A Look At Some Of N.E. Ohio's Aquatic Habitats-15 to 80 mins. from D.T. Cleve!

 

 

Hi, I really could not find thread where this topic would fit perfectly, but I will attempt to make it fit in this one. How about "Urban-Aquatic-Ohio?"  :lol:

 

The link below is a story that explores many streams in North East Ohio, all within a 60-80 minute jaunt of downtown Cleveland. The story highlights some of the lesser known native fishes of our region.

 

I have another story that has more spectacular photos, but will post that here later. This story was done several years ago, but these fishes are still here...and very much a part of our natural heritage. It is really amazing what you can find within just a 15 to 80 minute journey outside the center of Cleveland and in the highly developed world of N.E. Ohio. Ohio, in general, is a part of what is considered the most diverse temperate freshwater fish fauna in the world.

 

Just 45 minutes to the east, several years ago, the thought-to-be extirpated in Ohio--Mountain Brook Trout--were discovered in what was a rare hold out population in what has now become a part of the Geauga Park District. (West Woods Park Preserve--on Rt. 87 A.K.A. Shaker Blvd?) Mountain Brook Trout are gorgeous and are a definitive example of what was truly wild Ohio. We are very fortunate to have such a splendid part of our natural heritage protected. Their habitat would have been another urban sprawl Mc Mansion development had it not been for the works of the district.

 

I could not post the stories with the links. They have too much material contained within. The links will always be there, as I keep them up and running. I will post more but I hope you enjoy the first two journeys into a small portion of Ohio's underwater world, a very rarely observed place. You may be surprised by the diversity outside of the usual game species. My next story will be about tributaries of the Cuyahoga--and the river itself. You may need to copy and paste the links.

 

http://jonahsaquarium.com/nanfa/2002%2D11%2D05ohio/index.html

 

http://www.farmertodd.com/NANFA/101202/

 

Below is a photo of the fish found abundantly in the Cuyahoga River watershed around N.E. Ohio and in the main river further south. Such habitats in which it is found, are remarkably diverse....AND remarkably threatened. The Rainbow Darter/darters are in the perch family and are considered an indicator species--meaning its presence suggests higher water quality. Also, this fish is the inspiration for my screen name!

 

 

Wow _ that is a gorgeous fish. I would love to scuba/Snorkle in Lake Eire  and see a fish like that. Is there such a thing as a fresh water octopus?

Wow _ that is a gorgeous fish. I would love to scuba/Snorkel in Lake Eire  and see a fish like that. Is there such a thing as a fresh water octopus?

 

Thanks for taking the time to check this out! Yes, you would be surprised at the aquatic life watching opportunities in a simple clear water stream with heavy forested banks. Swine Creek is great for this and the Upper Cuyahoga--many parts of the Grand River and Phelps Creek--even Rocky River and Tinkers Creek. There are some areas you can do this along the lake shore as well. You will find mostly round gobies, which are invasive and problematic for the lake. I know someone who catches some great underwater photos of the Great Lakes. I may post them.

 

No freshwater octopus here...BUT, there ARE freshwater jellyfish and sponges! They're rather a rare occurrence and usually found in very old, well established ponds that are either spring fed, or natural. There is one near Hocking Hills Ohio which has an abundance of freshwater jelly fish.

 

They look exactly like a sea jelly fish, (same goes for sponge) except very small--about the size of a dime. The funny thing about the darters is they resemble salt water gobies/blennies. Sort of a reminder of the ancient days when a shallow sea covered Ohio. Some fish, which became landlocked seemed to inherit traits of their salt water cousins. The character in personality many of these fish possess is very amusing! I brought this up because how often do we simply ignore that stream or river we may pass by everyday, not thinking twice of the diversity in life in such a small environment, or how they play an important role in our daily lives? Ohio has over 60,000 miles of streams--and actually, The Great Lakes are more of a functioning 'river system.'

 

To learn more about natives in North America, see www.nanfa.org

The Great Lakes are such a treasure, and I don't think respected outside of the state's that border them.

Here is a home made video (first one..second two, I do not know--but they are G.L.) of Underwater Lake Erie. Remember, the shallowness of the lake means that it stirs up quicker, so don't expect tropical reef clarity, as the lakes are basically large puddles left behind by the last glacier. The gobies are a problem in L.E. like the zebra muscles, wreaking havoc on native species food supplies. These videos give an idea of what it is like under the surface of the Great Lakes.

 

I often wonder what this habitat would have looked like pre-settlement. You would have seen sturgeon (A.K.A. The Lake Erie Monster?) over 13 feet, and Gar that would scare the mess out of you, for starters! A naturalist's dream!

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for posting these vids. At first I thought you were going to direct us to aquariums within 80 minutes from here. But this is an interesting point, that if you go just below the surface you can see some crazy fish behavior people might only associate with going to an ocean reef.

 

I had no idea we had a goby infestation! Considering how tenacious the saltwater goby in my aquarium is, I should not be surprised.

awesome thread. and thx for the info/descriptives etheo, even including your mention of the personalities of the various fish, which we dont think about, but it is true!

 

i'm looking forward to the underwater pix when you can post them.

The Lake Erie videos were a real surprise.  Much more tropical feeling that I would have expected.  Good marine life density.  Visibility was OK.  Add a 12 foot sturgeon and some prehistoric looking gar fish and you would have a real dive destination tourist attraction!  I know the wreck diving really is world class but due to the thermocline I expect it is really cold.  Although, I saw one of the divers with a bald head and no hood so it couldn't have been that cold.  Also, he was diving on a single tank so it probably isn't extreme diving.  I would like to know more about this and what if anything the local dive industry is doing to promote Lake Erie diving, marine habitat, etc. 

Thanks so much for the good feedback, everyone! I didn't even get a "where's the old tires and litter" comment!  HA! I have always felt it important to know what role this nation's freshwater habitats play in the ultimate health of our oceans, their interdependence, how rivers help construct beaches and so on. If you all get a chance, please read the articles in the links in the first post at the top. Also, if you want to see some great artwork featuring native fishes, see www.americanfishes.com And, for more information about our nation's native aquatic habitats, both fresh and marine, please check out www.nanfa.org I will try and post some great stuff on some of the prehistoric fishes of our region as well. I can even conduct a tour of streams if anyone is interested in going to see this stuff live--as it presents an even more brilliant perspective. Something so diverse and amazing, right under our very own noses...that we often take so much for granted. Anyway, thanks and stay tuned!

 

 

Thanks so much for the good feedback, everyone! I didn't even get a "where's the old tires and litter" comment!  HA!

 

i thank you for this cool thread.

 

....oh and blinky thanks you too!

 

 

just kidding, just kidding!  :laugh:

 

 

Here is a photo of The Central Stoneroller. It is abundant in N.E. Ohio streams in pools and calmer waters where riffles are nearby. Lots of these within minutes of downtown Cleveland. The average size I have obtained is up to 8" The Stoneroller, with its sucker-like mouth, cleans excess algae off of the stream bottoms, keeping the stream swept clean---and doesn't charge any extra taxes to do so!

 

It eats small crustaceans, worms, algae, and various micro-life on stream bottoms. In the spring, during the breeding season, this relatively copperish brownish fish (males) suddenly bursts into a handsome array of patterns and earth-toned rustic colors---A Copper-gold body with mottled black markings, white underbelly with orange fins trimmed in white and black... and a blueish head. Colors may vary with habitat and region. It also sports the horny head tubercles which helps this fish turn gravel to build a nest, and to compete for females. This can be a brutal time of year, when this small animal is looking for a wedding partner!

 

While watching with a mask and snorkel in spring, the courtship is an awesome sight and they have no fear of humans if you float like a log and do not create any sudden jerky moves. It is a busy city in "Aquatic-Urban-Ohio!" with so much "FIN-Traffic!"

