Underwater Wonders
Most of Arlington ’ s creeks , including Fish Creek , are home to a litany of aquatic plant and animal species . Discover the variety of wonders in the underwater world .
American Bullfrog
American Bullfrogs are found all around Arlington . These bullfrogs are not only incredibly athletic but are voracious eaters . The “ gapelimited ” predator is only limited in what it can eat by how wide it can open its mouth !
Photo 147117595 , ( c ) Sam Kieschnick
Photo 163590410 , ( c ) Owen Reeves
Spiny Softshell Turtle
Longear Sunfish
Longear Sunfish are found in small streams and creeks . Their name comes from their elongated opercle flap , which is always trimmed in white in adults .
Easily identified by its long nose and leathery shell , the Spiny Softshell Turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtle species in North America .
Red Swamp Crayfish
Red Swamp Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans also known as crawfish , crawdads , or mudbugs .
Photo 394837472 , ( c ) Brooks Oakley
Photo 245786848 , ( c ) Brandonbest
Plain-bellied Watersnake
The Plain-bellied Watersnake is a semi-aquatic , non-venomous reptile that has a diet consisting of mostly fish , but also toads , and salamanders .
Photo 450151394 , ( c ) Justin
Photo 226422998 , ( c ) Annabelle Corboy
Southern Cattail
Easily identifiable by their brown flower spikes , Southern Cattails grow in or along marshy wetlands . They do not survive well in dry conditions , and their roots are typically submerged .
Roseate Skimmer
Roseate Skimmers are brightly colored dragonflies that can be seen near open waters . Dragonflies spend most of their life underwater , in the nymph stage .
Water Moccasin
Cottonmouths , commonly referred to as Water Moccasins , are a native species of venomous pit viper . They can be identified by their hooded eyes and pixelated “ Hershey ’ s kiss ” pattern along their bodies .
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