Fishes at Risk
The Thames River is home to the most diverse fish fauna in Ontario. 80 fish species are recorded in the Upper Thames River watershed. Six fish species found in the Thames River have current SAR federal and provincial designations. Generally, species that prefer clear, fast flowing water are declining, while those favouring turbid (less clear) conditions are increasing in abundance.
Threats to fish populations include:
- pollution
- impoundments (dams, weirs)
- siltation
- habitat alteration or destruction
- invasive species (e.g., Goldfish, Sea Lamprey, Round Goby)
- diseases such as VHS
| Common Name | Species Name | Current Status under the federal Species at Risk Act | Current Status under the provincial Endangered Species Act |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Redhorse | Moxostoma duquesnei | Threatened | Threatened |
| Eastern Sand Darter | Ammocrypta pellucida | Threatened | Endangered |
| Northern Brook Lamprey | Ichthyomyzon fossor | Special Concern | Special Concern |
| Northern Sunfish | Lepomis peltastes | Special Concern | Special Concern |
| Silver Shriner | Notropis photogenis | Threatened | Threatened |
| Spotted Sucker | Minytema melanops | Special Concern | Special Concern |
For the most up-to-date information on Aquatic species at risk listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), please contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). You can find an overview of distributions at-risk species on the DFO website:
https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/sara-lep/map-carte/index-eng.html
For more information on how the Endangered Species Act applies to at-risk aquatic fish and mussels, please contact the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP). More information is available on the MECP website: