yokomist 0 #1 Posted October 13, 2010 Hey Guys, I decided yesterday to see whats lurking in my pond. Apart from some baby gators and turtles, I didnt know what was in there. Here is what I caught today: I have no idea what it is. Its about a 1/3 acre pond with lots of duckweed. Its fed by wetlands. I am not sure if the previous owner stocked it at all. I am located in central Florida Thanks in advance, Bevan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wh500special 2,053 #2 Posted October 13, 2010 I'm no ichthyologist, but it looks like a Snakehead to me. Snakeheads are an invasive species from Asia and there is some concern about their overtaking our natural fisheries...especially in the South. They are supposed to be pretty good fighters. I think the common recommendation is to kill them when caught. But there is some controversy as to how viable and dangerous they actually might be. Search for "Snakehead" or "Northern Snakehead" on google and you'll find quite a bit pertinent to your state. Steve Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raider 2 #3 Posted October 13, 2010 That looks like a Bowfin from here. They are similar looking to Snakeheads. Bowfin are native and ancient. Check this out: http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/faq/snakehead.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wh500special 2,053 #4 Posted October 13, 2010 Whoops, Raider might be right... I didn't see any whiskers so assumed the worst. If it had no teeth then it definately wasn't a Snakehead. Steve Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yokomist 0 #5 Posted October 13, 2010 Thanks for the replies Steve and Raider, It didnt put up a fight being reeled in and was pretty calm on the ground. I didnt notice any teeth but then again I didnt look. If I get to choose it would be the bowfin, sounds like a better fish to have! I was dissapointed to think it might be snake head. Hopefully I can catch another so I can compare, but I am not a very good fisherman sadly. Thanks again guys, Bevan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hcminis 1,532 #6 Posted October 13, 2010 Would agree with Raider also. The proof would be the anal fin length. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,230 #7 Posted October 13, 2010 I looked all over and it is the colors that aren't right. Let's see...the colors of a Coho Salmon...the mouth of a Walleye...and the fins of a Musky. I think you have caught one of them there Kowalski's. Did you have to teach it how to swim? :wh: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yokomist 0 #8 Posted October 13, 2010 Yup its a bowfin for sure, I just caught another and studied it a lil closer. It even has the little feeler things on the upper lip. And hey there Steve - I was waiting for you to jump in Bevan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 10,733 #9 Posted October 13, 2010 And just an FYI- Bowfins get HUGE. There are tons of them in some of the most southern NC swamps and rivers. Not quite Alligator Gar-sized, but close. Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites