Scary Fish Lurking In The Depths Of Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes in North America, is a major sightseeing destination that draws visitors who enjoy its beaches, trails, islands, and more. However, below its shimmering surface lie some strange and scary fish that might make you think twice about taking a dip!

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Lake Michigan is home to invasive species like sea lamprey and alewife that can deliver nasty bites. It also holds large predators like lake trout, muskellunge, burbot, and smallmouth bass that have sharp teeth and powerful jaws.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the creepiest fish living in Lake Michigan so you know what to watch out for under the waves. We’ll describe their unusual features and behaviors as well as what makes their presence concerning from an ecological perspective.

Sea Lamprey

One of the scariest fish lurking in the depths of Lake Michigan is the sea lamprey. These eel-like creatures are native to the Atlantic Ocean but have found their way into the Great Lakes through man-made canals.

The sea lamprey is a parasitic fish that feeds on the blood of other fish, posing a significant threat to the ecosystem of Lake Michigan.

Appearance and Attack Strategy

The sea lamprey is a jawless fish with a round mouth filled with sharp teeth. They have a snake-like body that can grow up to three feet in length. Their slimy skin and suction cup-like mouth allow them to attach themselves to other fish, where they use their sharp teeth to rasp a hole into the fish’s flesh.

Once attached, the sea lamprey feeds on the blood and body fluids of its host, often causing severe injury or death.

The attack strategy of the sea lamprey is particularly terrifying. They are capable of killing multiple fish in a short period, as they latch onto their victims and drain them of their life force. One sea lamprey can consume up to 40 pounds of fish during its parasitic phase, resulting in a significant impact on the fish populations of Lake Michigan.

Effects on Other Fish Populations

The presence of sea lampreys in Lake Michigan has had a devastating effect on native fish populations. They primarily target species like lake trout, whitefish, and salmon, which are essential to both the natural ecosystem and the fishing industry.

The sea lamprey’s attacks weaken and kill these fish, leading to a decline in their numbers and disrupting the delicate balance of the lake’s ecosystem.

Efforts have been made to control the sea lamprey population in Lake Michigan. One of the most effective methods is the use of lampricides, which are chemicals specifically designed to kill lamprey larvae.

These treatments have proven successful in reducing the number of sea lampreys in the lake and mitigating their impact on native fish populations.

It is crucial to continue monitoring and managing the sea lamprey population to protect the biodiversity of Lake Michigan. Understanding the appearance and attack strategy of these scary fish and their effects on other fish populations is essential in implementing effective conservation strategies.

Alewife

The Alewife, a type of fish found in Lake Michigan, is known for its unique and rather eerie appearance. With its silvery scales and large, protruding eyes, it can certainly give off a spooky vibe. However, what makes this fish truly fascinating is not just its appearance, but also its impact on the ecosystem of the lake.

Physical Features

The Alewife is a small fish, typically measuring around 6 to 10 inches in length. Its body is characterized by a deep, compressed shape and a silver coloration, which allows it to blend in with the surrounding water.

This fish also has a large mouth and sharp teeth, enabling it to feed on smaller organisms such as zooplankton and other small fish.

One of the most distinctive physical features of the Alewife is its eyes. They are rather large and bulging, giving the fish a somewhat unsettling appearance. These eyes are believed to help the Alewife see in the dimly lit depths of Lake Michigan, where it resides.

Mass Die-Offs

One of the noteworthy phenomena associated with the Alewife is its occasional mass die-offs. These events occur when large numbers of Alewives suddenly perish in the lake. While the exact cause of these die-offs is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to changes in the lake’s ecosystem.

During a mass die-off, the decomposing bodies of the Alewives can create a foul smell and even wash up on the shores of Lake Michigan, alarming residents. These events can also have implications for other species in the lake, as the sudden increase in organic matter can lead to oxygen depletion and potentially harm other aquatic life.

It’s worth noting that despite these occasional mass die-offs, the Alewife population in Lake Michigan remains relatively stable. The fish is an important part of the food chain, serving as a prey species for larger predators such as salmon and trout.

Additionally, efforts have been made to manage the Alewife population to prevent overpopulation and maintain a healthy balance within the lake’s ecosystem.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Alewife and its role in Lake Michigan, you can visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website for more information.

Lake Trout

Size and Jaw Strength

One of the most formidable and scary fish lurking in the depths of Lake Michigan is the Lake Trout. These fish can grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals reaching lengths of over three feet and weighing more than 30 pounds.

Their size alone makes them a force to be reckoned with, but it’s their jaw strength that truly sets them apart. Lake Trout have incredibly powerful jaws, equipped with sharp teeth that can easily tear through the flesh of their prey.

This combination of size and jaw strength makes them a top predator in Lake Michigan.

History in Lake Michigan

The Lake Trout has a long history in Lake Michigan. Native to the Great Lakes region, they were once found in abundance throughout the lake. However, due to overfishing and habitat destruction, their numbers declined significantly in the early 20th century.

Efforts were made to restore the Lake Trout population, including the introduction of hatchery-raised fish. These efforts have been successful to some extent, and today Lake Trout can still be found in Lake Michigan, although their numbers are not as high as they once were.

For more information on Lake Trout and their impact on Lake Michigan, you can visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website. They provide detailed information on the biology and conservation efforts of the Lake Trout species.

Muskellunge

Sharp Teeth and Large Size

When it comes to scary fish lurking in the depths of Lake Michigan, the Muskellunge, or muskie for short, definitely takes the spotlight. With its sharp teeth and large size, this apex predator strikes fear into the hearts of both anglers and swimmers alike.

