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Fish of the Week!

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fish enthusiasts Katrina Liebich and Guy Eroh journey across America on a quest to live with, live from, discover and enjoy ALL THE FISH: big and small, common and rare, beautiful and downright strange. Guests from all walks of life help dig into the latest science and bring their perspectives about fishing and how fish are woven into the fabric of communities and cultures. Listeners walk away from each episode with practical information about how to connect with and conserve our amazing, finned friends.

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34 episodes
weekly
Avg 38 min
English

Episodes 34

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S6 · E45
Yesterday · 31 min
Stippled Studfish & Fabulous Fundulids
Get to know the Stippled Studfish and Fundulid family that includes native fishes like studfish, killifish, topminnows and mummichogs. Our guests are Will Mutsch and Gabe Oleinik from the Fundulid Working Group. Learn about the habits and range of this species, Fundulid tips for fish keepers/aquarists, and how to get involved with these gorgeous native fish.
S6 · E44
November 2 · 44 min
Miller Lake Lamprey!
Get to know the smallest landlocked parasitic lamprey in the world! This tiny Oregon native, found only in the upper Klamath Basin, has a fascinating story of evolution, persecution, and return. Katrina, Guy, and guest Ben Clemens (Statewide Lamprey Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) dig into the science and history of this species and mull over philosophical questions regarding lamprey origins, public perceptions, and science communication. You might also like our these episodes: S1:E5 - Alaska's lampreys S2:E3 - Sea Lamprey S2:E44 - Pacific Lamprey S3:E17 - Ancient eats/royal lamprey pie
S6 · E43
October 27 · 41 min
Chesapeake Logperch!
Get to know the Chesapeake Logperch: a cigar-shaped fish with a button nose for flipping rocks and an interesting story. Bonus: a deep dive into the Endangered Species Act species status assessment process. Our guests are Dr. Jay Stauffer (Penn State Distinguished Professor), Steve Davis (Lead Fish Culturalist at our Northeast Fisheries Center), and Richard Novak (Biologist at our Pennsylvania Field Office). We hope you enjoy!
S6 · E42
October 20 · 42 min
Oregon Chub!
Get to know Oregon Chub, one of only two species in Oregon's endemic genus Oregonichthys. This incredible boom-n-bust, mosquito-eating pioneer happens to love the same off-channel habitats emblematic of Oregon's rich heritage that myriad native birds, amphibians, juvenile salmon, and wildlife rely upon. Our guests Matt Collver (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Native Fish Investigation Program) and Brian Bangs (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office) lead Katrina and Guy down a chub hole of discovery and the secrets of recovery: a major decline while nobody was watching, landowner's "chubs in tubs" efforts, and more!
S6 · E41
October 12 · 36 min
Grass Carp!
Get to know the Grass Carp, a behemoth of a vegetarian with its very own "coming to America" story. Katrina and Guy delve into how it's situated on the fish family tree, compare and contrast it with other invasive carp and goldfish, and unveil the latest fan mail requests.
S6 · E40
October 5 · 46 min
Yellowfin Shiner!
Meet the gem of the Georgia Piedmont, the Yellowfin Shiner! On this episode we learn all about the color-popping spawning habits of Yellowfins and other species in the Hydrophlox genus, their association with nest-building species like Bluehead Chubs and stonerollers, and where to spot them. You'll also get tips on successfully keeping native fish in aquaria and how to make friendships with other fish nerds. Our guests are Michael Wolfe with the North American Native Fishes Association and Bryson Hilburn from the University of Georgia and this episode is dedicated to one of our listeners.
S6 · E39
September 28 · 43 min
Kala/Bluespine Unicornfish!
Meet the Kala, also known as the Bluespine Unicornfish! From the horn on its head to its blue spines and tail tassels, this leathery-skinned fish is a wonder to behold and a culturally-important species in Hawaii. You'll learn about the limu-eating habits of this fish and what is known about its age and growth, the practice of "pono" science, how management informed by lawai'a, how to be a good visitor within Hawaii's ahupua'a's, and what is still to be learned about this species! Our guest, Maria "Baba" Angst from Moloka‘i, is with Hawaii's Department of Land & Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources.
S6 · E38
September 21 · 34 min
The Peppered Shiner!
Get to know the Peppered Shiner: a beautiful little endemic fish that holds a special seat in the waters of Arkansas and Oklahoma, particularly in Arkansas' Saline River where it can still be reliably found. We discuss the habits and preferences of this fish, its place in shoaling communities and where it lives, and what people can do to help ensure it doesn't blink out. We also learn about the challenges of aging juvenile minnows and what questions still need to be answered. This week's guest is Clemson PhD student Mack Calvert.
S6 · E37
September 14 · 35 min
Bay Anchovy!
Get to know the humble and overlooked little Bay Anchovy: one of the most abundant and ecologically vital fish in most mid-Atlantic estuaries. This fish is on the menu for everyone from Striped Bass to Bluefish, sea birds to marine mammals. Is it also on pizza? You'll have to listen to find out. Our guest, Brian Boutin from our Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, discusses the importance of this fish and coastal estuaries to Americans and myriad fish and wildlife.
