/Iowa-Fish-Species/Fish-Details/speciescode/lmb