what animals are in lake michigan

Lake Michigan has a lot of animal life, especially fish, but also birds, invertebrates, and some invasive species. Common examples include lake trout, yellow perch, lake whitefish, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, brown trout, burbot, alewife, rainbow smelt, sea lamprey, crayfish, mussels, zooplankton, and shorebirds like gulls.

Quick Scoop

The lake’s animal community changes by depth and habitat. Cold, deep water supports species like lake trout and lake whitefish, while nearshore areas are home to yellow perch, smallmouth bass, crayfish, and many insects and worms that feed the food web.

Common Groups

• Fish: lake trout, yellow perch, lake whitefish, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, brown trout, burbot, alewife, rainbow smelt, catfish, walleye, smallmouth bass, and lake sturgeon.

• Invertebrates: crayfish, amphipods, worms, larvae, snails, clams, zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and waterfleas.

• Birds and shoreline wildlife: gulls and other waterbirds around beaches and shorelines.

Native And Invasive

Some animals are native to the lake, while others were introduced or invaded later. Sea lamprey, alewife, rainbow smelt, zebra mussels, and quagga mussels are among the most notable invasive species affecting the ecosystem.

One-Sentence Version

If you want the simplest answer: Lake Michigan is home to many fish, plus crayfish, mussels, worms, plankton, and lake-shore birds, with both native and invasive species mixed in.