How to Identify Central Stoneroller

To identify Central Stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Olive to brownish-yellow dorsally, fading to silvery-white on the belly. Sides often have scattered dark scales, forming an indistinct lateral band. Breeding males develop vibrant orange-red fins and tubercles on the head and body.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Unique cartilaginous ridge on the lower jaw, used for scraping algae., Long, coiled intestine (up to 8 times body length) for processing plant matter., Small, subterminal mouth., Breeding tubercles on head and body of males.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 8 rays, typically located slightly anterior to the pelvic fins.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively large and rounded.

Distinctive fins

All fins are typically clear to slightly dusky, becoming orange-red in breeding males.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Mouth structure

   Look for the distinctive cartilaginous ridge on the lower jaw, which is unique to Campostoma species and used for scraping algae. The mouth is small and subterminal.

2. 2

   Intestine

   If dissected, the extremely long, coiled intestine (up to 8 times body length) is a definitive characteristic, indicating its herbivorous diet.

3. 3

   Breeding coloration (males)

   During spawning season, males develop prominent breeding tubercles on the head and body, and their fins (especially pectoral and caudal) turn vibrant orange-red.

4. 4

   Body shape and coloration

   An elongated, somewhat cylindrical body, olive to brownish-yellow dorsally, with a silvery-white belly. Scattered dark scales may form an indistinct lateral band.

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