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Central Stoneroller

Top: breeding male; Bottom: female Photo by: Matthew R. Thomas

Identification: Stonerollers have a rounded snout overhanging a crescent-shaped mouth, a hard ridge of cartilage on the lower lip, and irregular patches of dark colored scales on the sides of the body. Breeding males have orange colored fins with a black band on the dorsal fin and often on the anal fin; breeding tubercles (keratinized growths) also cover the head, back, and sides of the body. The Central Stoneroller is very similar to the Largescale Stoneroller (Campostoma oligolepis), but differs by having a crescent-shaped row of 1-3 large tubercles on the inner edge of the nostril (absent in Central Stoneroller) in breeding males. Both species grow to about 8.5 in.

Distribution and Habitat: Stonerollers are among most abundant minnows in rocky riffles and runs of small creeks to medium rivers statewide. The Central Stoneroller occupies Ohio River tributaries from the Salt River eastward and the Cumberland River drainage above Cumberland Falls. The Largescale Stoneroller occurs from the Clarks River drainage in western Kentucky, eastward to the Cumberland River below the Falls.

Central Stoneroller

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