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Can you eat fish from the Hillsborough River?
Florida’s freshwater and marine fish are generally considered safe to eat.
Are there catfish in the Hillsborough River?
Hillsborough River State Park has some unwelcomed visitors. An exotic species of South American Armored Catfish has established itself in the Hillsborough River. The catfish is believed to be a Pterygoplichthys cf. multiradiatus and was first observed by park rangers in the fall of 1986.
What lives in the Hillsborough River?
The watershed is home to hundreds of animal species and most of these species are common to Florida. Some include wood storks, snowy egrets, blue herons, alligators, snakes, turtles, river otters, bobcats, eagles and more.
Is the Hillsborough River freshwater?
The Hillsborough River empties into Tampa Bay, which is the largest open-water estuary in Florida. The fresh water that flows into an estuary is essential because it makes the quiet, shallow waters livable for young fish, shrimp, crabs and other animals.
What Florida fish are not good to eat?
o Not eat Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury. o Eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.
Are Florida catfish poisonous?
The sting of a catfish, whether a Florida saltwater catfish or one of many other species, is something you do not want to ignore. It is venomous and can lead to a serious infection. Before you head out on the water, make sure to take the proper safety precautions to minimize the risk of getting stung.
Can you eat Florida catfish?
If you’ve ever fished in the Gulf of Mexico you’ve likely encountered one of the more common salty trouble makers and you’ve probably wondered… The short answer is yes. You can eat saltwater catfish, but that doesn’t mean you would want to or should necessarily.
Where to fish in Hillsborough County, FL?
For saltwater anglers, the bite doesn’t get any better than along the banks of Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park or E.G. Simmons Conservation Park—catch snook, redfish, trout and more. Prefer freshwater? Land a bass at Edward Medard Conservation Park or hike into the 1,100-acre Lake Dan Nature Preserve and fish Lake Dan’s secluded boardwalk.
Where does the Hillsborough River start and end?
The Hillsborough River is a river located in the state of Florida in the United States. It arises in the Green Swamp near the juncture of Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties, and flows 60 miles (97 km) through Pasco and Hillsborough Counties to an outlet in the city of Tampa on Tampa Bay.
What kind of trees were in the Hillsborough River?
Trees such as water ash and water locust were able to quickly grow in the sun-lit spaces created when bigger trees were removed. The riverine swamp forest as it exists today has a much different ecology than the ecosystem that had existed along the Hillsborough for the previous ten to 15,000 years.
Where is Hillsborough River State Park in Florida?
Hillsborough River State Park includes 2,990 acres (12 km 2) along the Hillsborough River in northeastern Hillsborough County. It supports many Floridian environments such as swamps and oak hammocks and many endangered species.