Home to thousands of freshwater features and vast expanses of rich wetlands, Florida is full of both natural and artificial waterways. The state boasts an impressive diversity of streams, which number close to 1,700. These occur from the northern border to the southern tip of its coastline. Large rivers wind through thousands of kilometers and exit into estuaries, deltas, and bays.
With a map that is speckled with large lakes and ponds, it is evident that freshwater plays a crucial role in Florida’s landscape. The many springs, aquifers, rivers, streams, marshes, and swamps work together to distribute important ecological resources. Classified according to their trophic profiles, their significance in nature, and their benefits to communities, many of these waterbodies are afforded ample protection. Truly, they form the backbone of both state and national parks.
The forested wetlands of the Everglades, the St. Johns River (the longest river in the US), and the handful of manatee sanctuaries are just a few spectacular sites with incomparable freshwater communities. Dozens of fish inhabit and migrate through the state’s most pristine waters. With hundreds of conserved and well-monitored lake systems, there’s definitely no shortage of important fish species in Florida.
Florida Freshwater Fish Species
1) Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus)
Also known as the strawberry perch or the redeye, the warmouth is a valuable panfish with notable streaks on its face. Reddish-brown, the streaks are likened to warpaint as they run across this fish’s eye and extend toward its gills. Though its common name alludes to its appearance, it also hints at its aggressive nature. Able to survive in bodies of water where other sunfish may struggle to persist, L. gulosus is definitely a force of nature.
The warmouth naturally occurs in the Mississippi River drainage and in streams that exit into the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. In Florida, it can be found in shallow lake systems, marshes, and swamps with clear to turbid waters. Individuals that are in search of prey tend to stay close to vegetation, around which they are likely to find crayfish, aquatic insects, and smaller fish.
2) Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)
The bluegill is an ecologically important species due to its role in the food chain. Able to reproduce at rapid rates, its schools serve as a constant source of rich proteins for many larger gamefish species. As it feeds on smaller fish and invertebrates, it plays an intermediate role. The moderate growth rate of bluegill populations is usually an indicator of a balanced ecosystem. If individuals display signs of stunted growth, there is likely a shortage of natural predators.
A popular gamefish in Florida, the bluegill is found in shallow lakes and ponds with vegetation. They seek cover in the vertical shoots of submerged plants and fallen logs. As they favor mild to warm water conditions, summer temperatures may draw them into open waters. They may occasionally form schools with small to mid-sized black basses and crappies.
3) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
One of Florida’s most popular gamefish species, the largemouth bass favors conditions in clear and calm lakes. Though it prefers high-visibility waters, it can also occasionally be found in turbid ponds and estuaries. As long as live prey is available, this voracious predator is unlikely to go hungry. It can eat practically any fish, amphibian, bird, unarmored reptile, or mammal that can fit into its enormous gape!
Considered the official state freshwater fish of Florida, the largemouth bass can mature to a full length of 12 – 24 inches (30 – 61 cm). In the state, it is commonly baited using threadfin shad, crawfish, minnows, and frogs. As it is an apex predator that feeds on secondary consumers, it tends to bioaccumulate heavy metals. As a result, traces of mercury have been found in specimens that were fished in the lakes and canals of southwestern Florida.
4) Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas)
A baitfish that is naturally found in Florida’s waters, the golden shiner rarely grows to more than 5 inches (13 cm) long in the wild. As suggested by its common name, its largest individuals develop a golden sheen along the length of their flanks. Those that remain small possess a more silvery appearance. Unless anglers are able to closely examine this fish, they may be hard-pressed to differentiate it from other common minnows.
Golden shiners favor conditions in calm bodies of freshwater, such as pools, ponds, and medium-sized lakes. They may also be found along protected and quiet parts of rivers, where there may be dense stands of vegetation close to the shoreline. As they are omnivores, they can subsist on a diverse selection of food sources, including phytoplankton, algae, and plants.
5) Yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis)
The yellow bullhead is a scaleless catfish with a penchant for eating just about anything – alive or dead. It relies on the taste buds of its sensitive barbels to tell one type of food from another. While it does prefer benthic invertebrates, such as crayfish, aquatic insects, worms, and snails, it will not hesitate to feed on plants and decaying matter in the absence of better food options.