S6 · E36
September 7 · 40 min
Golden Mahseer: Revered River Runner
Get to know the Golden Mahseer, a large freshwater fish native to fast-flowing rivers in the Himalayan region that feels the watershed-wide impacts of events like the recent catastrophic debris flow and flash flood in Nepal (this episode was recorded just prior to the catastrophic glacial collapse). We dive into the value of this fish and why it's important to think globally when it comes to learning about migratory species. Our guest Julie Claussen is a scientist and science communicator.
S6 · E35
August 31 · 31 min
King Mox: Greater Redhorse!
Get to know the biggest member of the genus Moxostoma: the Greater Redhorse! This impressive native sucker species is accessible, fun to catch, and not intimidating to handle. We discuss how sight-fishing and focusing on the up-close details and beauty of fish can inspire art and offer an escape from the daily grind. Our guest Devon is an avid angler, fish artist, and Greater Redhorse fan. If you like this episode you might also like: S2:E15 - Ugiidatli (Sicklefin Redhorse) S5: E25 - Shorthead Redhorse S6: E15: Golden Redhorse
S6 · E34
August 24 · 39 min
Borax Lake Chub!
Get to know an extremely tough desert fish found only in one lake in southeastern Oregon. You'll learn about its amazing ability to withstand both hot temperatures and high levels of arsenic, the history of the lake and its conservation, and what questions are still left unanswered. Our guest is Fred Monzyk with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Native Fish Program.
S6 · E33
August 17 · 40 min
Greater Amberjack!
Get to know the reef donkey! This big, powerful fish will "slap you around a bit and give you some fish rash." Katrina and Guy are joined by guests Mischa Schutz and Creed Branham, who share their knowledge about the ecology and movement patterns of this fish, fishing tips, unexpected culinary tricks, what it's like to go through the scientific peer review process as a graduate student, and more! On deck: Borax Lake Chub Dive Deeper: The Greater Amberjack Count: Studying the greater amberjack in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of America
S6 · E32
August 10 · 37 min
Hawaii's Goatfishes!
Get to know the goatfishes and their special place in Hawaiian culture. From keiki fishing for ʻōama with cane poles to the deeper meaning behind the endemic kūmū, we explore the efforts across the Hawaiian Archipelago to connect with and conserve these wonderful fish. Our guest is Jake Reichard with Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Aquatic Resources.
S6 · E31
August 3 · 38 min
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout: Exquisite Explorer
Meet one of the few fish that's managed to cross America's Continental Divide: the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout! On this episode we explore the variation in ecology and morphology of this beautiful fish across its range, its history in Yellowstone National Park and efforts to move it by wagon and train, how its been impacted by nonnative trout species, where to catch it, and the value it holds within the Wind River Indian Reservation. We are joined by fish biologist Mike Mazur with our Lander Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Wyoming.
S6 · E30
July 27 · 39 min
Atlantic Tripletail: Buoy Bombshell
We want you to imagine a souped up tilapia the size of a tire, hanging by a buoy. Head to Mississippi to fall in love with the Atlantic Tripletail, a fish of many names ("sleepy fish" and "buoy fish") that can deliver a powerful kick on the end of your line. Katrina and Guy are joined by Trevor Moncrief and Eric Gigli with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Topics include where to find this fish, what's known about its behavior and preferences, fishing strategies, how it's managed, and how anglers can help contribute to a growing body of knowledge and appreciation for this very cool fish.
S6 · E29
July 20 · 35 min
Olympic Mudminnow: Quintessential Washingtonian Fish
Meet Washington State's only freshwater endemic fish: the Olympic Mudminnow! Despite being found nowhere else in the world, many questions about this quintessential Washingtonian species remain unanswered! On this episode, you'll get to know the habits, preferences, and close relatives of this beautiful little ambush predator. Ecologist Lauren Kuehne is our guest.
S6 · E28
July 13 · 31 min
Neon Tetra!
How well do you REALLY know one of the most popular fish the USA? What's the science behind its neon blue stripe? Where does it come from? What conditions does it prefer? Katrina and Guy get curious about this freshwater aquarium fish that Americans love so much.
S6 · E27
July 6 · 43 min
The Butterfly Kingfish!
Meet the Butterfly Kingfish AKA Butterfly Mackerel: the hottest fish you've never heard of! This not-well-studied fish is the sole species in the monotypic genus Gasterochisma, and the oldest lineage of Scombridae (the mackerel, tuna, and bonito family). Katrina, Guy, and guest Fernando Melendez Vazquez from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City dig into the details about this large, endothermic oddball and the broader topic of warm-bloodedness in fishes.
S6 · E26
June 29 · 37 min
Redbreast Sunfish!
Get to know the Redbreast Sunfish and catch up on some fan mail, where Katrina and Guy read listener's fish requests and feedback! Learn how to tell this fish apart from other sunfish species, where to find Redbreasts, and gain some excellent fishing tips.

Showing 1–20 of 34 episodes