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Fish in our Natural Heritage System

Native Fish

Brampton's Natural Heritage System is home to a diverse range of native fish species, which play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the local aquatic ecosystems. These native fish, such as Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish, have evolved over time to adapt to the specific conditions of their habitats. They contribute to the overall health of the waterways by regulating populations of prey species, controlling aquatic vegetation, and acting as indicators of water quality. Protecting and preserving these native fish populations is essential for maintaining the ecological integrity and biodiversity of Brampton's natural heritage.

Brook Trout

Brook Trout belong to the salmon family, but unlike other types of salmon they have no teeth on the roof of their mouth.

Pumpkin Seed

Pumpkinseeds are some of the most colourful freshwater fish in Canada. Their identifiable shape, bright colours, shoreline habitat, and attraction to almost any bait or lure, these fish are commonly caught by beginners.

Largemouth Bass

Except for humans, largemouth bass are the top predators in the aquatic ecosystem.

Northern Pike

Fun fact: Northern Pike can swim up to 16 Kilometres per hour.

Small Mouth Bass

A Smallmouth Bass’s diet consists of whatever they can catch. They can quickly dominate the body of water and greatly impact pre-existing food webs by consuming whatever comes their way.

Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch directly compete with trout and salmonids for food and habitat.

Black Crappie

Crappies and other types of sunfishes are often called "panfish" because their body shape resembles a skillet pan used to cook the fillet

Walleye

Walleyes are also known as pickerel or yellow pickerel. They make up a considerable portion of the fish population found in the boreal zone.

Brown Bullhead

The brown bullhead is a type of catfish all catfish have poor eyesight, so they rely on their sensory barbels to find prey.

Bluegill

Bluegills are a member of the sunfish family. Many people call bluegills "sunnies".

White Sucker

White suckers are a bottom-feeding fish with the downturned snout characteristic of other suckers. Their mouth is round and rimmed with thick lips which are covered in taste buds

Rock Bass

Rock bass are very aggressive feeders with a diet consisting of aquatic insects, crayfish and small fish. Recent studies have shown that they can dramatically reduce minnow populations, reducing food for the larger fish in the lake.

Minnows

Male minnows sometimes grow wart like bumps on their head called “nuptial tubercles” that are used to defend nests and territories, and to stimulate females during courtship. They fall off after the spawning season is done.

Redside Dace

These fish are one of the few endangered species found in the GTA. The removal of vegetation along streams reduces food supply, threatens riverbank stability, and impacts water temperature.

Invasive Fish

Invasive fish, such as the Round Goby and Common Carp, outcompete native fish for food and habitat, disrupting the delicate balance of the aquatic environment. They can also introduce diseases and parasites that can harm native fish populations. To combat this issue, residents can help by following responsible fishing practices, such as not releasing non-native fish into local waterways and reporting any sightings of invasive species to the appropriate authorities.

Are there invasive fish species in Stormwater Ponds?

Unfortunately, yes. Invasive species of fish such as Goldfish and Koifish find their way into stormwater ponds mianly through people releasing them into the ponds. Goldfish can impact the ecology and function of stormwater ponds and can destroy natural aquatic habitats. Residents are reminded to not release goldfish in stormwater ponds and to return it to your local pet store or give it away. Visit the Stormwater Ponds webpage for more information in the FAQs section: www.brampton.ca/SWPonds.

Asian Carp

These fish alter habitat through feeding of aquatic vegetation this may cause water to become more turbid by uprooting plants and disturbing sediment. Carp also compete with native fish for food and habitat.

Goldfish

Goldfish compete with and prey on native fish, affecting underwater vegetation. They rapidly multiply and carry diseases endangering native species.

Round Goby

Round Goby impact populations of sportfish by eating their eggs and young, and by competing for food sources.

Rainbow Smelt

Through food competition and the predation of young fish, Rainbow Smelt have significantly influenced the ecosystems they have invaded. The dietary preferences of Rainbow Smelt have the potential to disturb food chains.