Instructions
New York State is home to a rich diversity of aquatic life. This worksheet will test your knowledge of the different types of fish found in New York's lakes, rivers, and streams. Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability.
Section 1: Coldwater vs. Warmwater Habitats
Fish species are often categorized by the water temperatures they prefer. Coldwater fish, like trout, thrive in temperatures below 70°F (21°C) and require high levels of dissolved oxygen. Warmwater fish, like bass and sunfish, prefer warmer temperatures and can tolerate lower oxygen levels.
Activity: Classify the following New York fish as either "Coldwater" or "Warmwater" by writing your answer in the "Classification" column.
| Fish Species | Classification |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Walleye | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Bluegill | |
| Brown Trout |
Section 2: Native, Introduced, and Invasive
Understanding a species' origin is crucial for ecology. A native species is one that originated and evolved in a specific region. An introduced species has been brought to a new region by humans, either intentionally or accidentally. When an introduced species causes ecological or economic harm, it is classified as invasive.
Activity: Fill in the blanks below using the words from the word bank.
Word Bank: native, introduced, competition, invasive, habitat, ecosystem
- The Brook Trout is New York's only ___________ stream-dwelling trout, making it a key part of the state's original aquatic biodiversity.
- The Round Goby is an ____________ species from Europe that has severely impacted the Great Lakes ____________ by out-competing native fish for food and spawning sites.
- Brown Trout were ____________ from Europe in the 1880s for sport fishing. While they are not native, they fill an important niche and are not typically considered invasive, though they create ____________ for native Brook Trout.
Section 3: Life Cycles & Scientific Names
Some fish have incredible life cycles. Anadromous fish are born in freshwater, migrate to saltwater to grow into adults, and return to freshwater to spawn. The Striped Bass is a famous anadromous fish found in the Hudson River.
Activity: Match the fish's common name to its scientific name (Genus species).
- 1. Walleye __________
- 2. Striped Bass __________
- 3. Brook Trout __________
- 4. Largemouth Bass __________
- A. Salvelinus fontinalis
- B. Micropterus salmoides
- C. Sander vitreus
- D. Morone saxatilis
Section 4: Critical Thinking
Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Your answers should demonstrate your understanding of the concepts presented in this worksheet.
- Dams on rivers like the Hudson can block fish migration. Explain how this would specifically affect an anadromous species like the Striped Bass compared to a non-migratory species like the Largemouth Bass.
- The Sea Lamprey is an invasive, parasitic fish in the Great Lakes that attaches to large coldwater fish like Lake Trout and drains their bodily fluids, often killing them. Why would the presence of Sea Lamprey be of greater concern to a fisheries biologist than the presence of an introduced (but not invasive) species like the Brown Trout?
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Answer Key
Section 1: Coldwater vs. Warmwater Habitats
| Fish Species | Classification |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Warmwater |
| Brook Trout | Coldwater |
| Walleye | Warmwater |
| Lake Trout | Coldwater |
| Bluegill | Warmwater |
| Brown Trout | Coldwater |
Section 2: Native, Introduced, and Invasive
- The Brook Trout is New York's only native stream-dwelling trout, making it a key part of the state's original aquatic biodiversity.
- The Round Goby is an invasive species from Europe that has severely impacted the Great Lakes ecosystem by out-competing native fish for food and spawning sites.
- Brown Trout were introduced from Europe in the 1880s for sport fishing. While they are not native, they fill an important niche and are not typically considered invasive, though they create competition for native Brook Trout.
Section 3: Life Cycles & Scientific Names
- 1. Walleye: C. Sander vitreus
- 2. Striped Bass: D. Morone saxatilis
- 3. Brook Trout: A. Salvelinus fontinalis
- 4. Largemouth Bass: B. Micropterus salmoides
Section 4: Critical Thinking
(Note: Student answers may vary but should reflect the key concepts below.)
- Answer: A dam would block the Striped Bass from reaching its upstream freshwater spawning grounds, which is essential for reproduction. This could cause a population collapse. A non-migratory species like the Largemouth Bass, which completes its entire life cycle in one section of the river, would be less affected by the blockage, although its habitat might be altered by the dam.
- Answer: The Sea Lamprey is of greater concern because it is invasive and parasitic, meaning it directly harms and kills native fish, causing significant disruption to the food web and the health of the native fishery (like Lake Trout). An introduced species like the Brown Trout may compete for resources but does not typically cause the same level of direct, widespread harm and has become part of the established sport fishery. The key difference is the severe negative ecological impact of the invasive species.