The Fishes of Wolf Run

Wolf Run is a clear water stream that flows through the Brown Family Environmental Center before entering the Kokosing River. It's shaded banks provide an input of food to support a diverse aquatic community. Long stretches of the stream have a rocky bottom and there are numerous riffles separating the quiet water of the pools. These riffles provide habitat for a variety of aquatic insects that in turn provide food for a diverse fish community. Darters are among the most colorful members of this fish community. They prefer riffles, but some species can be found in the quiet water of pools. During the spring spawning seasons the males become brightly colored. Darters tend to be intolerant of pollution and siltation. The presence of darters is an indication that a stream is relatively healthy.

Eastern Greenside Darter

(Etheostoma blennioides blennioides)

This species is found at the head of riffles with algal covered rocks 2" or more in diameter. It has a long body with W' or V-shaped' marks that appear connected along the lateral line. The base of both dorsal fins has a red stripe.

Rainbow Darter

(Etheostoma caeruleum)

This species is most common in shallow riffles covered with sand and gravel, but can also be found in areas similar to those inhabited by the greenside and variegate darters. The males are brightly colored with 8-13 blue stripes separated by red bands. The basal band of the spinous dorsal fin is red and next to the transparent edge the band is blue.

Northern Bluegill Sunfish

(Lepomis macrochirus macrochirus) This species is most common in pools and under rocky ledges. It often seeks shelter among roots and wood piles.

Stoneroller Minnow

(Campostoma anomalum anomalum) This is a very widespread species that inhabits moderate riffles. It is primarily a bottom feeder and schools of this fish are found where the bottom has an abundant supply of small plant and animals for it to eat. It requires sandy-gravel bottoms for spawning. The mouth is characteristic of the species.

List of Species (no doubt incomplete):

Central Johnny Darter

Banded Darter

Eastern Greenside Darter

Barred Fantail Darter

Central Mottled Sculpin

Northern Creek Chub

Striped Shiner

Common Shiner

Bluntnose Minnow

Ohio Stoneroller Minnow

Southern Redbelly Dace