All posts by traderscreek

Fish

Spiny Dogfish – Squalus Acanthias

Spiny Dogfish

General

Spiny Dogfish, Squalus acanthias, are small coastal sharks that can be found swimming in large packs. Their genus name translates as “a kind of sea-fish,” an appropriate fit for a species that can be found exclusively in seawater. Their species name is Latin for “a prickly thing,” referring to the characteristic spines found on their dorsal fins. The Spiny Dogfish is considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN due to a number of issues, including commercial fishing practices, the species’ advanced age at sexual maturity, and a long gestational period.

Description

Spiny Dogfish are small coastal sharks. Females tend to be larger than males, reaching average mature lengths of 30” to 42”. Mature males measure 24” to 35” on average. Adult Spiny Dogfish weigh 6.5 to 20 lbs. The maximum recorded weight of a female was 21.6 lbs.1 Dogfish living in northern parts of their range tend to be larger on average than those in southern regions.2

Spiny Dogfish have a slate grey to brown dorsal surface and white or pale grey ventral surface. Immature fish have a row of small white spots on each side of their body that reaches from above their pectoral fins to above their pelvic fins. These spots usually fade away with maturity. The edges of the dorsal and caudal fins are pale in color at birth. Spiny Dogfish are covered in placoid scales that are similar in structure to teeth. Each scale terminates in a rear-pointing spine.

Spiny Dogfish have an elongated and slender appearance. Their long, pointed, flat snouts are lined with nearly continuous rows of small, flat, smooth teeth (28 upper and 22 to 24) with deeply notched cusps and oblique points that angle toward the corners of the mouth.3 They have large eyes and narrow anterior nasal flaps.

Spiny Dogfish have two dorsal fins, each with a prominent anterior spine that is mildly venomous. These spines are used as defense mechanisms. The second dorsal fin is approximately two-thirds the side of the first. The pectoral fins are triangular in shape, with curved margins and rounded rear tips.4 They control direction during swimming. The pelvic fins (which aid in stabilization along with the dorsal fins,) are located nearer to the second/rear dorsal fin than the first. Pectoral and pelvic fins are located on the sides of the body. Spiny Dogfish, like other Squaliform sharks, lack anal fins.5 The caudal peduncle has low lateral keels. The body of a Spiny Dogfish terminates in an asymmetrical caudal fin.

The name Dogfish came from fishermen who observed this species swimming in large “packs” chasing schools of smaller fish. Spiny Dogfish are gregarious and form schools of hundreds, or even thousands, of fish. These schools consist of fish of one sex that stay together as they grow (although small, immature males and females may be found in the same school.) Schools of immature fish are typically found offshore. Mature females usually school closer to shore.6

Female Spiny Dogfish reach sexual maturity at 18 to 21 years of age and can live to a maximum age of 40 years. Males reach sexual maturity by 11 years old and can live to a maximum age of 35 years.7 The advanced age of sexual maturity combined with a long gestational period make this species especially vulnerable to over-fishing.

Habitat

Spiny Dogfish can be found on the continental shelf in shallow, northern inshore waters during the summer and deep, southern offshore waters in the winter. They inhabit temperate and boreal salt waters that are ideally 6° to 11°C. Although they prefer seawater, dogfish can tolerate brackish water.

Within their habitats, Spiny Dogfish are prey to by cod, goosefish, red hake, larger species of sharks including larger Spiny Dogfish, seals, and killer whales.

Location

The Spiny Dogfish is an abundant species that can be found on the continental shelf in temperate and boreal waters around the world. They can be found as far north as Greenland, Iceland and the Bering Sea and as far south as Argentina, South Africa, Chile, and New Zealand8 at depths exceeding 2400’.9 The Spiny Dogfish is a highly migratory species whose movements are determined by water temperature. They move to inshore northern waters for the spring and summer and to deep, southern offshore waters for the winter.

Diet

Spiny Dogfish are voracious and opportunistic eaters that have become unpopular with fisherman due to their tendency to chew through commercial fishing nets, releasing and driving away schools of fish. They swim in predatory packs and attack schools of smaller fish. Their diets consist of deep-sea fish species including herring, mackerel, haddock, capelin, squid, jellyfish, octopus, smaller sharks and shark egg cases, shrimp, and crabs. Because of their slender appearances in the spring, it is believed that Spiny Dogfish rarely feed during winter months.10

Reproduction

Internal fertilization occurs in offshore waters during the winter months. Early on in development, the female’s body secretes thin, transparent, horny shells. Each shell, called a candle, surrounds several ova within the ovaducts.11 Litters may contain between 1 and 15 pups (but on average 6 to 7,) with an average male to female ration of 1:1. The embryos develop internally for 22 to 24 months, known as ovoviviparous development. This is the longest gestational period of any vertebrate. For the first 4 to 6 months of development, the embryos receive nourishment from surrounding membranes. After these membranes break down, the embryos no longer have a placental attachment and receive nourishment from yolk-sacs for the duration of the gestational period. The young, referred to as pups, are born offshore during the winter months. The pups are born headfirst, measuring 8” to 13” in length. Dorsal spines are present at birth. To protect the mother from being injured, the pups’ spines are covered in sheaths of cartilage during birth.12

Notes of interest

Spiny Dogfish are used to make oil and fish meal and are commonly used to make fish and chips.13

Spiny Dogfish may also be referred to as: Blue Dogs, Common Spinyfish, Grayfish, Rock Salmon, Spiky Dogs, Spur Dogs, and White-spotted Spurdogs.14

Spiny Dogfish are caught with longline, troll, trawl, sink gill nets, and jig handline gear.15

Spiny Dogfish are a popular species in the commercial fishing industry. The industry experienced a peak in 1974 when 27,400 metric tons collected. This was followed by a sharp decline in the 1980’s, when only 5900 metric tons were collected. Commercial fishing of this species regained its strength in the 1990’s and in 1996 over 28,000 metric tons were collected.16

1. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/ichthyology/gallery/Descript/SpinyDogfish/SpinyDogfish.html
2. http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/bottomfish/identification/sharks_skates_ratfish/s_acanthias.html
3. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/ichthyology/gallery/Descript/SpinyDogfish/SpinyDogfish.html
4. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Squalus_acanthias/
5. http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/bottomfish/identification/sharks_skates_ratfish/s_acanthias.html
6. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/ichthyology/gallery/Descript/SpinyDogfish/SpinyDogfish.html
7. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Squalus_acanthias/
8. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/ichthyology/gallery/Descript/SpinyDogfish/SpinyDogfish.html
9. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Squalus_acanthias/
10. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/ichthyology/gallery/Descript/SpinyDogfish/SpinyDogfish.html
11. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Squalus_acanthias/
12. http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/bottomfish/identification/sharks_skates_ratfish/s_acanthias.html
13. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Squalus_acanthias/
14. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/ichthyology/gallery/Descript/SpinyDogfish/SpinyDogfish.html
15. http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/bottomfish/identification/sharks_skates_ratfish/s_acanthias.html
16. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/ichthyology/gallery/Descript/SpinyDogfish/SpinyDogfish.html

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/bottomfish/identification/sharks_skates_ratfish/s_acanthias.html
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/ichthyology/gallery/Descript/SpinyDogfish/SpinyDogfish.html
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Squalus_acanthias/
https://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/SpinyDogfish/spinydogfish.pdf
http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/publications/tm/tm203/tm203.pdf
http://www.personal.psu.edu/dys100/SharkLabNEW.pdf

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Shellfish Recipes

Fried Clams Recipe

Fried Clams

This fried clam recipe is a family tried and true. For years I would order fried clams when we would go to seafood shacks &  restaurants. My brother-in-law made this one summer and I was sold on it. You can use ipswich or razor clams but frankly my favorite clams are little neck or cherrystone. Anyway, try the recipe and enjoy.

Ingredients

2 quarts vegetable oil for deep frying
1 quart shucked little neck or cherrystone clams, drained
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup of milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup fine corn meal
1/2 Teaspoon. Old Bay Seasoning

Directions

Heat deep fryer to 375 degrees F. Use a cooking thermometer to manage temperature.

Combine the eggs and milk in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine flour, corn meal, old bay seasoning, salt and black pepper.

Dip clams in egg and milk and then dredge in the flour mixture.

Carefully slide clams into hot oil. Cook five at a time until golden brown, about 2  – 3 minutes. Drain briefly on paper towels or on a rack. Serve your fried clams hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce or cocktail sauce – however you like..

