Max length : 20.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5723); common length : 8.8 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 12193); max. reported age: 4 years (Ref. 10348)
Environment
Demersal; freshwater; depth range 10 - 61 m (Ref. 27547)
Climate / Range
Temperate; 68°N - 37°N
North America: Atlantic and Arctic basins throughout most of Canada, and south to Potomac River drainage in Virginia, USA; Yukon River drainage in Yukon Territory and Alaska; Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins south to West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, North Dakota and Montana in the USA. Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions
Short description
Dorsalspines
(total): 1 - 3;
Dorsalsoft rays
(total): 9 - 11;
Analspines: 1;
Analsoft rays: 5 - 9;
Vertebrae: 33 - 36. Distinguished by the presence of an adipose fin; small weak spines in the dorsal and anal spines; rough ctenoid scales; and pectoral fins reaching well behind the bases of pelvic fins (Ref. 27547). Gill rakers short, stubby mounds with small teeth; lateral line nearly straight (Ref. 27547). Pale yellowish to silvery, often almost transparent; with a row of about 10 dark spots along midline of back, 10 or 11 spots along lateral line, and another row of spots high on sides above lateral line; fins transparent (Ref. 27547).
Occurs in lakes, deep flowing pools of creeks, and rivers (Ref. 5723). Usually found over sand (Ref. 5723). Moves into the shallows of lakes at night to feed and moves back to deeper water as dawn approaches (Ref. 1998). Feeds on insect larvae, amphipods and fishes (Ref. 1998). Important forage fish (Ref. 1998).
