Fish of the Week!

Get to know the Peppered Shiner: a beautiful little endemic fish that holds a special seat in the waters of Arkansas and Oklahoma, particularly in Arkansas' Saline River where it can still be reliably found. We discuss the habits and preferences of this fish, its place in shoaling communities and where it lives, and what people can do to help ensure it doesn't blink out. We also learn about the challenges of aging juvenile minnows and what questions still need to be answered. This week's guest is Clemson PhD student Mack Calvert.

Get to know the humble and overlooked little Bay Anchovy: one of the most abundant and ecologically vital fish in most mid-Atlantic estuaries. This fish is on the menu for everyone from Striped Bass to Bluefish, sea birds to marine mammals. Is it also on pizza? You'll have to listen to find out. Our guest, Brian Boutin from our Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, discusses the importance of this fish and coastal estuaries to Americans and myriad fish and wildlife.

Get to know the Golden Mahseer, a large freshwater fish native to fast-flowing rivers in the Himalayan region that feels the watershed-wide impacts of events like the recent catastrophic debris flow and flash flood in Nepal (this episode was recorded just prior to the catastrophic glacial collapse). We dive into the value of this fish and why it's important to think globally when it comes to learning about migratory species. Our guest Julie Claussen is a scientist and science communicator.

Get to know the biggest member of the genus Moxostoma: the Greater Redhorse! This impressive native sucker species is accessible, fun to catch, and not intimidating to handle. We discuss how sight-fishing and focusing on the up-close details and beauty of fish can inspire art and offer an escape from the daily grind. Our guest Devon is an avid angler, fish artist, and Greater Redhorse fan.
If you like this episode you might also like:
S2:E15 - Ugiidatli (Sicklefin Redhorse)
S5: E25 - Shorthead Redhorse
S6: E15: Golden Redhorse

Get to know an extremely tough desert fish found only in one lake in southeastern Oregon. You'll learn about its amazing ability to withstand both hot temperatures and high levels of arsenic, the history of the lake and its conservation, and what questions are still left unanswered. Our guest is Fred Monzyk with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Native Fish Program.