Winter temps and as far as you can see
What Lies Beneath (Fieldwork conducted by Ellie Vartic
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Largemouth bass often seek vegetation, logs, or man-made structures to hide out in. With so many structures in Mammoth Lake Texas, it's no surprise that there is an abundance of bass!!
Top: juvenile
Bottom: adult
Photo by Jason
Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
Redear sunfish are often found near the bottom of warm water habitats feeding on snails and insect larvae.
Photo by Ellie Vartic
American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula)
The American paddlefish is classified as endangered with populations declining since the 1900's. They are a primitive species that has been around for 65 million years. Mammoth's largest is approximately 7 feet in length.
Photo by Araceli Schmaltz
Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi)
The Columbian mammoth is an extinct species of mammoth that inhabited North America as far north as the northern United States and as far south as Costa Rica during the Pleistocene epoch. If you are lucky you can spot our two mammoths moving throughout the lake!
Catfish (Ictalurus spp)
There are ten different species of freshwater catfish found in Texas. They are ranked as the second best fish to catch by fisherman, right after Largemouth Bass! Still NO FISHING ALLOWED at Mammoth.
Photo by Dominique Abbott
Marbled Crayfish (Procambarus virginalis)
This species is not native to Texas, but this little guy has been spotted hiding inside pipes and other crevices on structures in Mammoth Lake Texas!
Photo by Merrick Mainster
Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
This is one species in the lake that you definitely want to keep a safe distance from! Snapping turtles are not very social and can sometimes be observed burying in mud as a method of ambushing prey.
Photo by John Hetherington
Pond slider (Trachemys scripta)
Red-eared sliders are the most common aquatic turtle in Texas and can be found living up to 30 years old! Some older individuals are found with thick layers of algae growing on their shells.
Photo by Merrick Mainster
Green algae (Spirogyra spp.)
This filamentous algae forms mats on the floor of Mammoth Lake Texas and on different structures, providing a habitat for some invertebrates.
Photo by Ellie Vartic
Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersom)
Submerged plants provide habitats for different organisms, especially invertebrates, that are then consumed by other wildlife making them an important part of the ecosystem!
Photo by Ellie Vartic