LIFE BELOW THE SURFACE OF OUR ANCIENT RIVER SYSTEMS
Below you will find links to an array of aquatic animals that inhabit our rivers and streams. Although these digital databases are incomplete, we are working to expand them in every way. Please stop back by from time to time to see what we have added, corrected, updated, or expanded on. We greatly appreciate any feedback or advice.
"If you have remarked errors in me, your superior wisdom must pardon them. Who errs not while perambulating the domain of nature? Who can observe everything with accuracy? Correct me as a friend, and I as a friend will requite with kindness."
Carolus Linnaeus
Carolus Linnaeus
FishesThere are approximately 48 species of fish, representing 9 families, that inhabit the upper French Broad River Watershed here in Transylvania County. Several species, including redhorse suckers, are valuable indicators of water quality.
Although most people are only aware of game fishes such as the trout and basses, non-game fishes play a vital role in fish management. There are also an additional 9 species found on the other side of the continental divide, part of the Savannah River Basin. This includes Toxaway River, Horsepasture River, Whitewater River, and Thompson River. |
Freshwater InvertebratesInvertebrates are defined as animals that do not possess a backbone. This is the most diverse group of recognized animals on the planet. Those invertebrates that live in freshwater are of course termed "Freshwater Invertebrates" or "Benthic Macroinvertebrates", which are are organisms that live exclusively on the bottom. These include groups such as insects, crayfishes, freshwater mussels, fingernail clams, snails, and worms.
Macroinvertebrates are invertebrates that can be seen with a naked eye, and are a valuable tool for assessing water quality. Among this group are the aquatic insects, a very important group of animals for the river environment. Many aquatic insects are sensitive indicators of water pollution, particularly runoff from human activities in the form of nutrients and excessive sediment. |
Reptiles & AmphibiansThe French Broad River and its tributaries are home to several species of reptiles and amphibians. Although most reptiles are terrestrial, some are considered semi-aquatic and depend on our rivers and streams for food and shelter. There are several species of amphibians that are truly aquatic, living their entire lives under the surface. The ancient and imperiled eastern hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) is one of our most important aquatic species.
The greatest salamander diversity in the entire world is right here in the southeast, and more specifically in our region. |
"A river is the cosiest of friends. You must love it and live with it before you can know it." -G.W. Curtis
Below the surface of the flowing brooks, streams, and rivers of Western North Carolina is a dynamic world, an ancient world of aquatic animals, each serving a particular ecological role that results in a unique biological structure. We are fortunate to live within mintutes from headwater streams and rivers of three major watersheds within the southeastern United States - the French Broad River, the Little Tennessee River, and several tributaries of the Savannah River.
The French Broad River (FBR) begins its journey in Rosman, North Carolina where the north and west forks flow into one another out of Pisgah National Forest. The FBR is one of the oldest river systems in the world, predating the uplifting of the Appalachian Mountain chain over 480 million years ago, allowing plenty of time for life to adapt and diversify.
Our mission at Oxbow River snorkeling is to offer adventurous river snorkeling adventure to the public, while also developing an interest and passion in our streams and rivers. It is our belief that those who experience life below the surface will be more invested in protecting and safeguarding these special places. Healthy freshwaters are indeed one of our county's greatest assets.
The French Broad River (FBR) begins its journey in Rosman, North Carolina where the north and west forks flow into one another out of Pisgah National Forest. The FBR is one of the oldest river systems in the world, predating the uplifting of the Appalachian Mountain chain over 480 million years ago, allowing plenty of time for life to adapt and diversify.
Our mission at Oxbow River snorkeling is to offer adventurous river snorkeling adventure to the public, while also developing an interest and passion in our streams and rivers. It is our belief that those who experience life below the surface will be more invested in protecting and safeguarding these special places. Healthy freshwaters are indeed one of our county's greatest assets.