As Florida’s streams, lakes, and ponds are quite productive, resident yellow bullheads can grow as long as 18 – 24 inches (46 – 61 cm). On average, however, captured specimens tend to measure around 12 inches (30 cm) long. Usually found along the bottom of sluggish and shallow regions of water bodies, they favor gravelly substrates. Individuals can occasionally be found in oxygen-poor and polluted waters.
6) Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
Florida definitely has no shortage of panfish species. The redear sunfish is just one of many that are native to the state, ensuring that a rich community of larger sportfish can be sustained. This ray-finned fish is often mistaken for its congener, the bluegill, which is slightly smaller in comparison. Its defining feature is a bright red to orange edge on the flap that covers its operculum.
Like bluegills and warmouths, the redear sunfish thrives on a diet of smaller invertebrates. Its favorite treats, however, are shelled freshwater mollusks. For this reason, it is often called the “shellcracker”. It can grow to a maximum size of about 17 inches (43 cm) on a diet of snails and mussels. In Florida, the state record for this sunfish is 4.86 pounds (2.2 kg). This is definitely an extraordinary weight for this species as most mature individuals seldom weigh more than a pound.
7) American eel (Anguilla rostrata)
The American eel is an endangered species that must migrate into the Atlantic Ocean to spawn. Adults exit their freshwater habitats and swim toward the Sargasso Sea, a unique oceanic region where four currents converge to form a gyre. Those that survive after spawning return to estuaries, streams, and lakes to feed and store enough nutrients in preparation for the next spawning period.
Due to their lengthy migration pathway, coupled with the challenges they face as they venture to and from their freshwater habitats, American eels are now endangered. Those found in Florida usually keep to streams with continuous flows and deep channels of cool water. They feed on a variety of worms, clams, smaller fishes, and soft-shelled crustaceans.
8) Shadow bass (Amblopolites ariommus)
The shadow bass has an eye-catching appearance as its flanks are heavily blotched with dark brown to black pigments. In its native habitat, its organically arranged blotches and speckles keep it camouflaged around submerged plants and detritus. Rarely measuring more than 12 inches (30 cm) long, most caught specimens can easily be held in between two hands.
Shadow bass favor the slow-moving rivers and streams of northern and western Florida. They seek cover in vegetated areas and in zones with high structural diversity due to wooden debris. Mature individuals feed on minnows and darters, whereas their juveniles favor smaller crayfish. When smallmouth bass are present, they strongly compete with them for food. These related species occupy an identical microhabitat.
9) Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
This Asian species of carp was intentionally stocked in Florida’s waters in the 1970s. Widely used as a biocontrol agent to minimize the spread of invasive aquatic plants, it has an appetite for some of the fastest-growing weeds. Hydrilla, a submerged plant that can rapidly spread via fragmentation, is an exotic weed that it favors. Due to its importance in the control of this plant’s spread, it is not considered a game fish and must be carefully released if caught.
Legally, only hatchery-bred triploid grass carp are permitted for stocking in Florida. Sterile, they are thus unable to develop self-sustaining populations despite their capacity to grow into mature individuals. So far, when grass carp are stocked in controlled numbers, they appear to be fairly effective at reducing the spread of nuisance plants.
10) Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
The largest catfish on the continent, the blue cat can grow to a hefty weight of 150 pounds (68 kg). The longest of its kind is almost as tall as the average human being, though fished specimens typically measure around 25 – 46 inches (64 – 117 cm) long. Named for its bluish-grey colors, it is often mistaken for its more common cousin, the channel catfish (I. punctatus).
In Florida, the largest blue catfish populations are found in rivers that pass through the northwestern part of the state. These include the Apalachicola, Escambia, Suwanee, and Yellow rivers. Here, they stay close to sandy bottoms and favor highly-oxygenated waters. They thrive best in temperatures ranging from 70 – 80˚F (21 – 26.6˚C).
11) Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta)
A member of the Catostomidae family of suckers, E. sucetta is an omnivore. It can subsist on a diet that is largely composed of aquatic vegetation, but it also occasionally favors small invertebrates and larvae found along the benthos. Its populations are highly sensitive to increases in turbidity levels and to sharp fluctuations in temperature. Clear, warm waters, such as those in the Escambia River drainage, are necessary for its survival.
Generally, in freshwater systems with minimal anthropogenic disturbances, it can be found in ponds, lakes, and swamps. As it is a benthic species, it prefers shallow water over sandy or silty substrates and organic debris. When it is found in stable numbers, it can serve as a valuable source of nutrients for black basses and other large gamefishes.
12) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
A valuable game and forage fish, the black crappie is a medium-sized perciform that rarely grows to more than 4 – 8 inches (10 – 20 cm) long in the wild. Known for its capacity to grow rapidly and for its remarkably high reproductive success rate, it thrives in warm waters and can populate entire lake systems in the absence of predators. When its numbers are not controlled, the intensified competition between crappies leads to stunted growth.
Black crappies favor conditions in calm pools, reservoirs, lakes, and pits. They remain close to vertical vegetation, where they can quickly hide from their predators and search for their favorite treats. Aquatic insects, larvae, and small crustaceans are just a few of their choice types of prey. Larger specimens may feed on smaller fish, such as shad, during low-light periods of the day.
13) Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula)
A seemingly prehistoric fish with a frighteningly sharp set of teeth, the alligator gar shares more than just its dental features with its namesake. Like alligators, it also possesses a broad snout and a lengthy body. The largest of its kind can measure more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long and weigh hundreds of pounds! There are anecdotes that suggest this monster fish can even grow as long as 10 feet (3 meters).
Although alligator gars are equipped with a perfectly functional pair of gills, they also have a specialized swim bladder that allows them to breathe air. Just like actual alligators, they can swim toward the surface to replenish their oxygen stores. They are thus able to occupy lakes, swamps, marshes, estuaries, and bays where other fish may struggle to survive due to poor aeration.
14) Florida gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus)
Naturally found in the Ochlockonee River and in the southeastern streams of Florida, this freshwater fish is much smaller than its close cousin, the alligator gar. It grows to a maximum length of about 3 feet (91 cm) and rarely weighs more than 10 pounds (4.5 kg) at maturity. Its torpedo-shaped body is evenly covered by irregularly-shaped black spots. Its belly, in contrast, is usually white and free of spots.
The Florida gar occupies vegetated lakes, streams, and canals with shallow waters. It forms congregations during its spawning period, which lasts from February to March and begins as soon as temperatures begin to rise. During dry periods, it is able to burrow into bottom substrates and undergo aestivation, allowing it to keep cool and minimize its energy requirements.
15) Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)
Capable of surviving in low oxygen, high salinity, and extremely warm conditions for brief stretches of time, the mosquitofish is a remarkably hardy freshwater species. For this reason, it is one of the most common fishes in the state’s harshest wetland systems. Its populations can be found all the way down south in Florida Bay’s warm, brackish waters.
As its common name suggests, the mosquitofish’s survival is closely linked to that of mosquitoes. It’s true – mosquitofish are able to feed on hundreds of mosquito larvae in a span of just 24 hours! Their presence in relatively stagnant waterbodies helps control the reproductive success of this deadly insect. In the absence of mosquito larvae, they feed on zooplankton and detritus.
16) Blacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum)
The blacktail redhorse is a cylindrical, ray-finned fish with an elongated body. One of its defining features is a black stripe along the bottom half of its forked tail fin. This part of the tail is also slightly larger than the upper half. Under bright light, this fish’s iridescent, silvery-green scales are revealed. Its belly, in contrast, has lighter yellow to cream hues.
In Florida, the blacktail redhorse is fairly abundant in rivers, streams, swamps, and reservoirs. It can tolerate both rapidly moving and still waters, where it remains close to bottom substrates. As a benthic species, it feeds on larvae, small crustaceans, and other microscopic invertebrates. In the absence of better food sources, it can survive by feeding on detritus.
17) American shad (Alosa sapidissima)
An anadromous species that spends most of its life in the coastal waters of the northern Atlantic, the American shad migrates from one place to another in large schools. During its spawning period, which usually occurs in spring to summer or as soon as waters have warmed to about 10 – 13˚C (50 – 55˚F), it enters estuaries and travels inland. The shad run in Florida’s St. Johns River is notable as some fish may travel 600 km (373 miles) upriver.
The American shad feeds on plankton, small crustaceans, fish eggs, and occasionally, tiny species of fish and juveniles. In its marine habitat, it is primarily a filter feeder. Once it has entered freshwater systems, its appetite may be forgotten as it focuses on searching for an ideal spawning location. Many larger gamefishes may actively pursue and hunt shad during their runs.
18) Bowfin (Amia calva)
Also known as the swamp trout, mudfish, or grinnel, the bowfin is the sole member of the Amiiformes order. Made up of species that were capable of breathing air, most of this order’s families died out after the Cretaceous and Cenozoic periods. As a result, the bowfin’s closest relatives – the gars – look nothing like it.
