As you gaze out across the still surface of a lake, your mind begins to wander, imagining the hidden world that lies beneath. The quiet ripples on the water hint at a bustling ecosystem below, where a diverse array of animals dwell. From sleek otters gracefully navigating through the depths to nimble turtles basking in the sun’s warm rays, lakes harbor an abundance of fascinating creatures.

List of 30 animals that live in lakesFreshwater troutCatfishBassPikePerchWalleyeBluegillCarpTilapiaSalmonCrappieMuskellungeSunfishSnapping turtleBullfrogCrayfishWater snakeWater moccasinSnailClamMusselLeechDragonflyWater beetleMosquito larvaWater striderWater fleaFreshwater shrimpFreshwater spongeWater Otter A lake is a large body of freshwater or saltwater that is surrounded by land.