Snakehead fish seen in Peacock P1 ?

[aquadog196]

Let me preface this by admitting that I am not a fisherman nor am I good at fish identification. One day last week a buddy and I were diving at P1. At the end of the dive on the surface he asks me if I saw the Snakehead... to which I said.. "What"?
He then proceeds to tell me what he knew about this invasive species of fish. So yesterday while doing my safety stop I start looking around and there sure enough there is an elongated fish that did look like a fish other than the routine fish seen swimming around in the Peacock sinks. So I looked up pictures of the Snakehead and from my memory the fish I saw did resemble the Snakehead. Anyone else seen this? Or perhaps can you identify the fish ? One thing I am quite certain of is that it was not a Mullet or Bass or Catfish or Sturgeon.

[MORGAN]

I am guessing that what you saw is a bowfin.

[Line Squirrel]

I am guessing that what you saw is a bowfin.

+1 on the Bowfin (AKA Dogfish) They have been in Peacock for years. Not in great numbers but I've seen them for at least ten years now.

[Kelly Jessop]

It was a Bowfin

[sskasser]

Good article comparing the two: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild...d_bowfin.phtml

[floridakid]

Let's hope it wasn't a snakehead. Those things are pretty nasty and as far as invasive species go they are right up there with lionfish and kudzu. I don't think they were this far south yet, though

[CaveMD]

IIRC I usually saw them around the olsen sink

[Line Squirrel]

Let's hope it wasn't a snakehead. Those things are pretty nasty and as far as invasive species go they are right up there with lionfish and kudzu. I don't think they were this far south yet, though

We catch them in some of the freshwater and brackish water canals here in South Florida. Well, "I" don't, I primarily fish the ocean but some of the other guys I know catch them. They call them Snakeheads, I can't say with certainty we are talking the same fish but I think we are.

[aquadog196]

Good article comparing the two: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild...d_bowfin.phtml

Thanks for the link...the two fish certainly are similar. Now I know what to look for!

[JE]

You spend enough time in the caves around luraville, you will see not only these, but freshwater eels & other things as well.
I've seen these in jumps off P-1 & P-II. Manatee has them, & they are in Bonnet. Wierd looking for sure. The only thing I've seen in Luraville are the eels.
Little River has the blind crayfish, as does cow. Wakulla & the Emerald systems will suprise all of us, not that I willl ever enjoy a dive there. It is way out of my league. I'll be happy to stick my toes in Peacock or Little River again.
Merry Christmas you all !
& Happy Diving...........If I make it to the social in Gennie, I'll supply the pork & beans to go along with the Hot dogs !
Jack