Fish of the Week!

Latest Episodes:

Grass Carp! Oct 12, 2026

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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.

Yellowfin Shiner! Oct 05, 2026

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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.

Kala/Bluespine Unicornfish! Sep 28, 2026

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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.

The Peppered Shiner! Sep 21, 2026

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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.

Bay Anchovy! Sep 14, 2026

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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.

Golden Mahseer: Revered River Runner Sep 07, 2026

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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.

King Mox: Greater Redhorse! Aug 31, 2026

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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

Borax Lake Chub! Aug 24, 2026

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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.

Greater Amberjack! Aug 17, 2026

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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

Hawaii's Goatfishes! Aug 10, 2026

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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.

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