Re: Fish ID ideas?

[Josh Wiegert <jwiegert at nexus_v-wave.com>]

Although I didn't rule out a Sculpin, I still wold be very surprised to
find it being one.  In my experiences, Sculpins care for dark areas with
lots of rocks.  The way it was described, the stream seems to have few,
small rocks, and far too many plants.  Many of the catfish do appear
during the day, especially the younger ones.  I typically catch bullheads
during the da, out in the open, this time of year. Albeit, I'd have a hard
time finding someone to describe a bullhead as a pleco.  Numerous other
catfish amy also appear during the day, and sit there until distrubed.  I
do, however, Mark, feel that it could be a sculpin, but simply have never
seen them in that sort of habitat.  

 ><>
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On Thu, 18 Jun 1998, Mark Binkley wrote:

> Sorry, but I must beg to differ with Mr Weigert's assessment:
> 
> >Well the spring is maybe 48" wide and 12" deep at its widest. I is mostly
> >rock but the Water Cress has taken over. If it weren't for that it would be
> >a typical creek with lots of small rock. I don't know how cold the water is
> >for sure but your hands get cold fast! I would guess it to be in the 65
> >degree range.
> 
> Sounds like typical sculpin habitat to me.  Sculpins have nothing against
> plants, but few plants find their habitat very hospitable.  A 48" wide
> spring could easily have shore and emergent plants in proximity to any fish
> that might be present.
> 
> 
> >>I don't htink it was a darter.  Darters typically do not have a head much
> >>wider than the rest of the body.
> 
> Agreed.
> 
> 
> >It had a large head! I didn't think it was a darter but not really sure.
> >Haven't seen many up close to know.
> 
> Large head indicates sculpin to me.  Look for a large, upturned mouth.
> Also look for very large, fan shaped pectoral fins which may be held close
> the body.  Also, spine-like projections from the edge of each operculum.
> These may be difficult to see without very close inspection.  Catfish would
> either be hiding or moble.  They would not normally sit still out in the
> open, particularly in current.
> 
> Few books will show an overhead view of a sculpin, but the outline from
> above is very distinctive.  Probably the only North American fish that
> would resemble a pleco from above.
> 
> 
> >>Did it swim just off the bottom?
> >
> >Yup like a rocket too! It moved very fast but only a short distance.
> 
> Sounds like typical sculpin flight behavior.
> 
> 
> >>Did it sit around?
> >
> >Yup! It just sat there while I pointed it out to a lady that came by to
> >collect water. (The spring is very popular place to get drinking water) I
> >almost had to touch it to make it move.
> 
> Also typical sculpin behavior.  They are ambush predators and will remain
> stationary most of the time.
> 
> I would be very surprised if a stream that small and that cold would
> support plecos very long.  If it's under tree cover, there's probably
> little algae for them either.
> 
> Just my opinion!
> 
> 
> Mark Binkley
> Columbus Ohio USA          <))><
> mbinkley at earthling_net
> 
> Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him
> to use "the Net" and he won't bother you for weeks.
> 
>

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References:

• Re: Fish ID ideas?
• From: mbinkley at earthling_net (Mark Binkley)

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