If you’re in search of a bowfin, do keep in mind that the invasive northern snakehead (Channa argus) shares morphological similarities with it. A key difference is the presence of separate pelvic and anal fins on A. calva, whereas C. argus simply has one long anal fin. Considered a non-game fish despite its large size, the bowfin can only be fished by licensed anglers.
19) Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus desotoi)
The Gulf sturgeon is an endangered subspecies that shares its taxonomic background with the Atlantic sturgeon. Both fish have a near-identical morphology and likely diverged from the same ancestral population. Today, their differences are largely internal and are based on the length of their head and fins relative to their body.
On Florida’s west coast, Gulf sturgeon naturally make their way up the Suwannee River and the Panhandle rivers. Some venture further north into the Mississippi River system. Sexually mature adults regularly return to their natal rivers to spawn. Their young remain in freshwater bodies for about 2 – 3 years before they make their way downstream and enter the next phase of their anadromous life cycle.
20) Chain pickerel (Esox niger)
The chain pickerel is distinguished by its elongated body and its pointed mouth. The dark, chain-like pattern of its skin pigmentation sets it apart from its similarly-shaped congeners. On average, this highly sought gamefish measures up to 24 inches (61 cm) long and can weigh as much as 3 pounds (1.4 kg). It is known for being a feisty and energetic fish on the line, able to challenge even the most seasoned of licensed anglers.
Equipped with jaws of sharp teeth, the chain pickerel feeds on many types of smaller freshwater fish and high-protein invertebrates. Larger specimens may occasionally feed on adult amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. Tolerant of brackish water conditions, it is generally found in the vegetated zones of Florida’s lakes, rivers, and swamps.
21) Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna)
Known for being a popular aquarium fish in North America, the sailfin molly shares a family with swordtails, guppies, and platys. A small and visually attractive species, it is named for the enlarged dorsal fin of its mature males. The aggressive males, which spread their sailfins to signal their readiness to spawn, possess bright green and blue hues. The females, in contrast, are able to bear live young and have a more greyish and plain appearance.
The sailfin molly is found all throughout the freshwater systems of the peninsular state of Florida. It thrives in the vegetated swamps and streams of the Everglades, where it can successfully hide from many predators. It is tolerant of low-oxygen conditions, so its large aggregations can persist as long as they can access the water’s surface.
22) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)
The sole member of its genus, the flathead catfish is also known as the mudcat. It is a carnivorous ictalurid, preferring the fresh meat of live fish, insects, and crustaceans in slow-moving streams, rivers, pools, and lakes. Second in size only to the blue catfish (I. furcatus), its largest adults may measure up to 61 inches (155 cm) long.
Wherever it is naturally found, the flathead cat is an angler favorite because of its hefty size and tasty flesh. It is usually targeted in relatively deep bodies of water, where it can feed on a wide range of baitfish. In shallower areas, this fish prefers to stay close to submerged wooden debris and logs, under which they create their nests and spawn.
23) Highfin carpsucker (Carpiodes velifer)
Favoring conditions in the relatively shallow waters (up to 10 feet) of medium to large rivers, the highfin carpsucker is found in Florida’s Choctawhatchee River and its Apalachicola River. It is a schooling species with a penchant for staying close to the shoreline, though it rarely remains in exceedingly shallow (less than 4 feet deep) water.
The highfin carpsucker thrives best in areas with sandy or gravelly substrates, above which it can feed on a wide range of food types. Depending on the productivity of its habitat, it subsists on a mixed diet of filamentous algae, small crayfish, snails, and protozoa. If other species of carp or catfish share its habitat, the carpsucker may struggle to compete for food.
24) Suwannee bass (Micropterus notius)
The Suwannee bass is endemic to just two river systems – the Suwannee River and the Ochlockonee River – which originate in Georgia and flow south into Florida. In these freshwater systems, it favors shallow, sandy shoals with fast currents. A medium-sized bass, it grows to a maximum length of about 16 inches (41 cm). Crayfish, blue crab, and other small crustaceans tend to comprise a large portion of its diet.
Although the Suwannee bass is not as popular with anglers as its close cousins (e.g. the largemouth and smallmouth basses), it still makes for a rewarding sportfishing target. Aggressive and fast, it has a deep body and a blotchy appearance. Unfortunately, due to its small natural range and the ill effects of anthropogenic modifications to its habitat, it is now listed as near-threatened (IUCN).
