Are there Freshwater Sharks in the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is the second-largest system of rivers in the United States and is known for the many species of fish that inhabit its waters. But, are there freshwater sharks in the Mississippi? The answer is both yes and no.
Though we may conjure up images of great white sharks swimming up the river, in fact, there are no true sharks that inhabit the Mississippi. What is present, however, are two fish species that are commonly referred to as freshwater sharks: the Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) and the Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris).
The Bull Shark, also known as the Zion Shark, is the only species of shark that can survive in both salt and freshwater environments. This species is found in the Gulf of Mexico, but there have also been reports of bull sharks present in the Mississippi River, especially during high water events. In 2017, a 2-foot-long juvenile bull shark was pulled from waters off the shore of Louisiana. It is not uncommon for these sharks to be seen in the tributaries of the river as well.
The Flathead Catfish can also be considered a freshwater shark because of its sharp teeth and predatory behavior. It is a large species of catfish that can reach lengths of up to 4 feet. This species is very common in the Mississippi River, but they are most commonly found in the lower sections of the river. There have been reports of flathead catfish as far north as Wisconsin and Iowa, though they are much more rare in these areas.
Though neither of these species are true sharks, they are both considered predators and can pose a threat to humans. If a swimmer were to find themselves in the Mississippi River and come across one of these fish, it’s best to leave it alone and get out of the water as quickly as possible.
Overall, it is clear that there are no true sharks in the Mississippi River, however, the presence of the Bull Shark and Flathead Catfish in the waters means that there is still a bit of danger lurking beneath the surface. As with all bodies of water, it’s important to remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.
Fishing for Sharks in the Mississippi River
Though there are no true sharks in the Mississippi River, fishing for the Bull Shark and Flathead Catfish is an increasingly popular activity amongst anglers. The Bull Shark is a highly sought after species due to its aggressive nature and propensity to put up a fight. They can be found in the lower sections of the river, and live bait is the most effective way to attract them. The Flathead Catfish, on the other hand, is an ambush predator and prefers live bait, such as worms and other smaller fish. Anglers who are looking to target Flathead Catfish should focus on the deeper, slower moving pools in the river.
Aside from the Bull Shark and Flathead Catfish, the Mississippi River is home to many other species of freshwater fish. The variety of fish that inhabit the river, combined with its size, makes it an ideal destination for anglers who are looking for plenty of action. Some of the other species that can be found include Bass, Walleye, Catfish, and Carp.
No matter what species of fish you’re in search of, fishing in the Mississippi River will offer up an abundance of opportunity. The river is one of the most iconic bodies of water in America, and anglers from all over the world come to take on the challenge of catching some of the largest freshwater fish in the country.
Conservation of Sharks in the Mississippi River
Though fishing for predators in the Mississippi River can bring a great deal of excitement, the conservation of these species is also of utmost importance. The Bull Shark and Flathead Catfish are both considered keystone species whose presence is essential to the health of their ecosystems. As such, it is important for anglers to practice catch-and-release techniques when targeting these species, as it will ensure their continued presence in the river.
In addition to practicing catch-and-release techniques, anglers should also be mindful of the habitats of these species. Bull Sharks and Flathead Catfish prefer deeper pools in the river with access to both open water and cover. It is recommended that anglers avoid targeting these species in shallow areas to help ensure they have a sufficient amount of spawning and feeding grounds.
Aside from anglers, conservation efforts in the Mississippi River are also being spearheaded by state and federal agencies. These organizations are leading the charge for clean-up efforts and better water quality control, as both of these measures are key for preserving the health of the river and the fish that inhabit it.
Management of Sharks in the Mississippi River
The Bull Shark and Flathead Catfish are both managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The Bull Shark is classified as a game fish, which means that there is a size and creel limit for anglers looking to target this species. As for the Flathead Catfish, there are no statewide creel limits in place at this time.
In addition to the state regulations, it’s important to be aware of the local regulations that may be in place as well. Many of the tributaries located in and around the Mississippi River have their own regulations in place that anglers should be aware of before they venture out on their fishing trip.
Overall, the management of these two species in the Mississippi River is essential for the preservation of their populations. Anglers should be sure to adhere to the local and state regulations in order to help ensure these predators remain abundant in the waters of the Mighty Mississippi.
Safety Tips for Swimming Where Sharks are Present
Though the presence of the Bull Shark and Flathead Catfish in the Mississippi River is generally low and poses little risk to swimmers, it is always best to take precautions when entering the water. The first step is to avoid swimming in areas where these predators may be present, especially in their peak hours of activity. In addition, it’s important to always wear some sort of personal flotation device when swimming in the river, as it can offer an extra layer of protection.
For those who are fishing in areas where the Bull Shark and Flathead Catfish are present, it is important to wear gloves when handling them. These species can be quite aggressive and have sharp teeth that can cause severe injury if not handled with caution. As such, anglers should always wear gloves when handling these species to help protect themselves.
Lastly, if you ever find yourself in the water with either species and feel threatened, get out of the water as quickly as possible and alert authorities. Though neither of these species are considered to be a major danger to humans, they should still be respected just as you would any other large predator.
Adaptations in Sharks to Survive in the Mississippi River
The Bull Shark and Flathead Catfish in the Mississippi River are well-adapted to their environment. The Bull Shark, for example, has the unique ability to adjust its saltwater concentration, allowing it to move freely between the river and the Gulf of Mexico. This species is also equipped with sharp teeth that help it feed on its prey, which are typically smaller fish, crustaceans, and even birds.
The Flathead Catfish, on the other hand, has an adapted sensory system that allows it to detect its prey. This species also has a large body, powerful fins, and sharp teeth, which help it power through the water to ambush its prey.
Though neither of these species is as well-adapted as a true shark, their adaptation to the environment of the Mississippi River means that they are well-suited to the challenges of life in the river. This makes them formidable predators and species to respect.
History of Sharks in the Mississippi River
The presence of Bull Shark and Flathead Catfish in the Mississippi River dates back hundreds of years. In the early days of the river, these species were abundant and served as a valuable source of food and income for many fishermen. But as with any species, overfishing began to take its toll and the populations of these two predators began to decline.
The decline in the Bull Shark and Flathead Catfish populations was significant, but in recent years, the numbers of both species have been on the rise. This is due, in part, to more awareness of their importance in the river’s ecosystem, as well as increased efforts from conservationists and anglers to protect and restore the populations of these two predators.
Though the populations of Bull Sharks and Flathead Catfish are nowhere near what they once were, their presence in the Mississippi River is a testament to their resiliency and importance to the river’s ecosystem. These two species have been a part of the river for centuries and it’s up to each one of us to make sure they remain for generations to come.