 

This photo was taken by a one time associate of mine, Garold Sneegas in Kansas, who does a lot of photography in the streams of North America.

Awesome thread!

Stunning-let's go diving!

Hi again and welcome to another wonderful episode of "Aquatic-Urban-Ohio" Today, we shall start downtown and seek the "Emerald Shiner City"

 

The photos are older, all taken on location locally, BUT, the camera was not as good as the great digital ones. But, let's first start on top of the water...then go for a view underwater in shallows of 8 inches to 4 feet (looking straight forward into the photos is looking forward into the stream)...then we will look at some of the fishes.

 

They have great names with which you can exclusively cuss someone out with something like this..... "You're nothing but a NORTHERN HOG SUCKER...HORNY HEAD CHUB SUCKING...BLUNT-NOSED MINNOW... RAINBOW DARTING...STONE ROLLIN' SUCKER!!!" Yes indeed, you can swear using the names of native fishes without swearing at all....AND increase your vocabulary!  :clap:

 

So, without hesitation, here we go!....Let's start downtown and move outward... You will find these animals to have wonderful "fishonalities!"

 

In my next post, I will post a couple examples of native habitat replications in aquariums.

 

As someone did mention the scary looking big guys of Ohio waters, that are older than the dinosaurs---the following link contains an old photo of a fairly sizable Alligator Gar. Although not in Lake Erie (other species of gar call the lake home-long and short-nosed) it had a range reaching up into the Ohio River, but it is now extirpated in Ohio. The gar is considered a 'passive predator' and is by no means a means to scare you out of the water...However, they could deliver a serious bite! Also, if you would like a natural heritage T-Shirt featuring a tribute to the extinct fishes of Ohio (great artwork on the shirt) just contact me and I can send you the link. I wonder just how big some of these freshwater monsters actually were before human settlement on this continent!

 

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.magikglasses.com/cannibol/abodream/etcimages/gar.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.magikglasses.com/cannibol/abodream/pages/missing.htm&usg=__lQaUcbIgV6r0-U_X5-fmgA6e_TM=&h=410&w=719&sz=43&hl=en&start=4&um=1&tbnid=asQkNwTZCiZBDM:&tbnh=80&tbnw=140&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgiant%2Balligator%2Bgar%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1

That sunfish is unreal. Its like a mix of a couple of different South American cichlids in the aquarium industry (red parrot and Jack Dempsey).

 

Honestly I thought there were no colorful North American freshwater fish. Mostly gray on brown or brown on gray. Good post!

That sunfish is unreal. Its like a mix of a couple of different South American cichlids in the aquarium industry (red parrot and Jack Dempsey).

 

Honestly I thought there were no colorful North American freshwater fish. Mostly gray on brown or brown on gray. Good post!

 

Thank you! It is interesting you mention what you mention because that is always a common misconception---and hence why I post some of the photos.

 

In reality, what a lot of people forget when looking at fishes in aquarium shops, is that some are actually 'man made' for lack of a better way to put it (long story)....and many would never exist together in a natural habitat in the wild. There are just as many mundane colored tropical fish as there are colorful--in both fresh and marine---However, ONLY those that are eye candy are bred/collected, and sold on the market. So, it gives this impression that all tropicals are colorful. What we really see in today's home aquarium is usually an 'all-star' team of fishes from different parts of the world-- And often in a simulated habitat that would not exist. There are exceptions, though, the many who like to create bio-type aquariums to closely resemble a specific habitat with the appropriate species. Some do a 'species' tank, meaning all one species.

 

If you dive in any tropical river, or see under water photos, often is the case that it looks pretty plain, so the home version of a tropical fish habitat is often a pretty far cry from reality. Oh, and also, there are actually a lot of North American species found in today's home aquaria trade. The easiest example are some of the tetras of Mexico (Mexico, actually being part of N.A.)..and the platys and "rainbow dace"... Axlerod's catalog shows many natives. In fact, keeping natives was the original concept in aquarium keeping in North America.

