Naturally Bexar

Fishing For Information

Aquatic Biologists on Salado Creek

Contact the San Antonio Water System education division for a free copy of a fun video about the critters in Salado Creek!

Review the questions you'll find here before you watch the video titled "Fishing for Information."

As you watch aquatic biologists from the San Antonio River Authority perform monitoring tests on Salado Creek, record any additional questions you may have.

For example, fourth grade students in Mrs. Hardin's class at Cameron Elementary wanted to know more about the device the biologists were using to catch the fish.

The answer: It's called electrofishing. A small charge to the water stuns the fish just long enough for the scientists to carefully scoop them up for analysis...then it's gently back to the wild. Good question guys!

You may also want to take notes about all the different species of fish that are collected for an informative writing exercise.

After you've watched the video, see if you can correctly answer the following questions.

Student Worksheet

This stretch of Salado Creek is located

O in northeast Bexar County.
O in south San Antonio.
O near natural springs.
O downtown.

A Long-Earred Sunfish has

O a blue tail.
O red dorsal fins.
O scary teeth.
O long ear tabs.

Corbicula is a clam that is

O a non-native species.
O overpopulated on the Salado.
O a good filter feeder.
O all of the above.

A seine is

O a type of fish.
O a type of rock.
O a type of streamside flower.
O a type of fishing net.

Cobble is
O tiny pieces of gravel.
O good sized rocks.
O a predatory fish.
O a type of bass.

Underwater bugs

O are totally gross and unnecessary.
O are good indicators of stream health.
O all bite.
O are very difficult to find.

Finally, describe or draw your favorite part of the program.

What's Next

Now that you know a little more about the creatures that call Salado Creek home, discuss with your class some of the things you might like to investigate on your next trip to Salado Creek, Bexar County's best wild waterway.

Email us
saladocreek@hotmail.com