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How to Recognize Freshwater Fish

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are more than 1,000 species of freshwater fish in the United States. With so many different types of fish, it can be daunting to try and identify or recognize them all. However, you can use a number of indicators to try to determine one type of fish from another. With a bit of research and practice, you will get better at identifying freshwater fish over time.

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain a fish identification guide that provides pictures and descriptions of the major types of freshwater fish. You can obtain a comprehensive guide from a national source such as Fish Base, or you can narrow your species list down a bit by obtaining a fish identification guide from your state's Department of Natural Resources. Study the guide, giving particular attention to the fish determined to be in your area.
- 2
  Study the EPA's Basics of Fish Anatomy web page to get some idea of the various features of freshwater fish, including fins, tails and body sizes of groups of fish. Since these body features are the things that are going to help you distinguish one fish from another, they're important to study in detail. Study the EPA's "Fish Habitats" page to get an idea of the various habitats that freshwater fish live in, also.
- 3
  Assess the habitat, location and features of the fish you find on your next fishing trip based on the research you've done on your own. Bring along your fish identification chart to compare the fish you catch with the photos in the book.
- 4
  Bring along a fishing guide for your next fishing trip if you're still having trouble identifying fish. If the guide is familiar with the local area (as most guides should be) it will be able to identify your fish with little trouble.

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