Freshwater Environment

Arctic Charr - Salvelinus alpinus

A member of the same family as Atlantic salmon and Trout, Arctic Charr are post glacial colonisers and a rare component of Irish fish fauna. Only found in their non-anadromous form in more southern latitudes and are resident in lakes.

Atlantic Salmon - Salmo salar

Atlantic salmon are anadromous ie they breed in freshwater and migrate to sea to grow and mature to adults. Young salmon can be identified by the presence of parr markings along their flanks and the presence of an adipose fin, they are generally more streamlined and not as `spotty` as trout with which they can be confused. Adults can grow in excess of 1 metre long and achieve weights of 20lb plus. The UK record for a rod caught salmon is 64lb and the Irish record stands at 57lb.

Brook Lamprey - Lampetra Planeri

European Eel - Anguilla anguilla

The European Eel is catadromous meaning that it feeds in the river and migrates to sea to breed. This is the opposite from Atlantic salmon

European Perch - Perca fluviatilis

Perca fluviatilis, commonly known as the European Perch, is a predatory species of perch found in Europe and Asia. In some areas it is known as the Redfin Perch or English Perch, and it is often known simply as Perch. The species is a popular quarry for anglers and has been widely introduced beyond its native area, into Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Freshwater Pearl Mussel - Margaritifera margaritifera

The freshwater pearl mussel is one of the longest-lived invertebrates known, and individuals can survive for over 100 years.

River Lamprey - Lampetra fluviatilis

Roach -

The Roach resembles a number of closely related species, such as common bream, silver bream, chub, rudd and bleak. Firm identification can be difficult at times, as the roach often hybridises with these other fish. Only the one species is recognised in Britain, but in other European countries its variable body form has led to descriptions of a number of subspecies.

Three Spined Stickleback - Gasterosteus aculeatus aculeatus

Anadromous in nature meaning that they can migrate from freshwater to feed in the sea however they may complete their lifecycle in freshwater.

Trout - Salmo trutta