 

What I have learned the most in keeping the native N.A. species, however, (by the way, North American species greatly prized in Europe Aquariums) is that I found myself learning more about, and appreciating a whole functioning habitat--as often we try and recreate the one where these fishes come from locally. I also found myself appreciating more about the animals than superficial appeals such as color---and this in turn, helped stimulate my involvement in the conservation for nature and all animals--whether we see them as ugly or not. I learned they all have unique purpose, function and individual character. I guess it had me becoming more of a 'naturalist' type.

 

But, as for those who like flashy colors, there are a myriad of native species that rival even the most bold tropical species--and this is always the pleasant surprise we are left with when learning about some of our local species. They boast a lot of earth toned rustic colors, and iridescents....and even bright ones such as the colors of autumn...all complimenting the woodland habitats and eco-systems many of these animals make home.

 

These photos are not enhanced. In fact, the best way to observe these species and appreciate them is to go on local nature outings and see the fish retrieved in viewer containers on a sunny day in late April or May. It is a challenge to bring out any true color on natives in home aquaria, though. If you are ever interested in learning about that, I can save that for another story!

 

Thanks for stopping by again!

 

By the way, the sunfish are what I generically call the "North American answer to Chiclids".....actually belonging to the centrarchid family of fishes. Oh, and if you look at the photos above again, you will notice that on the brownish fish, they boast a lot of interesting markings. The Hog Sucker is like the native version of the "Chinese Algae Eater"  found in home aquariums.

Here are two photos of replications of native aquatic/terrestrial river habitats in aquariums. The first is a close up of a simulated under water rock/soil riverbank with some branches hanging in the water.

 

I physically went out and viewed some clear pools in small creeks and rivers to get photos, then sampled the soils and rocks for color...then attempted to do all the artwork involved with matching the epoxy paints to match the real thing. Diatom powder mixed with the paint gave the surfaces a flat no shine look. This was actually a lot of work. I did another with concrete, to match a mud river bank and bottom.

 

The second photo, is professionally done and features a view of above the water near a river, as well as below. The photos never do these displays justice. They actually look more realistic in person.

 

The last photo is a friend of mine observing the amazing spawning ritual of many fishes. The water was about a one foot deep open clear pool in a stream about 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland. When we netted some of the fish, the breeding colors were brilliant! The water was crystal clear. Pretty cold, though!  :-o

You've piqued my interest in this.  If I decided to stock my home aquarium with local species, are there any local aquarium stores that have a good selection of local water flora and fauna?

You've piqued my interest in this.  If I decided to stock my home aquarium with local species, are there any local aquarium stores that have a good selection of local water flora and fauna?

 

Thanks for your interest!

 

Well, it really is a 'niche' kind of interest in the aquarium keeping world, such as reef keeping is. Few stores stock many species on a regular basis other than platys/black mollies/sailfins. There are others that appear seasonally. The best thing to do is first, join a field trip to the various habitats, as you will gain a better appreciation and understanding for their specif needs---as we are immersed right into the habitat of which they're from. That is a lot more than the store can offer in inspiring the new interest. It really brings out the field naturalist in all of us! And, you just may discover some really interesting surprises about the rivers woods and streams that contain the area's natural heritage.

 

You can join the NANFA discussion list for free at www.nanfa.org. to find out what to mix, what not, best diet, lighting, water conditions, and simply how to bring out the best in your native aquarium. You will have fun with this because you will become a lot more involved.

 

I will post a video of a typical native 'stream aquarium' but as I said, the videos or photos don't do the fish justice when you get the chance to see them outdoors in breeding season and in their natural habitat.

 

Also, these are cold water fish so there are advantages of not having to have heaters--But having said that, in order to be healthy, they need specific needs just like their delicate tropical reef cousins. 

