The Fishes of Cleveland: Pt 1

Many of us are familiar with the bountiful life that inhabits the planet’s lungs in the rain forest… But, did you know that Ohio, in general, is situated near the northern edges of what is the most diverse temperate fish fauna in the world? A habitat that in its own way is as important as any other more glamorous and exotic environment we have come to know…

What’s In and Around Cleveland Besides Walleye?

Most of us know about the infamous ’69 Cuyahoga River oil slick catching fire and it being one of several testaments to the decline of the nation’s rivers—and eventually “sparking” a national movement to clean up our waterways—but little is known about the many “lesser known” fishes and bio-diversity of the river and other waters of our metro region and beyond. The Cuyahoga alone boasts over 80 species in the mainstem of the river.

You may have heard about the typical basses, walleyes, and perch, but what of the “other fish?” Many are simply referred to as “minnows.” Many are little fish… with little known about them! What about their importance to our own existence as clean water indicator species which support the life systems that keep us alive? Did you know, for example, that Cleveland and Northeast Ohio is home to one of the world’s most brightly colored fishes?

Let’s take a look beneath local waters and examine just some of those “other” fish! These waters may include The Cuyahoga River and tributaries, The Grand River and tributaries and of course, Lake Erie!

It is interesting to note that while very popular and familiar, what we know as game fish (Crappie, Bass, Walleye, Perch, etc.) make up less than 10 percent of the fishes on the North American Continent, and nearly the same amount in Cleveland and Ohio in general. We will observe these fish not from an angling perspective, but rather a “fish watching” perspective in just the same way bird and butterfly enthusiasts explore their creatures of affection. So, grab your waders, mask and snorkel, binoculars, viewing containers and pack a lunch… off we go into area waters. Yes, there are many places where water is still crystal clear!

 

 

Let’s begin with the DARTERS

Darters are a family of fish that include the familiar perches and walleyes. They could be described as “underwater hummingbirds” because of their size, quickness and colors. They are small, colorful or intricately patterned fish, seldom exceeding 5 inches in length. They require clean, clear running streams for their optimum survival. They are elongate fish, with a physique designed perfectly for remaining stable in swift moving water on stream bottoms. They feed on small insect larvae, worms, crustaceans and other small organisms. Darters swim along the bottom of streams in a quick “darting” fashion, hence the name “darters.” Greater Cleveland (and beyond, of course) is a haven for many kinds of darters, including the rainbow darter, fantail darter, Johnny darter [pictured above], banded darter, and greenside darter.

 

 

NO TROUT ABOUT it, they still exist!

It was recently believed by state wildlife officials that the Brook Trout [pictured above] was extirpated from Ohio, meaning that while not extinct, it was no longer found in Ohio. This was the belief up until about 15 years ago, when a small holdout population was discovered in Geauga County near park district lands. This land was under threat from the usual urban sprawl housing developments which would surely see to the fishes demise by destroying its habitat and water quality. Thanks to the efforts of several preservation-minded individuals and through the park district, the land and the fish were protected! What makes this such a special find is that one would never think that within just a 40 minute drive of the epicenter of highly populated and industrialized NEO, in downtown Cleveland, that a fish that represents the essence of virgin and wild Ohio would still exist!

This fish prefers still crystal clear and coldwater pools in small headwater streams. These are limited habitats which are threatened due largely in part to encroaching development laying over small streams and adjacent water cleansing wetlands. The Ohio Brook Trout is a fish that when donning its breeding colors, looks like nature intended to make it the clown of the inland stream waters. Polka dots of white, set over a background of cobalt blue, red and orange… with fins trimmed in white! Its presence is truly a sign that the water in which it lives is amongst the highest quality. The Cleveland Metropaks Zoo features a Brook Trout exhibit in its aquatics building. There you can learn more about this amazing trout.

 

 

Next up, the MINNOW family

There are approximately 231 species of minnows in North America, so the next time you gaze down into a stream in one of Cleveland’s Metroparks while crossing a trail bridge, try to identify which kinds of minnows you’re spotting. Even the most camouflaged or mundane colored minnow seems to come alive with the color and shine of sparkling jewels during spawning season when stream waters warm up a bit (approximately late March to late May). Watching a group of spawning minnows can be a sight to behold! You know something unique and complex is happening. Such a scene is similar in appearance to a flock of birds all darting about in tight formation in every direction. [Pictured above: top L to R – redbelly dace, central stoneroller; bottom: creek chub.]

Some minnow species, such as redside dace are indicators of higher water quality, while others, like the creek chub are more tolerant to the erosion and sedimentation that can occur in the parklands of the Cuyahoga River Valley where trails are heavily hiked — or after heavy rains. By the way, just a small tip for leaving a light footprint on aquatic environments: It is best to hike not too close to stream banks because trampling plants along erosion sensitive banks eventually kills the plants and, ultimately, the root structures stretching into sandbanks.

Southern red belly dace are another type of small minnow which are found in area tributaries of the Cuyahoga and Grand River. They are typically found in headwater streams — and in clean, clear, quiet pools. During spawning season, southern reds will surely capture your attention, as they are brilliantly colored with a bright “stop sign red” underbody, yellowish-green fins and dark black stripes running the length of the body from near the head to tail.

The central stoneroller is colorful and easily recognized in the spring. It sweeps clean the bottom of streams by eating excess algae off of rocks, as well as a host of other small organisms. This is a fish that keeps streams clean without anyone paying any extra taxes or fees for the service!

Among many other types of minnows likely to inhabit Cleveland area streams are blacknose dace, sand shiners, bluntnose minnows, common shiners, silver jaw minnows, creek chub, mud minnows, and northern hog suckers. Some of the fishes’ names are as interesting as their physical features!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this two-part series, which will cover odd fishes of NEO, plus… a Lake Erie monster?

You can identify all of these native fishes in the Peterson’s Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes. Also see The North American Native Fishes Association at http://NANFA.org to learn more about native fishes in our region and North America.

Illustrations © Emily S. Damstra. Pictured in top image – L to R; top: rainbow darter, pumpkinseed. L to R; bottom: common shiner, fantail darter.

 

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