Riverine Fish

Ohio is blessed with an abundance of water, but like all developing areas, past and present land use practices affect our water resources.

Land uses that allow soil to runoff into our waterways cause silting of streams and increased turbidity, which can result in a lower quality of water and thus a loss in the diversity of aquatic organisms.

Fish have specific habitat requirements, thus the health of a fish community can tell us a great deal about the quality of the waterway where they reside.

Riverine Fish of Ohio's Scenic Rivers

Central Stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum)

central stoneroller minoowThis species is common and abundant in streams throughout much of Ohio. It is found primarily in the riffles and runs of the smaller to medium-sized streams but also occurs in the larger rivers of the state.

Stonerollers are bottom feeders utilizing a variety of plant and animal matter.

Tolerant of moderately turbid waters and increased stream temperatures, stoneroller populations can explode in warm, nutrient rich streams characterized by abundant growths of green algae.