Mosquito Fish
Common Name: Mosquito Fish
Scientific Name: Gambusia affinis
Location: Utah Lake Field Station
Invasive: Yes
Mosquito Fish are not native to Utah. However, they are a native species to the Southwestern United States. They were first introduced in the early 1900s and can be found in shallow waters where they feed on small invertebrates and zooplankton.
We expect to observe these fish species in Utah Lake as we survey the area.
Northern Pike
Common Name: Northern Pike
Scientific Name: Esox lucius
Invasive: No
Northern Pike are huge apex predators that are at the top of the food chain. They are opportunistic predators, capable of eating just about anything such as birds, amphibians, snakes, insects, leeches, crayfish, small mammals, and other large fish. They were introduced illegally into Utah lake and out-compete many native fish. We are currently looking for Northern Pike on the property.
June Sucker
Common Name: June Sucker
Scientific Name: Chasmistes liorus
Invasive: No
June suckers are found only in one place in the world, Utah Lake, and Provo River. The jaw structure of this fish is specially adapted to eat zooplankton. Zooplankton is a young or immature invertebrate. June suckers play a vital role in stabilizing the invertebrate populations in the ecosystem. This diet helps ensure that every animal gets food. We are currently looking for June Suckers on the property.
White Bass
Common Name: White Bass
Scientific Name: Morone chrysops
Invasive: No
The White Bass’s favorite places to feed are in clear water and plant-free areas. Their diet changes as they age. Young bass feed on invertebrates while adults like to eat minnows and bait fish. These fish rely heavily on their eyesight to find food. If anything moves, they will go after it.
Walleye
Common Name: Walleye
Scientific Name: Sander vitreus
Invasive: No
Walleyes get their name from the fact their eyes point out words as if they are looking at the walls of something. Walleyes can get up to 29 lbs. and are a specialized predator fish. They have excellent eyesight allowing them to hunt in murky and rough waters. They are best found at night as they are nocturnal predators feeding on smaller fish.