As I was going through some pictures of fish I have caught this Summer, I found this one and just had to share it. When I picked it up out of the water, it looked like every other decently sized bluegill I have caught out of the pond. Just as I was about to release the fish back in the water, I noticed something a little bizzare about the fish...
The bluegill has a HUGE chunk taken out of its back and dorsal fin!!
My jaw dropped in awe as I started to examine the creature. The wound or deformity seems to be well healed. It is covered completely with scales and doesn't have an effect on the swimming abilities of the fish.
The big question: What do you think happened to this fish?? Let me know what you think!
Snapping turtle???
ReplyDeleteMy first guess is a snapper got him. Must have been awhile ago if it's scaled over. Weird.
ReplyDeleteSince I am not familiar with "Snapping Turtles", I will listen up here to Tom, and, Wandering Owl. If you look at it closely, it is amazing how precise in shape the wound is. Curious?
ReplyDeleteMy guess is a Blue Heron. Judging from the position of the bite, I would say this little guy managed to get away when the heron tried to pick it up. This happened with the fish was young since the scales have completely grown back.
ReplyDeleteWell, it looks like everyone already took my ideas; I was going to guess either a snapper or a heron. It is amazing how animals can heal themselves, though.
ReplyDeleteFlesh eating staph infection that healed...
ReplyDeleteAlbert
PS: You DID wash your hands after handleing it right?
Albert: For my own sake, I'm going to pretend I didn't see your comment...because I did not wash my hands afterwards!
ReplyDelete