What is this Fish?

Walldog · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 1:16 pm Post subject: What is this Fish?

While on the Bridge over Deception Pass, I took 4 photos of a fish. I noticed that it appeared to have twin or two tails. I have not been able find it online. Maybe someone on this group will know.

A link to 4 full size photos is here http://picasaweb.google.com/herb.stark/Fish?feat=directlink

Jack in Alaska · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 1:41 pm Post subject:

They could be morphed farmed salmon gone awry...........

FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS EAT FARMED SALMON.

TyBoo · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 2:07 pm Post subject:

I'm having trouble seeing a fish there. Even looking through the bottom part of my glasses. All I see are a bunch of baby Swamp Things.

Walldog · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 2:27 pm Post subject:

TyBoo · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 2:39 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Herb. Now I see the critter. I have no idea what it is, but if you took those pics from the bridge you have a great camera and even better eyes.

Walldog · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 2:42 pm Post subject:

Robbi · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 2:52 pm Post subject:

How big was this 'fish? If it was about 20 to 30 inches, it may have been a young harbor seal.

Robbi

Jazzmanic · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 2:54 pm Post subject:

Walldog · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 3:02 pm Post subject:

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 3:34 pm Post subject:

I think Robbi nailed it...

Walldog · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 3:34 pm Post subject:

OK I am convinced. I have been looking at videos and pictures of Harbor Seals. What's a rainy day for anyway?

" The harbor seal has webbed hind flippers that also have five digits. The first and fifth digits are longer than the middle digits and its hind flippers look like fans when they lay flat. It has a short, flattened tail between its hind flippers. The harbor seal moves its hind flippers from side-to-side to propel itself through the water. Harbor seals can swim right-side up or upside-down at speeds of up to 12 mph!"

I could not see front flippers and I remember thinking that sure is an ugly fish.

Thanks Robbi

hardee · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 5:33 pm Post subject:

Not a fisherperson, but my vote goes with Robbi. A low angle face shot would have helped with the ID, but "you do what you can with what you got."

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

starcrafttom · Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2010 8:30 pm Post subject:

harbor seal no doubt. I see them all the time in the sound and around the islands. if it was a otter it would have a long thin tail between two webbed feet.