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Mammals, Wildlife

American Marten – Martes Americana

American Marten

General

The American Marten, Martes Americana, also know as the pine marten, is a member of the mustelid family, related to badgers, weasels, mink and otters. They are small, slender mammals known for their soft, shiny coats. The American Marten was widespread across the northeastern United States and Canada until hunting and forestry limited this species’ size and geographic range.

Description

American Martens are small predators with long slender bodies, pointed snouts, large eyes, and small cat-like ears. Their feet have curved, retractable claws and large pads (relative to their weight.) These footpads are insulated by long tufts of hair and make it possible to navigate across deep snow.1

Adult males reach a mature length of 20” to 26.5” (their long, bushy tails account for approximately 1/3 of their overall length,) and weight of 1 lb. to 2.9 lbs. Females tend to be smaller (weighing between .6 lb. to 1.9 lbs.) and lighter in color.2 Their long, soft, shiny coats vary in color between individuals (ranging from a light brown or red brown, to a golden brown or buff yellow,) with hair tending to be paler on their heads and undersides, and darker on their legs and tails. They have a cream patch on their chest.

American Martens are solitary animals and are most active at night. They are most often found alone in the wild and only interact during the mating season. Although solitary, they are also curious animals that have been spotted peaking through windows.3 American Martens do not hibernate and remain active all winter. To keep warm during cold months, martens tunnel beneath the snow and huddle amongst tree roots for warmth.4 American Martens are terrestrial mammals that are somewhat arboreal and accomplished swimmers (they are even capable of swimming under water.)

Home ranges of the American Marten vary in size based on gender, location and food supplies. Males’ ranges are approximately 3 square miles while females tend to establish ranges of less than one square mile. Population densities also fluctuate. A healthy habitat can support a density of .7 martens per square mile, while an unhealthy habitat may only support .2 martens per square mile.5

American Martens have complex systems of communication (chemical, vocal, and physical.) Like other members of the mustelid family, American Martens have anal scent glands that secrete a strong odor used to mark territories.6 They also use scent marking to highlight their arboreal trails. Their vocalizations include huffs, screams, and chuckles. Physical interaction is an important component of mating, and the relationship between a mother and her young. American Martens, like other mustelids, are believed to also communicate through body posturing.

The American Marten has a life expectancy of 17 years in captivity. The life expectancy of wild martens is not well documented; however, females in the wild have been known to breed at ages up to 12 years.

Habitat

American Martens can be found in mature, temperate northern forests at any elevation. They den in ground burrows, crevices or hollowed trees. Within their habitats, they are vulnerable to hawks, owls, fishers, bobcats, and humans.

Location

American Marten populations are distributed throughout northern forests of North America, from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia to Alaska and the northern Rockies. During Colonial times this species was abundant in the northeastern United States, including New York, Maine, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. However, loss of habitat due to forestry practices has limited the marten’s range. Reintroduction programs that were implemented in certain areas have experienced some success in population recovery.

Diet

American Martens are opportunistic feeders. Their diets are mainly comprised of small mammals but may also include seasonal fruit and seeds, fish, birds, insects, and carrion. They are terrestrial hunters who do the majority of their hunting on the ground at dawn and dusk. However, they have been known to chase red squirrels (a favorite dietary staple,) and other arboreal species through the trees. Martens attack their prey with a quick bite to the back of the neck.7 In the winter, Martens tunnel through the snow to hunt below the surface.8

Reproduction

The breeding season of the American Marten occurs between June and August. In captivity, females in estrus have been observed to have between 1 and 4 periods of receptiveness during a breeding season, each lasting between 1 and 4 days. These periods are separated by 6 to 17 days. Females in estrus use scent marking to communicate their sexual maturity and readiness. Their long courtships are active and playful, including wrestling and tumbling, and typically occur with more than one partner.

While gestation lasts for a total of 220 to 275 days, the fertilized eggs only develop for the last month of this period. Although eggs are fertilized immediately after copulation, they do not implant in the uterine lining until around February, in a process known as delayed implantation. A litter of 1 to 5 blind, naked young are born in a den of dried vegetation in late March or early April.

