Freshwater fishes are an incredible and diverse group of animals that inhabit lakes, rivers, and streams across the globe. North America is home to a plethora of these fish species, some of which grow to sizes that can truly astonish those who are unfamiliar with the aquatic giants that ply the continent’s inland waters. Many enthusiasts enjoy studying, fishing for, or simply appreciating these species, which play crucial roles in their respective ecosystems. Let’s dive into the world of North American freshwater giants, starting with number ten on our list.
#10: Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)
The flathead catfish, affectionately known as the “mudcat” or “yellow cat” to anglers, is one of the heftiest catfish species in North America. Native to the large rivers and lakes of the central US, the flathead catfish can grow up to 5 feet in length and weigh up to 123 pounds. These predators lurk on the bottom of waterways, preying on other fish, which they engulf with their wide mouths.
#9: Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula)
Next on our list is the alligator gar, a species that looks more like something from the age of dinosaurs than the modern era. Aptly named for their broad snouts and sharp teeth that resemble those of an alligator, these fish can reach lengths over 8 feet and tip the scales at about 300 pounds. The alligator gar is not just one of the largest North American freshwater fish, but also one of the oldest, with a lineage tracing back over 100 million years. Their populations are concentrated in the lower Mississippi River basin and Gulf Coast states.
#8: Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
Often simply called “muskie,” the muskellunge is the largest member of the pike family and a true freshwater titan in North America. Muskies have an elongated body and a flat, duck-like mouth filled with sharp teeth designed for ambushing other fish. They can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh in at around 70 pounds, though larger specimens have been reported. Muskies are a prized game fish, famously challenging to catch due to their elusive nature.
#7: Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
The blue catfish is North America’s largest species of catfish. It is characterized by its slate blue body color and forked tail. Blue catfish can grow to impressive lengths of over 5 feet and weigh more than 150 pounds. They are commonly found in rivers and estuaries of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio River basins. Known for their voracious appetites, blue catfish are dominant predators and opportunistic feeders, often consuming anything they can fit into their large mouths.
#6: Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)
The lake sturgeon is a relic from the distant past that still cruises the bottom of freshwater bodies across North America. This ancient fish can grow to be over 8 feet long and weigh upwards of 200 pounds. Lake sturgeons have a distinctive shark-like body and a snout equipped with four barbels, which they use to locate food along murky bottoms. Unfortunately, due to overfishing and habitat destruction, lake sturgeon populations have decreased, and the species is now considered threatened or endangered throughout much of its range.
#5: American Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula)
The American paddlefish takes its name from the large, paddle-shaped rostrum extending from its head, which is sensitive to the electrical fields produced by zooplankton, its primary food source. Growing up to 7 feet long and exceeding 200 pounds in weight, these filter feeders are often found in the slow-moving waters of the Mississippi River Basin. Paddlefish are an unusual sight and are often pursued by fishers for their prized roe, which is sold as a form of caviar.
#4: White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)
The white sturgeon is the giant freshwater fish in North America and can be found along the Pacific coast from Alaska to California. These titans can grow to lengths of over 20 feet and weigh up to 1,500 pounds, though sizes of around 10 feet are more common today. White sturgeons have a shark-like appearance with bony plates called scutes along their bodies. They’re bottom-dwelling fish, known for their longevity, with some individuals living over 100 years.
#3: Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Also known as “king salmon,” the Chinook salmon is the largest species in the Pacific salmon family. These powerful swimmers embark on an extraordinary journey, migrating from the ocean back to their natal freshwater rivers and streams to spawn. Chinook salmon can reach up to 5 feet in length and weigh more than 100 pounds. The largest recorded specimen was an astonishing 126 pounds.
#2: Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi)
The Gulf sturgeon, a subspecies of the Atlantic sturgeon, makes its home in the rivers and coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. They can grow to be over 8 feet long and tip the scales at around 200 pounds. Much like their lake-dwelling cousins, Gulf sturgeons have bony scutes along their backs and are often found in murky river basins where they use their barbels to sense food. They are anadromous, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn.
#1: Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus)
Crowning our list is the Atlantic sturgeon, another ancient species that has been swimming in North American waters for over 120 million years. The Atlantic sturgeon beats out its relative, the gulf sturgeon, in size and can reach lengths of up to 15 feet and weigh as much as 800 pounds. These magnificent fish are distinguished by their elongated bodies, spiny scutes, and vacuum-like mouths. They are found along the East Coast and are also anadromous, migrating up rivers such as the Hudson and Delaware to breed.
The freshwater behemoths of North America are an impressive bunch, each with unique adaptations and life histories that allow them to thrive in their environments. From the flathead catfish lurking in riverbeds to the enormous white sturgeon of the Pacific, these are the kings of the continent’s fresh waters. Though these species top our list, it’s essential to recognize that many of them face threats from human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing. Conservation efforts are critical in ensuring that these remarkable fish continue to inhabit the waters of North America for generations to come. Whether you’re an angler, a conservationist, or just someone who marvels at nature’s wonders, the freshwater giants of North America are certainly a group worth respecting and protecting.