Goodson Pond at the FEC is a valuable resource that FMU’s biology department plans on using for teaching aquatic science and giving students hands-on experience in collecting samples and performing research on aquatic life. It has beautiful clear water that allows for easy observation by researchers.
Currently, the Fisheries Management class has been conducting surveys and analyzing data on the pond’s aquatic life. Management of the fishery will be directed by student led fisheries surveys and recommendations made during their course work.
FMU plans to allow public access to the pond in the future. Fishing will be allowed. However, the rules and details regarding this are still in development. Anglers will be required to fill out a form detailing their harvests to allow researchers to keep track of yearly catch and harvests.
If you’re interested in learning more about aquatic life at the FEC, information on all the confirmed species present are down below.
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Bluegill
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
Bluegills are commonly stocked throughout the state for fishing and consumption. They are a species of sunfish and are commonly found in most bodies of water within the state.
- Average Length: 5 – 10, up to 16 inches
- Average Weight: 3 – 8 ounces, up to 4 pounds
- Average Life Expectancy: 5 – 6 years, up to 11 years
Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Channel catfish have long slender bodies and range from a pale blue to olive in color. They are very common and found in most waterways statewide. They are stocked annually to allow for angler harvest.
- Average Length: 16 inches, up to 4 feet
- Average Weight: 1 – 1 ½ pounds, up to 55 pounds
- Average Life Expectancy: 14 – 15 years
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
This common and very popular fish thrives in all warm water habitats statewide. They can be easily identified by their strong jaws, which extend back behind the eyes.
- Average Length: 4 – 25 inches
- Average Weight: 1 – 3 pounds, larger examples are not uncommon
- Average Life Expectancy: 23 years
Mosquitofish
Mosquitofish
Gambusia affinis
These small silvery fish get their namesake from the insects they use for food. While not specifically native to the state, they are not classified as an invasive species and seeing them is not uncommon.
- Average Length: 2 ½ inches
- Average Weight: Less than 1 ounce
- Average Life Expectancy: 1 ½ years
Redear Sunfish
Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus
A nickname anglers have given this species is the “shellcracker” because of the teeth located in their throats used to crack the shells of their prey. They are commonly found alongside bluegills and largemouths in waterways statewide.
- Average Length: 6 – 10 inches
- Average Weight: 4 – 8 ounces
- Average Life Expectancy: 8 years
Warmouth
Warmouth
Lepomis gulosus
These fish get their name from their large jaws which extend beneath their eyes. They are found in waterways statewide.
- Average Length: 5 – 8 inches
- Average Weight: 2 pounds
- Average Life Expectancy: 8 years
Yellow Bullhead
Yellow Warmouth
Ameiurus natalis
Yellow Bullheads are a common species of catfish that can be found statewide. They can be identified by the distinctly white and yellow whiskers found on their chins.
- Average Length: 6 – 10 inches
- Average Weight: 1 pound
- Average Life Expectancy: 7 years
Other Aquatic Life at the FEC
American Beaver
American Beaver
Castor canadensis
Beavers are the largest rodents in North America. These aquatic mammals can be find statewide.
- Average Height: 8 – 12 inches
- Average Weight: 35 – 40 pounds, some may grow past 60 pounds
- Average Life Expectancy: 24 years
American Alligator
American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
American alligators are the only large lizard species native to South Carolina. Formerly an endangered species, they have since then rebounded with much healthier population sizes. Exercise caution in or around areas where these creatures are present. If you have an encounter or feel threatened, back away slowly and find a staff member.
- Average Length: 8.5 – 15 feet
- Average Weight: 200 – 500 pounds
- Average Life Expectancy: 35 – 50 years