List of U.S. state fish Facts for Kids

Did you know that many U.S. states have special symbols? These symbols represent what makes each state unique. Just like states have a state bird or flower, many also have a state fish! These fish are chosen because they are important to the state's history, economy, or natural environment.

Sometimes, a state picks a fish that is very common there. Other times, they choose a fish that is special to their waters. Some states even have two state fish: one for freshwater and one for saltwater!

What is a State Fish?
- Why Do States Choose a Fish?
- Official vs. Unofficial State Fish
Some Cool State Fish Examples
Images for kids
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What is a State Fish?

A state fish is an official symbol chosen by a state's government. It's a way to celebrate the unique wildlife found in that state's rivers, lakes, or oceans. These fish often play a big role in fishing, local culture, or the environment.

Why Do States Choose a Fish?

States pick a fish for many reasons. It might be a popular fish for sport fishing, like bass or trout. It could be important for the state's fishing industry. Sometimes, a fish is chosen because it's native to that state and found nowhere else. For example, the Apache trout is only found in Arizona.

Official vs. Unofficial State Fish

Most state fish are chosen through a law passed by the state's government. These are called "official" state fish. Sometimes, a fish is widely recognized and loved by people in a state, but it hasn't been made official by law. These are "unofficial" state fish.

Some Cool State Fish Examples

Alabama's Fishy Duo

The Largemouth Bass is a popular freshwater fish.

The Atlantic Tarpon is known for its fighting spirit.

The state of Alabama has two official state fish! For freshwater, they picked the Largemouth bass in 1975. This fish is a favorite for anglers (people who fish with a rod and line). For saltwater, they chose the Fighting tarpon in 1955. Tarpons are huge, silvery fish known for their amazing jumps when caught.

Alaska's King of Fish

The Chinook Salmon is Alaska's state fish.

Alaska chose the Chinook salmon as its state fish in 1962. It's also known as the King salmon because it's the largest of all Pacific salmon. These powerful fish are very important to Alaska's ecosystem and its fishing industry.

Arizona's Unique Trout

The Apache Trout is native to Arizona.

In 1986, Arizona picked the Apache trout. This special fish is native only to Arizona's mountain streams. It's an important part of the state's natural heritage.

California's Golden and Orange Fish

The Golden Trout lives in high mountain streams.

The Garibaldi is a bright orange fish.

California also has two state fish. The Golden trout became the freshwater state fish in 1947. It's famous for its beautiful golden color and lives in clear, cold mountain streams. For saltwater, California chose the bright orange Garibaldi in 1995. You can often spot these colorful fish swimming around rocky reefs along the coast.

Hawaii's Hard-to-Say Fish

The Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa is Hawaii's state fish.

Hawaii has one of the most famous and hardest-to-pronounce state fish: the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. It became the state fish in 2006. This reef triggerfish is known for its unique patterns and interesting way of swimming.

Massachusetts's Cod Story

The Atlantic Cod has been important to Massachusetts for centuries.

In 1974, Massachusetts chose the Atlantic cod. This fish has a long history with the state, going back to colonial times. Cod fishing was once a huge industry in Massachusetts, and the fish is still a symbol of its maritime heritage.

Michigan's Brook Trout

The Brook Trout is a beautiful fish found in many states.

The Brook trout became Michigan's state fish in 1988. This beautiful fish loves cold, clear streams and is a favorite for many anglers. It's also the state fish for several other states, including New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Texas's Unique Bass and Red Drum

The Guadalupe Bass is native to Texas.

The Red Drum is a popular saltwater fish.

Texas has two state fish. The Guadalupe bass was chosen in 1989 for freshwater. This bass is special because it's found only in the rivers of central Texas. For saltwater, Texas picked the Red drum in 2011. Red drum are popular game fish found in coastal waters.