can't identify a fish!!Help please!!

[matowakan]

A couple of years ago whilst using my crayfish trap I caught 2 fish in a local small river.
I brought them home and put them into my pond where they are still living happily.
Trouble is I dont know what they are.
They are about 5 inches long and a browny colour!! They both have white spots on the top of their head.
Can anyone help me identify them?

[chickenchargrill]

Do you have a photo of them?

[MKG]

Go on - I'll take a poke.

Try this ...

http://www.leics.gov.uk/index/environme ... llhead.htm

Mike

[fungi2bwith]

5" would be relatively big for a bullhead. If it is they are easily recognisable from above by their shape (looks like they have a wide squashed head). The shape can also be imagined from their other name "the miller's thumb".

[matowakan]

Thanks for replies- I will try and take a photoif they stay still long enough.
We did wonder about Miller's Thumb but we dont think that's what the are but you never know.
I will not go and look at the site suggested.
Fi

[matowakan]

Just had a look,def not a bullhead so will go out with a camera!!!

[chickenchargrill]

The only other thing I could think of from the little description was a Ruffe (or Pope), but I don't think they have white spots on their head, unless the white spots are some kind of disease, can you tell if they're raised at all? But they're 5 inches when fully grown and they are browny and speckled.

[matowakan]

I have looked at piccies of the Ruffe and it isnt that.The dorsal fin is not right. I dont know if the spots are raised as I did wonder whether it could be a disease. The closest I have got to in appearance is the brown trout but with white spots!!
The two have been in the pond for a few years.At this time of year they appear to be spawning,chasing each other around the pond(where they live quite happily with newts and snails). I have wondered whether to catch one in a net and photograph it for identification.

[chickenchargrill]

I think that'd be your best bet. If it's small and trout shaped, it could be some kind of hybrid, maybe dace.

[lycia]

Does this look like the fish - the two at the front?
The one at the back is a Bullhead.

[matowakan]

Yes it does look v similar right down to the white spots.What is it??Thanks v much.I have been trying to get a photo myself for a couple of days without taking them out of the water but I havnt been able to.

[lycia]

We don't really know! My son caught 2 this morning in our river in East Devon. I have sent photo's to a friend who is an expert and will also be asking an education ranger tomorrow - so will let you know what they say.

[MKG]

I'm waiting with bated breath. In the meantime ...

a) Very small trout

b) Very large minnows

... in either case, with a fungal disease.

Mike

[lycia]

Someone has said a Parr (Salmon), waiting on 2nd opinion - also trying to catch another one to photograph the side better!

[matowakan]

Thanks for replies,I will look up the fishes suggested.Cant believe that after 2 years or so I am finally getting closer to an identification!!