The muskie, which is a member of the pike family, can grow to impressive lengths, reaching up to 60 inches and weighing over 50 pounds. Its elongated body, covered in a mottled pattern of green, brown, and silver scales, allows it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, making it an efficient hunter.

One of the most intimidating features of the muskie is its mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. These teeth, resembling rows of daggers, are designed to grip and hold onto its prey, ensuring a successful catch.

With a bite force that can easily penetrate through flesh and bone, encountering a muskie with its jaws wide open is a sight that sends shivers down the spine.

Habits and Habitat

The muskellunge is known for its elusive nature, making it a challenging catch for anglers. It prefers to inhabit clear, deep waters with plenty of vegetation and rocky structures for cover. Lake Michigan, with its vast expanse and diverse ecosystem, provides an ideal environment for these cunning predators.

During the day, muskies tend to remain hidden in the depths, lurking near underwater ledges or submerged logs. They patiently wait for their unsuspecting prey to come within striking distance. When the cover of darkness falls, these nocturnal hunters become more active, prowling the shallows in search of their next meal.

The muskie’s diet primarily consists of other fish, such as bass, trout, and even smaller muskies. With its lightning-fast speed and powerful bursts of energy, it can ambush its prey in an instant, leaving little chance for escape.

If you ever find yourself venturing into the depths of Lake Michigan, be aware of the muskellunge’s presence. While they may be a thrilling sight to behold, it’s best to admire them from a safe distance. After all, you wouldn’t want to become their next meal!

Burbot

One scary fish that can be found lurking in the depths of Lake Michigan is the burbot. Also known as the “poor man’s lobster,” this unique species is a fascinating creature with some interesting characteristics.

Snake-Like Body Plan

The burbot has a distinctive snake-like body plan that sets it apart from other fish found in Lake Michigan. Its long, cylindrical body is covered in slimy skin, giving it a slippery appearance. Its coloration ranges from a dark olive green to a mottled brown, allowing it to blend in with its surroundings.

With a maximum length of about three feet, the burbot can grow to be quite large. Its elongated body helps it navigate through the depths of the lake, allowing it to move with ease and agility.

Nocturnal Feeding

One of the most intriguing aspects of the burbot’s behavior is its preference for nocturnal feeding. Unlike many other fish that are most active during the day, the burbot comes alive at night.

Using its well-developed sense of smell, the burbot hunts for prey in the dark waters of Lake Michigan. It primarily feeds on small fish, such as yellow perch and alewives, as well as crayfish and insects.

During the day, the burbot seeks shelter in crevices and rocky areas at the bottom of the lake, hiding from predators and waiting for nightfall to begin its feeding frenzy.

Research conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has shown that the burbot’s nocturnal feeding behavior is an adaptation to its environment. By feeding at night, the burbot can avoid competition with other fish species and increase its chances of catching prey.

The burbot’s unique body plan and nocturnal feeding habits make it a fascinating and somewhat eerie presence in the depths of Lake Michigan. So, next time you venture out on the lake, keep an eye out for this elusive and mysterious creature!

Smallmouth Bass

One of the fascinating fish species lurking in the depths of Lake Michigan is the smallmouth bass. Known for its aggressive nature and impressive size, the smallmouth bass is a favorite among anglers. Let’s take a closer look at this remarkable fish.

Ambush Predation

The smallmouth bass is a master of ambush predation. It is known for hiding in aquatic vegetation, rock formations, or submerged logs, patiently waiting for its prey to come within striking distance. Once an unsuspecting victim swims by, the smallmouth bass launches itself with incredible speed and precision, engulfing its prey in its powerful jaws.

This predatory behavior makes the smallmouth bass a formidable predator in Lake Michigan.

The smallmouth bass’s diet primarily consists of smaller fish, crayfish, and insects. Its ability to adapt and feed on a variety of prey items contributes to its success as a predator. The smallmouth bass can easily adjust its feeding habits based on the availability of food sources in its environment.

Effects on Native Fish

While the smallmouth bass is an impressive fish, its presence in Lake Michigan has raised concerns among conservationists. The introduction of non-native species, such as the smallmouth bass, can have detrimental effects on the native fish populations.

Studies have shown that smallmouth bass can outcompete native fish species for resources, such as food and habitat. The aggressive feeding behavior of the smallmouth bass can disrupt the ecological balance of the lake, potentially leading to a decline in native fish populations.

Furthermore, smallmouth bass are known to prey on the eggs and fry of other fish species. This can have a significant impact on the reproductive success of native fish, further exacerbating the negative effects of the smallmouth bass on the ecosystem.

Conservation efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of non-native species like the smallmouth bass on Lake Michigan’s ecosystem. These efforts include monitoring and managing fish populations, promoting responsible fishing practices, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving native fish species.

To learn more about the impact of smallmouth bass and other non-native species on Lake Michigan, visit https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/Programs/GLANSIS/nonindigenous/index.html.

Conclusion

While Lake Michigan offers unmatched beauty and recreation, it does harbor some frightening fish below its windswept surface. Being aware of invasive and predatory species like the sea lamprey, alewife, lake trout, muskellunge, burbot, and smallmouth bass can help inform water safety.

We hope this overview gave you some insight into the diversity of species making their home in Lake Michigan – including a few creepy creatures you might not want to cross paths with for a midnight swim!