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Great Lakes Water Life Photo GalleryFishLoaches |
Family: Cobitidae - Loaches
Distribution and Habitat
N=Native, I=Introduced (exotic), X=Extinct, P=Extirpated
| Image/Link | Scientific Name | Common Name | Lake Superior | Lake Michigan |
Lake Huron |
Lake Erie | Lake Ontario | Habitat |
| Misgurnus anguillicaudatus | oriental weatherfish | I | stream/creek, tributaries only |
Table modified from "The Life of the Lakes: A Guide to the Great Lakes Fishery" MI Sea Grant Extension, Michigan State University.
Species Profile
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus - oriental weatherfish |
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Garden pond or aquarium escapee. Typically found in still or slow moving, shallow waters with mud-bottoms, which they burrow into. They can inhabit ponds and lakes poor in oxygen thanks to their intestinal accessory organ which allows them to absorb atmospheric oxygen. They are active mainly at night, but are also known to be restless during the day prior to large storms, reason for which they are called weatherfish. During periods of drought or cold, this species will burrow into the mud and remain there for extended periods, until environmental conditions improve. Omnivorous, diet consisting typically of bottom-dwelling animals, insect larvae, snails, and worms. Length to 25cm. | |
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