With a body of water as large as Lake Michigan to call home, it is no surprise that there are countless fish along the shores of Michigan. Small fish like the Alewife, Bloater, Brook trout and Freshwater Drum have been found in Lake Michigan. The lake is also home to larger fish like the Rainbow Trout, Northern Pike, Muskellunge and Lake Sturgeon.
There are a wide range of mussels to be found in the waters of Michigan. Slippershells, Elktoes, Snuffboxes, Scaleshells and Round pigtoes have all been sighted in Michigan. Other common mussels in the state include Clubshells, Lake floaters, Purple lilliputs, Deertoes and Ellipses. Mussels are known for their relatively tough exteriors but certain varieties can be eaten.
Most people associate clams with the beach or ocean, but there are many clams that make freshwater their homes. Some of these clams have found their way into Michigan either by catching a lift on a ship or by riding rivers until they end up in the state. Common Michigan clams include the Greater European pea clam, River fingernail clam, Round peaclam and Giant Nothern Peaclam.
Amphibians live in both water and on land, and must split their lives between the two environments. Michigan is home to several endangered amphibian species like Blanchard's cricket frog, the Northern leopard frog, Western lesser sirens, and the Boreal chorus frog. You can also expect to run into Marbled and Smallmouth salamanders.
