Fish Hatchery, with Few Fish!!

We took another road trip to continue breaking-in the new truck, and headed back toward Uvalde, Texas. Garner State Park was on our route today, and we decided to pop in and see what we could find. Mostly we found Wild Turkeys! There was a large group of hens feeding in an open area, and they cooperated for pictures. I wonder if they know that Thanksgiving is just around the corner?

Our goal today was to actually visit the fish hatchery. You might recall that we found them closed when we paid a visit this past Saturday. We were in luck this time and found them open.

We didn't know much about the hatchery, but assumed that they'd be raising warm-water fish species like bass and catfish. We could not have been more wrong! It turns out that they are primarily raising endangered and threatened species associated with spring-fed streams in Texas. And most of their species are not fish at all!

Smooth Pimpleback Mussels

How about some freshwater mussels?  These Smooth Pimpleback (real name...) mussels are found in the upper reaches of the Colorado River basin. They have a complex life-cycle that includes their larva living in the gills of host fish, so successfully raising them is complex indeed!

We were shown a series of small tanks where various species of salamander were being raised. Unlike most salamanders, these species are completely aquatic, never leaving the water. 

In addition to several species that live only in springs, they will be receiving some Texas Blind Salamanders, a species that lives in the limestone caves of the Texas Hill Country. 

In order to feed these critters the hatchery is raising some of their food. This tank holds California Blackworms, which are fed to the salamanders. A little out of focus, but those dark clumps are groups of thousands of worms.

The hatchery works closely with the Edwards Aquifer Authority, which is funding some of the work. This new room was being constructed specifically to hold Edwards Aquifer species. The room is designed to stay dark and cool, like the caves and springs where these species are naturally found. 

After touring the inside of the hatchery, we headed out to a short nature trail. It was overgrown and in need of some attention (possible volunteer opportunity...) but we saw a few birds and dragonflies, and a snake (you've been warned Serene!). 

Black Setwing

Teri and I actually took a Dragonfly identification class years ago from a University of Texas professor, but it's been a while and dragonflies are tougher than birds! Nevertheless we were able to get two species identified. The Setwings are named for their habit of perching with their wings set at a downward angle. This one has a pretty purple hue. 

Eastern Pondhawk

Eastern Pondhawks are interesting as they all start out life green, But males slowly take on a blue coloring, starting at the back of their abdomen. Eventually this one will be entirely blue, except for its face. 

The one snake we saw was an Indigo Snake. This is a common snake in some areas of south Texas, and they can grow to 8' in length. One of their claims to fame is that they eat other snakes, including rattlesnakes!!  So they are good to have around. 

This one was young, and only about two-feet long. It was also very "crooked" looking, and we don't know why. Hungry maybe?

Here's looking at you snake!

Mark