 

The videos make the fish appear washed out in color and do not do this sort of display justice, but it will give you an idea on layout.... The aquariums are designed to create a high current as in a swift moving creek. Appropriate species are selected. Any collecting of fishes must be done in accordance with local laws. There are plenty of sources of information on that topic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the info and the examples.  I will have to look more carefully into this.  It sounds like it requires a lot of in depth knowledge to really do it right.

I will post a video of a typical native 'stream aquarium' but as I said, the videos or photos don't do the fish justice when you get the chance to see them outdoors in breeding season and in their natural habitat.

 

Maybe its completely OT but how are you making these stream systems? Does it take a custome tank? In a reef setup you usually shoot for non-laminar bursts or chaotic or swirling water. But many reef habitats have a flow like this, especially near the shore. What kind of flow in GPH would be in that 2nd vid you showed where the camera pans around the aquarium?

I will post a video of a typical native 'stream aquarium' but as I said, the videos or photos don't do the fish justice when you get the chance to see them outdoors in breeding season and in their natural habitat.

 

Maybe its completely OT but how are you making these stream systems? Does it take a custome tank? In a reef setup you usually shoot for non-laminar bursts or chaotic or swirling water. But many reef habitats have a flow like this, especially near the shore. What kind of flow in GPH would be in that 2nd vid you showed where the camera pans around the aquarium?

 

Well, those videos are of various examples of river tanks. Many have different ways of mimicking the flow of a river...and the calmer pool habitat in the same system. If I made a custom system, it would be a wide and shallow aquarium, maybe no more than 12" deep (this is for river tanks..not lake and pond, keep in mind) I would keep the flow going in a continuous cycle with the outflow at one end (drilled into the sides of the tank) and the overflow at the other. (overflow as in the typical reef system) The flow would be much stronger than a reef system...and I like to turn the water over 6 times an hour if I can. You could place pumps like the RIO 500's inside the tank to hide them..to make pockets of subsurface flow.

 

The flow should be obstructed here and there to make a riffle like effect as found in a creek--and to offer areas of 'pool-like' habitat, because even fish like this like to hang out in calmer waters for a break. I also place the internal flow pumps on timers, so as again, not blow the fish into smithereens!

 

The design and decor is the fun part, because you are trying to achieve as much as possible, a sort of cross section of a stream/pool habitat. Filtration options are many, and most commonly used ones are the old wet/drys and large Eheim cannisters, or have the main unit built in as I alluded to above with the overflow.

 

Lighting is important as we have to simulate a 'clouded daylight' effect... and make it appear as though sunlight is shining down into the stream through forested riverbanks. We also provide 'sunny' areas of the tank. The color of the lighting is important too, or the tank will either look to pink or yellow wit many standard aquarium lights...And that is not good! It is important, at least to me, to have the system in a room that gets a lot of daylight..BUT not direct sunlight, there is a difference. For temperature, unless you have a cold room, it is wise to invest in a chiller...keep the water around 68 in the summer..and down to 50's in winter. With that cycle, you may even witness breeding activity!

 

After all is said and done, they really are a great looking aquarium, when set up right. They can provide many educational challenges in aquarium keeping in their own right, as do the reef systems in theirs. I have often generically referred to small creek systems and their forested zones which are intertwined, as the 'inland reefs of freshwater' in that they are so diverse in life. Health of reefs and many ocean habitats are related to the health of our rivers as well. Once I got 'hooked' on them, I never looked back! I love going on trips to streams and rivers to add to the fun. These systems do not have to be expensive and you do not necessarily have to have the best to make it work and have the animals be happy and healthy. You can also incorporate a riverbank habitat as pictured above.

If anyone has ever thought zebra muscles were somehow a benefactor to Lake Erie in that 'they cleaned-up the lake'.... nothing could be farther from the truth....  Check out this great new video available on the following website "Green Planet Films" (also a clip) entitled: "Lake Invaders: The Fight for Lake Huron" The same threats are posed for Lake Erie.

 

http://greenplanetfilms.org/product_info.php?products_id=698

Is there any fish that would eat these things but not pose other environmental problems?

