SPECIES ID / Freshwater Fish of the Fraser Valley

Bass/Sunfish Family (Centrarchidae)

  • All are introduced to British Columbia
  • Native to eastern North America
  • Species from this family were found in the Pacific Northwest prior to glaciation.
  • In generally prefer slow-moving, warm water.

Identification Tips:

  • two dorsal fins, large coarse scales, no adipose fin
  • spines in dorsal, anal and pelvic fins
  • pelvic fins positioned well forward on the body
  • body laterally compressed (narrow and tall)

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Primary Information Source:
McPhail, J.D. 2007. The Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. University of Alberta Press. Edmonton, Alberta.