North American Natives Section.

Subject: North American Natives Section. Sun Sep 12, 2010 11:56 am

Since i dont seem to have a North American Natives section here, Ill start one Smile

North American Natives are the most unappreciated species on the planet, sure... The lure of the exotic fish, that was captured in the tea colored waters of the Amazon River system, holds great allure for the tropical hobbyist, along with all its perceived exotic visions of someone braving piranha infested waters to bring back the beautiful Discus or Angelfish.

But the truth is, there are almost as many adventures and beautiful scenery to be had right outside your back door, if you just look for them.

And the fishes to be had for free, are sometimes just as beautiful and as much fun to catch yourself, with a barbless hook or seine, as any exotic species you spend your hard earned money for at the LFS.

The first example of this will be a little fish from the perch family named the Darter.

Want some ???? Very Happy

Subject: Re: North American Natives Section. Mon Sep 13, 2010 7:49 am

There are definately some beautiful natives to be had.

_________________
"There he goes - one of God's own prototypes -
a high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production.
Too weird to live, and too rare to die".

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Subject: Re: North American Natives Section. Mon Sep 13, 2010 8:22 am

I agree. I have caught some very beautiful native fish. Check out the colors on this sunny I caught a few weeks back...

The picture doesn't do it justice either. It was a very bright yellow on the belly.

Subject: Re: North American Natives Section. Wed Sep 15, 2010 5:32 am

Yep thats a beauty, It appears to me to be the Redbreasted Sunfish, which is native to your neck of the woods. There are a few others native there as well. One of my favorites is the Banded Sunfish ( Enneacanthus obesus) The Banded Sunfish is the smallest of the 4 species Native there, and feeds primarily on small crustaceans. It is found in the southern portions of both the Connecticut and Merrimack River drainages and in the coastal watershed. It inhabits lowland weedy lakes and quiet weedy backwaters of the lowland brown-water streams. The Banded Sunfish rarely exceeds 3-3.5 inches, which makes it an ideal candidate for any hobbyist with even a smaller tank.

The Turtle Whisperer Posts: 1914

Heh. Those look so cranky. Smile

Subject: Re: North American Natives Section. Thu Sep 16, 2010 6:40 am

I believe you are correct Jim. The redbreast apparently can have yellow, orange or red bellies. That was the first one I have caught. Usually I catch rock bass, pumpkinseeds or bluegills.