The total number of taxa will be low. Most of the taxa found are soft-bodied animals, e.g., fly larvae, oligochaetes, nematodes, and in very poor sites, leeches and planaria. Worms are often difficult to distinguish from each other because their shapes are similarly adapted to living in soft sediments. Stoneflies are absent entirely. Caddisflies may be present, but only a few tolerant types.
Amphipods are often present.
There may be a large proportion of a single type of animal. In general, animals present may be smaller than those found at an excellent site. Gills are often visible along the abdomen. Mayfly nymphs are strong swimmers and move like dolphins. Stonefly nymphs are typically found on or near stones in the stream.