Sloshing For Fish!

Over the weekend we were watching this alligator sloshing around in the marsh trying to stir up small fish and crabs for breakfast. When utilizing this technique, the gators will often lunge out quickly toward the fish hoping to trap several along with a huge gulp of water. The alligator will strain out the water leaving just the fish and sometimes an unlucky crab as well! Look carefully at the bubble on the end of the gator’s nose…it remained intact during the entire event!

49 thoughts on “Sloshing For Fish!”

  11. That bubble really has me interested. Clearly, there’s something keeping it from breaking – perhaps some algaes in the water, or oils from the fish, or something. We often get bubbly slicks here when certain fish are feeding – might be related. In any event, it’s a great series!

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    • The alligators will often have sections of algae on their heads which they picked up from the nearby swamp, so who knows? It could be.
      Thanks for checking out these gator pics and glad you liked ’em!

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    • It does seem to be a very effective strategy which works well for our gator friends. 🙂

      I can get quite close. In a case like this the alligator will basiclly ignore me completely. It’s main concern is getting food and it likely makes a decision that I am no threat so it’s almost like I’m not even there.

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    • Thanks so much I’m glad you enjoyed these!
      Yes I’m thinking these alligators in this particular area have adapted not only to being very tolerant of salt water, but have also adapted their feeding techniques to suit their environment.
      Who says alligators are stupid? Plus nature is often much smarter then us all I think. 🙂

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