Common Freshwater Fish in New York Part 1

Largemouth Bass

Largest member of the “sunfish” family, averages 8-17 inches long, and has been known to reach weights in excess of 10 pounds. Found among dense aquatic vegetation or close to submerged cover such as stumps, logs or dock pilings in warm, shallow, well vegetated areas of lakes, ponds and sluggish streams. Eat primarily fish, crayfish and frogs.

Smallmouth Bass

A large sunfish, averages 8-15 inches long. Smallmouths prefer cool, clear areas of lakes and streams with gravelly or rocky bottoms. Adults usually stay near protection of rocks and submerged logs. Eat primarily fish, crayfish and insects.

Rock Bass

Grows 6-10 inches long. Their bright red eyes earn them the nickname “redeyes.” Found in waters across the state; most abundant in rocky, gravelly shallow water areas of lakes and ponds, and lower, warm reaches of streams. Often occur with smallmouth bass. Eat mostly aquatic insects, crayfish and small fish.

Eurasian Milfoil

Eurasian Milfoil

What is it and why are we concerned?

Eurasian milfoil is an exotic invasive submersed perennial. It reproduces both vegetatively and, less commonly, sexually (seeds). Rhizome division, budding and fragmentation are examples of vegetative reproduction. A single piece of fragmented Eurasian milfoil can multiply into 250 million new plants in one year!

Large masses of Eurasian milfoil can lead to flooding and interfere with fishing, swimming and boating. Eurasian milfoil mats can increase mosquito habitat and decrease oxygen levels.

History of Milfoil

Eurasian water milfoil was first introduced into the United States through the aquarium trade. The first documented identification of Eurasian water milfoil in open water in the United States was in 1942 from a pond in Washington D.C. By 1950 the species was into the Midwest in Ohio and was also found in western states such as Arizona and California. Eurasian water milfoil is now found throughout the continental United States with the exception of the northern Great Plains region and Maine.

How it Spreads

Eurasian water milfoil has spread through accidental and intentional introductions. Pond owners intentionally introduced the plant into their ponds to provide fish habitat. Since Eurasian water milfoil is capable of reproducing by vegetative means it is likely that the spread into most new bodies of water has been by fragments. Aquatic equipment which was used at Eurasian water milfoil infested waters may have fragments attached; these fragments can be transported to other waters and start a whole new infestation. This plant can stay alive for weeks out of water if kept moist.

Identifying Milfoil

(Myriophyllum sibiricum and Myriophyllum spicatum)

Water milfoil (or milfoil) occurs in patches that tend to crowd out all other growth. Feather-like leaves are finely dissected to midrib and whorled around the hollow stem at intervals along the entire length of the plant. Milfoil stays submerged except for a stalk of tiny flowers, which can extend above the surface. All milfoil species are easily identified as a group because of their distinctive feather-like leaves, but individual species are hard to differentiate from one another. Numerous species of milfoil are common throughout the U.S... Worldwide, the genus (myriophyllum) has 45 species in Europe, Asia, India, Japan, North and Central America and North Africa. Milfoil can winter over in frozen lakes, thrive in warm pond waters, and live in acidic and calcium rich waters, slow moving waters of lakes and ponds and some rivers. Milfoil is found in a variety of sediments, light levels, temperatures, and depths up to 20 feet. Eurasian Milfoil is an exotic plant, introduced to the U.S. by the aquarium industry. It is rapidly becoming a major nuisance throughout North America. It is capable of rapid dispersion, principally by fragmentation of plant parts. Each fragment is capable of growing roots and developing into a new plant. Eurasian Water milfoil is quite competitive with native species and may completely dominate a plant community within a few years after introduction. Due to the plant's ability to form dense growth, water use activities may become severely impaired.

REFERENCES:

Colette C. Jacono and M.M. Richerson. 15 October 2008. Myriophyllum spicatum. USGS

Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=237

Eurasian Watermilfoil. 5 Nov 2003. Invasive.org.

http://www.invasive.org/eastern/biocontrol/6EurasianMilfoil.html

Eurasian Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). 18 August 2008. Wisconsin

Protecting your investment; from Rich Morin`s Professional SCUBA Centers

Congratulations on the investment of your new diving equipment.

Take care of it and you will enjoy years of exciting underwater exploration.

MASK

When your mask is being manufactured there is lubricating oil on the machinery the cuts the glass lenses.   This leaves a thin coating of oil on the glass lenses.  Prior to using the mask, clean the glass lenses with toothpaste.  Using wet paper towels scrub the toothpaste around the lenses, inside and out, making sure to get all the edges.  Rinse with lukewarm water and repeat this process 4 to 5 times.  Now your mask is ready for the water.  Using the Sea Drops provided, add 2 to 3 drops to each side of the inside lenses and rub in well with your fingers.  After a quick rinse place the mask on your face with the strap high on the back of your head and the side straps just above the ears.  Make sure all the hair is out of the mask skirt and that the mask is sealed properly onto your face.  Providing you don't flood the mask or break the seal on your face you can enjoy hours of fog free diving.  After using your mask, rinse with fresh, clean water and dry.  Store your mask in a mask case in a cool, dry, dark place until you’re ready to use it.  Check the strap periodically for wear.  Have fun with your new mask exploring the underwater world.

SNORKEL

Your snorkel gets mounted to the strap on the left side of your mask.  Don't mount it to the adjustment tabs of the straps (which form the loop) or you may loose your snorkel.  After use, rinse your mask & snorkel with fresh, clean water and dry.  Store your mask & snorkel in a cool, dry, dark place.

FINS

Full Foot Fins – Should be worn with a pair of neoprene socks to prevent blisters.  Rinse with fresh water when done and store them laying flat in a cool dark place.  Do not stand them up or place other items on top of them during storage.  This may cause distortion of the fin blades or foot pockets.

Open Heel Strap Fins – Need to be worn with a pair of neoprene boots to prevent blisters and for thermal protection.   Straps should be snug, not tight, this will help prevent foot cramps.  Rinse with fresh water when done and store them laying flat in a cool dark place.  Do not stand them up or place other items on top of them during storage.  This may cause distortion of the fin blades or foot pockets.

MDC Scuba, Inc.

Rich Morin’s Professional

SCUBA CENTERS

20 Warren St

.  Glens Falls, NY  12801  (518) 761-0533  Fax (518) 761-0420

http://www.richmorinsproscubacenters.com/     or     richmorin@yahoo.com



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