Wait a tick... freshwater jelly fish in hocking hills.  WTF?  I was not expecting that...

^^ Its an ongoing problem. Originally discovered in '88 in the upper Great Lakes, they arrived here via shipping from Asia--and do have a place in the food chain, but just not here. For a while now, several mechanical methods on how to control them from clogging up water intake systems has been implemented. To control them from smothering nesting beds for native fish and muscles and other native aquatic life, possible control methods have been discussed like poisoning (which I am not a fan of because of other repercussions) and even harvesting them for food! None of the native animals have been able to keep pace with their widespread and fast reproduction so they are likely here to stay, but definitely need to be curbed.

 

Introducing other non-native species to control this one is part of how a webchain can become so mucked up in the first place: (e.g. introduction of carp to control vegetation) Not a good practice. Remediation may simply call for more harvesting and prevention of further spread. Another big threat is the round goby where there are literally thousands that can be netted along the shores of Lake Erie. They have outcompete native sculpins for food among other things. Granted, the animals themselves aren't the bad guys. They simply hitched a ride via commerce on the lakes, (shipping intake valve systems, hulls, etc.) but the result is decimating the fish population.

 

Hmmmm.... invasives like this in water and on land (emerald ashborer) part of the high cost of global markets, I have to wonder. But we are not the only to experience problems with this. Old school Europe had their own share but the spread was not wide and in order to understand why, you can find that amidst the much information online like here:  http://www.med.wayne.edu/wayne%20medicine/wm99/zebra_mussels.htm where this professor actually mentions some benefits of them...but the negatives far far outweigh any benefits. His benefits mostly surround the study of the life cycle of the animal itself--but he maintains understanding their lifecycle and history is crucial to their  effective control. The particular website notes: "Then the invasion started.

 

Scientists believe that in about 1985, a freighter in Europe took on ballast water, giving the empty vessel the added weight necessary for a stable ocean passage to America. The ballast water also contained some zebra mussels, which have been common throughout Europe for more than a century. The freighter then traveled to southeastern Michigan and discharged its ballast water, along with the foreign stowaways, into Lake St. Clair, which connects by rivers to Lakes Huron and Erie."

 

Many native fish fed on the native muscles in the lakes--but these muscle populations have been affected by the invaders, hence decline of food supply and then a decline of fish...then a decline in anything associated with the independent fishing economy throughout the Great Lakes. The video outlines all this very well and there are several resources online which explain the details of the problem.

 

^^ Yes! There is a native freshwater jellyfish in Ohio...about the size of a dime and looking just like its saltwater cousin common jellyfish you see along beaches. They are indicators of very stable and quality water conditions--and are found in ponds.

 

A wealth of information on native fishes and other aquatic life for our Cleveland region and nationally for North America can be found at www.nanfa.org 

Here is an article in a recent TOLEDO BLADE publication. It is dated May 30th 2010 and features a great little part about the lesser known fishes in the Toledo Metro area and Maumee watershed. Many of the species can also be found in the Cuyahoga, so I thought I would share this on the thread. I had the opportunity to go on some fish field trips with Mr. Crail who has become a great advocate for our native fishes.

TOLEDO BLADE-MAGAZINE-THE OUTDOORS PAGE MAY, 30TH 2010

 

Bite-size fish!

Little fishes can sympathize with the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield, whose trademark gag-line was “I don't get no respect.” Little fishes so often are dismissed with a casual glance as “just minnows.” Big fish regard them as mere bite-sized morsels — as do fishing birds from kingfishers to the herons.

 

Read more by opening up the Adobe link where full color photos are featured!

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/assets/pdf/TO72357530.PDF

 

 

Some Redside Dace from Cleveland area stream. Indicators of higher water quality. Pollution sensitive.

 

 

Well, trying to load the photo...site won;t allow it...indicates I already have a file posted with the same name and hat is not true. I will try later, stay tuned.