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List of fishes of Minnesota facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Did you know that over 120 different kinds of fish live naturally in Minnesota waters? This includes big places like Lake Superior! The information you'll find here comes from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which keeps track of all these amazing fish.

The DNR uses special labels to describe how safe or at risk a fish species is in Minnesota.

  • A fish that is endangered means it's very close to disappearing forever from Minnesota.
  • A threatened species might become endangered soon if we don't protect it.
  • A special concern species is either super rare in Minnesota or needs a very specific type of home to survive.

Some fish in Minnesota are not native; they are called invasive species. These fish can sometimes harm the natural environment.

  • A prohibited invasive species is against the law to own in Minnesota without a special permit.
  • A regulated invasive species is okay to own, but you can't let it go into public waters. Many of these invasive fish are already living in Minnesota's lakes and rivers.

Cool Water Fish for Sport

These fish prefer colder waters, often found in deeper lakes or streams. Many of them are popular for fishing!

Minnesota's Legal Game Fish

These are the fish that anglers (people who fish) can legally catch in Minnesota. They are often sought after for their fighting spirit or for food.

Other Sport Fish to Know

These fish are also found in Minnesota's waters and can be caught, though they might not be as commonly targeted as the main game fish.

Non-Game Fish in Minnesota

These fish are not typically caught for sport or food. They play important roles in the ecosystem, often serving as food for larger fish or helping to keep waters clean.

Invasive Fish Not Yet in Minnesota

The DNR keeps a close eye on these invasive fish species. They could harm Minnesota's natural waters, but luckily, they haven't been found here yet. This list helps people know what to watch out for!

  • Black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus (prohibited invasive)
  • Rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus (prohibited invasive)
  • Tilapia Oreochromis, Sarotherodon, and Tilapia spp. (regulated invasive)
  • Zander Stizostedion lucioperca (prohibited invasive)

See also

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List of fishes of Minnesota Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.