Captive Critters: Estuarial Fishes

As mentioned in previous "captive critter" posts, our grow-out gear provides safe haven for a variety of critters. In this post, we introduce Blennies, the juvenile Sea Bass, and Pinfish.

We have released many juvenile Sea Bass this season. This handsome specimen is likely 1-2 years old. Many believe that the occasional top-water strike that one sees in the Lynnhaven are these juvenile bass ambushing prey from their on-bottom hide outs. This hunting behavior is similar to freshwater bass where they lay until something edible floats by and, "Gotcha!" - Misterjaw style. [The Misterjaw reference certainly dates the author: Google it if you dare]

The Sea Bass

Sea bass, part of the Serranidae family, are a group of fish highly valued for both their culinary appeal and ecological significance. They can be found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, inhabiting a variety of environments from coastal waters to deeper offshore regions.

The term "sea bass" typically refers to several species, such as the European sea bass (*Dicentrarchus labrax*) and the black sea bass (*Centropristis striata*). These fish are commonly located in rocky reefs, estuaries, and sandy bottoms. They thrive in temperate and subtropical waters, often seeking refuge among submerged structures. Bass are carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, and squid, which makes them significant predators in their ecosystems.

Sea bass are noted for their distinctive spawning behaviors, often forming large groups during breeding seasons to enhance reproductive success.

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The Pinfish

Lagodon is a monospecific genus of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, which includes the seabreams and porgies. The only species in the genus is Lagodon rhomboides, the pinfish, red porgy, bream, pin perch, sand perch, butterfish or sailor's choice. are several of the common names and describes this fish native to the Western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.(1)

Pinfish are one of those species that support the ecosystem but because they have no commercial value, being small & bony, they swim under the radar of our recognition known mostly to fisherman as suitable live bait. But here is an interesting fact: The famous naturalist, Edward O. Wilson, lost the vision in his right eye at the age of seven, when he caught a pinfish and it flew up and struck him in the face. (1)

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Blennies live among oyster reefs and uninhabited oyster shells like the one pictured above is a perfectly protected hangout. Blennies can also be found within eelgrass beds. In winter, they move to the Bay’s deeper channels.

The Blennie

Yes, oyster gear provides protection from predators, but what happens if a predator is also in the bag! "The call is coming from inside the house!"

This is where the ultra conscious protect themselves further and where the Blennie finds a refuge within a refuge: inside an oyster shell of a deceased oyster. Bay Blennies reach a maximum of 4-inches in length and an oyster shell provides perfect cover. Some of the other fish species we find are:

• Oyster Toadfish

• Spotfin Butterfly Fish

• Sheepshead

• Seahorse