Fish of the Week!

Latest Episodes:

Big Skates: Roombas of the Ocean Jun 06, 2022

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Meet the largest skate in the waters off North America with a very clever name (Big Skate). These "Roombas of the ocean" can reach the size of an average (but very flat!) man and also have super-sized mermaid purses that hold multiple embryos. Our guest Thomas Farrugia walks us through the basic differences between skates and rays and then we dive into the specifics of this very cool fish.

Bigmouth Buffalo: Misunderstood Centenarian Fish May 30, 2022

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This exceptional fish can live to be well over 100 years old and still be advancing into its prime as it approaches centenarian status! Reaching a size equivalent to a 4th grader, this misunderstood member of the sucker family is often confused with non-native carp. Learn how to tell the difference and really get to know this very cool North American-made fish. Tyler Winter and Alec Lackmann are guests

Gambusia (Mosquitofish) May 23, 2022

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No guests, just two friendly fish nerds chatting about gambusia. This mosquito-killing, live-birthing relative of popular aquarium fish like guppies, mollies, platys and swordtails has a fish tale for you! (and a very modified anal fin called a gonopodium). At the very least, you're going to learn a couple new words for Scrabble.

American Shad: Running Silver May 16, 2022

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American shad/Oh the migrations you've had/Rivers ran silver. Katrina and Guy talk migratory fish, rivers and history with John Waldman, an aquatic conservation biologist, writer, and professor.

Redeye Bass: "Trout of Alabama" May 09, 2022

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It's not just trout that live in beautiful places. Redeye bass (commonly called the “trout of Alabama” according to this episode's guest) can be found in clear, rocky, higher-elevation streams enveloped by vegetation like mountain laurel and rhododendron. Matt Lewis from Auburn University School of Fisheries helps us dig into redeye bass species and how to best experience this very spectacular group/complex of fishes!

Moi of Molokai (Pacific Threadfin) May 02, 2022

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Uncle Mac Poepoe and Hi'ilei Kawelo share their Hawaiian perspectives about Moi (Pacific Threadfin) and the fishponds of Molokai.

Bowfin: Beauty Beneath the Bow Apr 25, 2022

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Katrina and Guy talk talk bowfin with Tony Brady from Welaka National Fish Hatchery in Florida. This aggressive, neat fish is the only living member of the order Amiiformes, and has been making a living on Earth since about when the first birds are seen in the fossil record. Listeners will come away with a greater appreciation for this sometimes underappreciated fish!

Pacific Footballfish: A Deep Sea Treasure Apr 18, 2022

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This big, black blob of a fish comes with its own fishing rod! Dr. Ben Frable (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) and Dr. Bill Ludt (Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County) join Katrina and Guy for a lively discussion about the ecology and behavior of this deep-sea anglerfish species (and what to do if you find one on the beach).

Ugiidatli (Sicklefin Redhorse): A Cherokee Perspective Apr 11, 2022

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The Cherokee people call this large southeastern fish Ugiidatli ("wears/has a feather"). Redhorses, including the Sicklefin, are also sometimes referred to as the "salmon of the south" due to their spawning migrations, size, and importance. Hear Indigenous perspectives about this culturally-significant fish, the rivers they inhabit, and how to help support endangered languages by learning and using Indigenous fish and place names. Caleb Hickman (a citizen of the Cherokee Nation/biologist with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) and Michael LaVoie (Natural Resources Manager for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) are guests.

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/story/fish-wears-feather

Rio Grande Suckers Apr 04, 2022

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When Gunnison sage-grouse are all puffed up and strutting their stuff on the lekking grounds, the Rio Grande Sucker is putting on its coat and getting ready for the big dance. Cole Brittain and Paul Jones join from Colorado to talk about this fish and the amazing place it calls home.

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