Document Type
Dataset
Publication Date
2-6-2026
Abstract
Summary Data
Number of Taxa: 16 Species, in 14 Genera, 7 Families, and 6 Orders.
Description: Investigation of the ichthyofauna (i.e., fish) of the GNA has a fairly long-history, but has been sporadic and the findings have been poorly archived. The earliest known research was undertaken by former WCU Biology Professor Win Fairchild. Regrettably, we only have his data from a single study (Butler & Fairchild 2005). WCU graduate student Danielle DiFederico (one of Win Fairchild's students) conducted her Master's research in Plum Run in the early 2000. Following this, there was a long fallow period (with just a single observation having been recorded from 2005 through 2017). In recent years, however, the Stroud Water Research Center has been conducting annual surveys in Plum Run within the boundaries of the GNA. Data from that research have been incorporated here. It is hoped that moving forward, ichthyological research will be a much more regular feature at the GNA.
Status/Threats: IUCN Status: Data are from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2020). The GNA checklist was compared with the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Environmental Review List (PNHP 2025). None of the 64 fish species listed on the environmental review list are known to occur in the GNA. The checklist was also compared with species listed in the Chester County Natural Heritage Inventory (PNHP 2015). None of the fish species known for the GNA were listed as being of special concern in Chester County.
Recommended Citation
Ritter, N. Annotated Checklist of the Fish Species Observed at the Gordon Natural Area (West Chester University, PA) 1997- <2025. Version II. 7 pp. Database queried and document created: 2/6/2026.