There is not a lot of information regarding parental care in the wild. Because the American Marten is a solitary animal, males are not likely to play a large role in the care of young. However, adult males have been observed with mature females and immature young in the wild, likely their own. Females are known to provide care and nourishment for the first few months of her young’s lives, until she leaves them to have another litter.

The young grow quickly. Their eyes are open by 39 days old and they are fully weaned by 42 days old. By 3.5 months old, the young are fully-grown and are left by their mother, who is ready to mate again.

American Martens reach sexual maturity by 15 to 24 months old.

Notes of Interest

The fur of the American Marten is very valuable. However, over hunting and forestry have greatly diminished populations in parts of their range and pelt collection is now controlled in some areas.9

The American Marten is sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Pine Marten, a name derived from a Eurasian species of marten.

1. http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/45531.html
2. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Martes_americana/
3. http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/45531.html
4. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/americanmarten.html
5. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Martes_americana/
6. http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/45531.html
7. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Martes_americana/
8. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/americanmarten.html
9. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Martes_americana/

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Martes_americana/
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/americanmarten.html
http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/45531.html
http://www.mnh.si.edu/mna/image

Mammals, Wildlife

Bobcat – Lynx rufus Information

Bobcat, Felis rufus

General

The Bobcat, Felis rufus, is the most abundant and widespread native wild cat in North America, named for its short tail that has a docked or “bobbed” appearance. The bobcat is an elusive mammal has been forced to become highly adaptive and can be found in a variety of environments because of habitat loss due to human development.

Description

Bobcats are nearly twice the size of a common housecat, they measure 26” to 41” from head to tail (the tail measuring 4” to 7” in length,) and 17.5” to 23” tall at the shoulder. They are named for their short tails that appear “bobbed” or cut. On average, females are smaller than males. Adult bobcats weigh between 11 lbs. and 30 lbs. Bobcats have long legs and large paws (1) and make tracks that are approximately 2” in diameter (about double the width of housecat tracks) (2). They can be easily identified by the short tufts of hair on their ears (similar to those of the Canada Lynx,) and long, striped ruffs of hair along the sides of the head that create the illusion of sideburns.

Bobcats have an overall brown, buff, or brown-red coat accented by a white underside, black-tipped tail and ears, and dark stripes and spots on the body. In the winter, their coats may grey or dull.3

Bobcats are elusive and nocturnal, making them hard to observe in the wild. They tend to be solitary creatures and only interact during the mating season. Their home ranges are between .5 and over 2.5 square miles, depending on the time of year and location. Male bobcats have larger ranges than females and tend to overlap their ranges with those of several females and sometimes that of another male. Female bobcat ranges do not overlap. Bobcats are territorial and use scent markers to distinguish their ranges and repel intruders. These scent markers may include urine, feces, anal secretions, scratchings, and scrapes (piles of debris collected by a bobcat and marked with their scent.) Bobcats also communicate through sound, although this is typically reserved for the mating season when bobcats produce yowls and hisses. In addition to communication, bobcats also use keen vision, smell, and hearing to navigate their environments and interactions.

Bobcats spend the majority of time on the ground but are agile climbers and can swim.

In the wild, bobcats live an average of 10 to 12 years while in captivity they may live as long as 32 years. (4)

Habitat

Bobcats have adapted to a diverse range of temperate habitats, including forests, deserts, swamps, brush land, mountains, and suburban areas (5). This diversification has been a necessary result of habitat loss due to development. They prefer habitats with minimal snow accumulation, since (unlike the lynx) bobcat paws are not adapted to navigate across deep snow. (6)

Bobcats build hidden dens in hollow trees, thickets, brush piles, and rocky outcroppings or crevices. While hidden, these dens can be recognized by the strong odors that tend to come from them.

Adults face few threats in their habitats other than humans. Natural enemies are coyotes, wolves and mountain lions. Their kittens are prey to large owls, coyotes, and foxes.

Location

Bobcats can be found across most of North America, from southern parts of Canada through Mexico. Within the United States, bobcat populations tend to be densest in the southeast (7).

