Descriptions: Line 2
American Eel ( Anguilla rostrata)
American eels have an interesting life cycle as they are catadromous, which means
they reproduce in the marine environment and spend the remaining portion of their
life in freshwater.American eels reproduce in deep regions of the Atlantic Ocean (Sargasso
Sea).The eggs and larvae, known as leptocephalus larvae, float with the oceanic currents.It
takes approximately one year for the larvae to reach the coastal regions of the western
Atlantic.At this point, they begin the first of several additional juvenile stages
and begin to ascend streams and rivers along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts where they
spend most of their life in freshwater.American eels possess elongated bodies but
lack pelvic fins. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are continuous and appear as though
they represent one fin.They possess very fine, non-overlapping scales covering their
bodies.The larger tributaries in the basin are where the American eel is most common.
Bay Anchovy ( Anchoa mitchilli)
The bay anchovy is primarily a marine species but can be common in Lake Pontchartrain.It
is very small in size, reaching maximum lengths of less than 4 inches.They are laterally
compressed and possess nearly transparent bodies.They also possess a single dorsal
fin, elongated jaws, and a broad silvery mid-lateral stripe along the length of the
body.They are typically found in large schools, as they actively feed on zooplankton
near the waters surface.Bay anchovies play a key role in the food web of Lake Pontchartrain
as they represent the forage base for many larger predatory species in the basin including
speckled trout.
Gulf Menhaden ( Brevoortia patronus)
The Gulf menhaden (or Pogy) is a wide-ranging species that occurs in the near shore
or estuarine regions of the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan peninsula to near Tampa
Florida. It also occurs in Lake Pontchartrain.It is a fairly deep-bodied and laterally
compressed species with a dark blue or greenish colored back and a bright silvery
colored body.There is usually a large dark lateral spot, followed by several smaller
spots along the flank.It also possesses sharp serrated scutes along the belly.Gulf
menhaden typically feed on zooplankton and live throughout the water column.Gulf menhaden
represent one of the most important commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, harvested
specifically for their oil.According to Ross (2001), the oil is used in the production
of cosmetics, rust preventative paints, and livestock feeds.
Common Carp ( Cyprinus carpio)
The common carp is a member of the minnow family, a group that also includes chubs,
dace, shiners, and goldfish.It is easily distinguished by the presence of two barbels,
a gray to brassy body coloration, large scales, and a stout body.Carp grow to large
sizes, commonly weighing 20 pounds or more.They are native to Eurasia and were introduced
into North America in the mid-1800s.They occupy various habitats, most often occurring
in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and pooled habitats of slow flowing portion of rivers
and streams with silty bottoms and vegetation.They also occur in brackish waters,
like Lake Pontchartrain, but are most common in freshwater environments.Common carp
occur in Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas and most of the surrounding rivers and streams.
Common carp are usually taken in commercial fisheries in the Mississippi River and
to a lesser extent in the recreational fishery in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin and
elsewhere throughout the eastern United States.
Blacktail Shiner ( Cyprinella venusta)
The blacktail shiner is the most common minnow in small to medium sized streams and
rivers in the southeastern United States. It occurs in areas of swifter current over
sand and gravel substrates.It also occurs in freshwater habitats along the Gulf Coastal
Plain from Texas to Georgia and Florida, and northward to southern Illinois.The large
black caudal spot and yellowish-colored pectoral and pelvic fins make this species
easy to identify.It is a relatively large shiner species, reaching a length of 7.5
inches although specimens of 2-4 inches are most common.
Longnose Shiner ( Notropis longirostris)
The longnose shiner is common in sandy bottomed streams and rivers in the southeastern
United States and occupies most of the tributaries in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin.It
is a small minnow with a maximum length of approximately 2 inches.The body color is
straw colored, and the fins are typically yellow or orange.It lives on the bottom
of the stream in flowing water habitats, typically over sand or gravel substrates.The
longnose shiner feeds on small invertebrates.
Read descriptions of each fish in the poster.