![]() Impressively, the largest and oldest specimens of this massive fish can measure about 12 feet (3.7 meters) in length. They begin swimming inland in February and finally spawn in April. In Alabama, most individuals prefer to spend winter in the estuaries and along coastal waters, where they must feed in preparation for the upward migration in spring. The endangered Gulf sturgeon is an anadromous species that spends most of its adult life migrating between saltwater and freshwater systems. In Alabama, they mostly occur within the Mobile Basin, though some individuals may also be found in connecting streams and below dams.ġ9) Southern red belly dace ( Chrosomus erythrogaster) Sexually mature southern red belly dace develop distinct red bellies, as seen in this picture. As paddlefish are suspension feeders, they are usually found in fresh, open water. They use their extended rostrums to detect these microscopic animals, which they filter out using their gill rakers. That’s right, these shark-like fish have a diet that consists primarily of zooplankton. Adults can measure up to 5.9 feet (1.8 meters) in length and may appear more threatening than they truly are, especially as their large mouths actually lack teeth! Though it isn’t technically a shark, it does have a largely cartilaginous skeleton and a smooth, grey-colored exterior. Patrick Jackson / CC BY 4.0įrequently referred to as a shark due to the structure of its dorsal fin, this strange-looking fish is best known for its paddle-shaped snout. Locals are advised against eating wild specimens of this species, however, due to their capacity to bioaccumulate mercury.Ħ) Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) Smallmouth bass are aggressive black bass, easily out-competing other bass species that are larger. Interestingly, their impressive distribution is due in part to their tolerance for turbid waters. Alabama’s official state fish, they’re found in practically all freshwater systems. ![]() Largemouth bass are most abundant from April to May, when water temperatures go up to about 17 – 20˚C (63 – 68˚F) and they are able to spawn. They may also consume young of their own kind if food is scarce. Apart from fish, they are able to consume many types of amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. It is the largest of all black bass species as its adults are able to weigh as much as 25 pounds (11 kg) in productive waters. It’s no surprise, then, that the Alabama watershed is perceived as the Amazon of the US.Īrguably unrivaled in its capacity to consume large prey, the largemouth bass is considered a formidable predator and a valuable sport fish. The discharge rate of cool water is also sustained throughout the year, benefiting the long-term health of fish. The rivers contain gentle substrates such as gravel and sand, making them desirable spawning sites. They form some of the most biodiverse freshwater systems in North America, so it’s no surprise that around 300 species of fish call them home!įreshwater fish can thrive in Alabama’s wetlands due to a unique combination of factors. Several of these contain water that is clean enough to drink and is thus perfect for the needs of many aquatic animals and plants. In fact, one-sixth of the state’s total land area is covered in freshwater resources like lakes, estuaries, reservoirs, ponds, and springs. Some of the most ecologically important regions, such as the Appalachian Ridge and the Piedmont Upland, contain valuable rivers.Īlabama boasts an abundance of water. ![]() Though the state is relatively small, its variation in terrain is nothing short of diverse. Its landscape is dotted with canyons, beaches, cave systems, and wetlands that are full of both rare and endangered life. The southeastern state of Alabama is home to a rich array of natural resources. 1.24 24) Alabama sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus suttkusi) One-sixth of Alabama is covered in freshwater resources such as lakes, rivers, and estuaries! Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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