The limited number of species of fish found here is due to the natural acidity of the water and high iron concentration. A pH below 5 typically limits the reproduction in most fish species, so the presence of breeding non-native fish like Bass and Bluegill is a sign of degraded waters.
The following species are found in the Pine Barrens: Banded Sunfish, Blackbanded Sunfish, Pirate Perch, Mud Sunfish, Swamp Darter,Tessellated Darter Brown Bullhead Yellow Bullhead, American Eel, Bluespotted Sunfish, Ironcolor shiner, Eastern Mudminnow, Redfin Pickerel, Chain Pickerel, Creek Chubsucker and Tadpole Madtom
Blackbanded Sunfish
Enneacanthus chaetodon
The most characteristic Pine Barrens fish. Has striking black and white bands. Common in most Pine Barrens lakes and streams, especially in dense vegetation. Up to 4”
Chain Pickerel
Esox niger
Only large native game fish in the Pine Barrens. Adults are 15-18″ long and weigh approximately 1 1/2 pounds.
Eastern Mudminnow
Umbra pygmaea
Generally less than 5 inches long. Abundant in the Pine Barrens. Almost always associated with vegetation and can survive in low oxygen waters.
Mud Sunfish
Acantharchus pomotis
Up to 6 1/2″. Feeds on aquatic insects. Common in Pine Barrens streams. Similar in habits to Blackbanded Sunfish, but larger, with larger mouth, and more voracious predator.
Pirate Perch
Aphredoderus sayanus
Typically 4-5″ in length. Characteristic of sluggish streams and standing water with dense vegetation. Numerous in the Pine Barrens.
Swamp Darter
Etheostoma fusiforme
Small fish, typically reaching no more then 1 1/4″. Short-lived (less than 1 year). Occurs over mud or organic matter in slow, weedy back waters.
Yellow Bullhead
Ictalurus natalis
Characteristic of sluggish streams and standing water with dense vegetation. Tolerant of acidic waters. 6-18”