Fisheries Biology Graduate Student Acantharchus pomotis, know commonly as the Mud Sunfish, is the most overlooked sunfish species. However, it is an important indigenous indicator of pristine blackwater habitats. Blackwater systems are one, if not the least, valued aquatic systems in our country. The careful handling exhibited juxtaposed to the necessary mutilation of this Mud Sunfish’s caudal fin pictured in “Fin Clipped,” is meant to symbolize the human relationship required to conserve habitats and species diversity.
Leah Vrydagh
Contributor's note: Leah Vrydagh is graduating with a B.S. in Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She loves taking pictures and even when she is in her graduate program she will always find the time to take a picture of nature, buildings, or animals.