Image source: Matt Keevil | inaturalist.org
The fallfish (Semotilus corporalis) is a North American freshwater fish, a chub in the family Cyprinidae. The fallfish is the largest minnow species native to Eastern North America. Description Average specimens generally measure about 5 in (13 cm) in length, but individuals occasionally grow to 15 in (38 cm) with exceptional specimens of more than 19 in (48 cm) having been recorded. Juvenile fallfish have a dark stripe that runs down the center of their body. They are a silvery shade on the top and sides of the body but have a white shading on the belly. Breeding males develop a pinkish tone on the opercular region, although the species does not develop bright breeding colors. Spawning males build stone nests, known as a redd, which form a prominent part of the bottom on many streams throughout the northeast. Spawning is communal with both males and females joining the nest builder. Distribution and habitat They are found in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, where it inhabits clear streams, lakes, and ponds. They predominately prefer swift currents, however, they can also be found in well-oxygenated pools. As their name suggests, they are often found at the base of waterfalls. Before the introduction of fish such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and brown trout the Fallfish was the apex predator in many streams.
