Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Eels and Snappers

Working on a two-pond renovation project and was surprised to see all of the eels and snapping turtles buried in up to three feet of muck (clay) in the bottom of each. Both ponds dry up completely in most summers but have stayed just wet enough for the cows to drink out of this year. We have been very fortunate this year compared to most on our rainfall totals in Grimes County. Question is how long can the snappers and eels survive buried in three feet of muck? I have owned the property for ten years and had no idea the eels even existed. Is this where the LMB get there craving for plastic worms?

I found out after talking to Todd Overton what I had was actually Lesser Sirens and not eels. They are a species of aquatic salamander native to the eastern United States and northern Mexico. Like lung fish they can burrow down in the mud and form a cocoon, surviving for months until water is plentiful again. Has anybody else ever seen one?

they look like a great bait , i know that much!!!
Cool looking things, mother nature always looks after her own.Wow cacoons huh.

They're common here in crawfish ponds and ditches. Crawfish farmers don't like them. Before you try to catch one, be aware they have sharp little teeth and powerful jaws. I find it interesting that there's a snake that specializes in eating them. The docile, harmless red and black mud snake can actually overpower and swallow them.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c394/bobad/P5060010_cr.jpg