Posted on 07/08/2024 12:09:16 PM PDT by Red Badger
July 8 (UPI) -- Researchers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shared an unusual catch from a recent fish survey -- a longnose gar with a crooked back.
The FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute said biologists were conducting an electrofishing survey in Silver Glen Springs when they found the 2.7-foot-long gar with a bend in its back making it resemble an upside-down letter V.
Researchers said it evoked memories of a recent discovery of a "squiggly" bull shark caught near Titusville that appeared to have scoliosis or a similar spinal deformity.
The FWC said there were some key differences between the fish.
"Unlike the bull shark with a spinal deformity that we shared a few weeks ago, this fish likely got its interesting shape from a spinal injury at some point in its life," researchers wrote.
The gar, which weighed in at about 10.6 pounds, was returned to the water.
"With their razor-sharp teeth and armor-like scales, longnose gar may look scary, but they are no threat to humans, and they play an important role as an apex predator in many of Florida's freshwater ecosystems," the post said.
Stop scaring the kids!
Silver Glen, my old stomping grounds. They filmed "The Yearling" around there. A movie nobody remembers.
Well, ... No.
An injury survived in its youth and subsequent growth could account for it.
The call it Hillary.
Swam there many times growing up near the Ocala National Forest. Lots of gar were always present. It’s a beautiful spring not far from Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Springs, Alexander Springs, and Orange Springs. Flows into Lake George.
well, then, your head isn’t flat either!
“Florida researchers find unusual crooked fish in Silver Glen Springs”
I read Florida researchers find unusual “cooked” fish in Silver Glen Springs.
Now THAT would be “unusual”.
Can a Back-Quack fix that?
“Silver Glen, my old stomping grounds. They filmed “The Yearling” around there. A movie nobody remembers.”
*************************************************************
My dad ran a railroad depot, and had many dealings with Marjorie-Kinnan Rawlings. When they were starting to film the movie, their equipment was shipped to his depot, and it sat there unclaimed for an extended period of time...long enough to incur a demurrage fee. One day Gregory Peck arrived to claim the package, but dad said he would first have to pay the demurrage. The actor protested and said, “You don’t understand, I’m Gregory Peck”. Dad told him, “I don’t care if you’re Gregory Bushell, you’re not getting package without paying the demurrage.”
I spent a lot of time there, in the 90’s. What a beautiful place to spend time in!
Apparently they’ve never been to Vortex Springs in Ponce De Leon Florida where there’s dozens of huge carp with the same condition. Decades ago was told it was from inbreeding.
a garfish with scoliosis
I do...... Gregory Peck.....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.