Diet

Bobcats are opportunistic carnivores and fierce hunters, whose diets consist mainly of rabbits, birds, rodents, and small game (although they are capable of taking down prey much larger then themselves, such as deer.) They have also been known to prey on domestic animals – small dogs as well as outdoor cats. Bobcats are stealthy hunters, using sight and sound to stalk their prey. They wait motionless, then pounce up to 10’, grabbing their prey by the neck and biting through the vertebrae. If a bobcat does not consume its entire kill at once, it will cover the remains with debris or snow and revisit the carcass for future feedings.8

Breeding

Bobcats are solitary animals and only interact for courtship during the mating season. Breeding occurs once a year (usually in the spring,) during which time females may have multiple partners. After mating, male bobcats play no additional part in reproduction or rearing of the kittens.

Gestation lasts for 60 to 70 days, at which point the female will find a private den and have a little of one to six kittens. The kittens open their eyes at 10 days old and nurse for the first two months. Before the young set out on their own at 9 to 12 months old, their mother brings them meat and teaches them to hunt. Female bobcats reach sexual maturity by one year old, and males by two years.9

Notes of Interest

Bobcats are still trapped for their fur in certain parts of their range.

They are the most widespread and abundant wild cat native to North America. It is estimated that there are as many as one million bobcats in the United States alone.10 With that said, bobcats are quite rare in certain parts of their range, warranting hunting regulations and protection acts.

The Mexican bobcat, Lynx rufus escuinapae, a subspecies of Lynx rufus, is native to central Mexico and listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.11

Bobcats are also referred to as Wildcats, Bay Lynx, Barred Bobcats, Pallid Bobcats, and Red Lynx.12

1. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/bobcat/
2. http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/bobcats.html
3. http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/bobcat.htm
4. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Lynx_rufus/
5. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/bobcat/
6. http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/bobcats.html
7. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Lynx_rufus/
8. http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/bobcats.html
9. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Lynx_rufus/
10. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/bobcat/
11. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Lynx_rufus/
12. http://www.mnh.si.edu/mna/image_info.cfm?species_id=144

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/bobcat/
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Lynx_rufus/
http://www.mnh.si.edu/mna/image_info.cfm?species_id=144
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/bobcat.htm
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/bobcat/
http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/bobcats.html

Uncategorized

Flounder With Tomato Caper Salsa Recipe

Flounder With Tomato Caper Salsa Recipe

Flounder With Tomato Caper Salsa recipe is simple to make. The flounder can be broiled in an oven or grilled over the BBQ. Just keep it simple and for this recipe stay away from breading and frying the fish.

Ingredients:

2 Plum Tomatoes                                 1 shallot chopped
1/3 cup chopped Kalamata olives    ¼ Tsp. of crushed red pepper
3 Tbsp. capers                                      1 Tbsp. olive oil
3 Tbsp. chopped bell pepper             4 flounder fillets
1 Tbsp. of lemon juice

Directions:

Salsa: In a medium bowl add the tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, bell pepper, shallot, and crushed red pepper. Drizzle with the olive oil. Mix well, salt and pepper to taste. Set aside – it’s all done

Flounder: Preheat your oven on a low broiler setting. Spray a pan with non-stick spray (Pam) Place flounder fillets on pan and pour the lemon juice over. Salt and pepper very sparingly. Place in broiler – stay with it the flounder will cook fast.
When the fish is white and flakes take it out. Pour the salsa over and…Bon Appetite.

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Uncategorized

Poached Flounder Recipe

Poached Flounder

This poached flounder recipe is tasty, easy to make and is healthy.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. of flounder fillets            ½ cup sliced mushrooms
2 garlic cloves – minced          ½ Tsp. of paprika
1 Tbsp. of olive oil                     2 Tbsp. of fresh parsley
2/3 cup chicken stock
2 Tbsp. of lemon juice
1 Tbsp. of lemon zest

Directions:

Put the oil in a large heated skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook until tender. Do not let it get dark brown or burn – terrible taste. Anyway, once tender, add the lemon juice, lemon zest and chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and add the flounder and simmer   until the flounder can flake easily with a fork – about five minutes. Once flounder is done, remove from the skillet and place on a plate and cover with aluminum foil.

Continue cooking ingredients in the skillet until it reduces by about half. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender – maybe two to three minutes. Add paprika, salt and pepper to taste.

Cook another minute and remove from heat. Pour over the flounder, sprinkle on the fresh parsley and serve.