19 replies to this topic

[Isaac Szabo]

The downtime of winter has provided me with some free time to sort through some of my snorkeling photos from this past year. The following photos are from my travels through Tennessee in June before and after the NANFA NC convention. Thanks to those of you who helped me out with snorkeling locations, especially Casper, who took me to a couple of his favorite spots. It was a treat to get to see these species, most of them for the first time.


Duck Darter. It posed nicely for me.


Northern Studfish. A large group was preoccupied with spawning activity in a shallow, sandy area. This was the dominant male of the group.


Caney Fork Darter. I was really impressed with these. It was my first time to see any in the spotted darter group. Their coloration was variable. I thought this one with red spots on green background was especially nice, and I followed it around for a while trying to get a good photo.


Caney Fork Darter. Others, especially the large ones, had a dark brown background instead.


Cherry Darters. Breeding pair.


Tricolor Shiners. Sparring males.


Loggerhead Musk Turtle. We saw several of these at the Conasauga snorkel hole.


Freshwater Drum. It was neat to see these. Though they are in Arkansas, I had never seen them before while snorkeling.


Coosa Crayfish. A very nicely-colored crayfish.


Coosa Crayfish. Closeup.

[Isaac Szabo]

Redbreast Sunfish. I think this TN form is nicer looking than the ones I'm used to in the FL springs. I like the orange tips on the caudal fin.


Bronze Darter. I found the prize!


Coosa Bass. Nicely colored for a bass.


Mobile Logperch. The common logperch species at the snorkel hole. Though we looked, we didn't see any of the rare Conasauga Logperch.


Spiny Softshell Turtle. This guy was buried in the gravel with only his head showing.


Alabama Shiner. Casper and I watched a group of these that had gathered downstream of us. Males sparred in the late afternoon light. This was the most impressive male I saw all day.


Clinch Dace. Undescribed species similar to the Laurel Dace.


Spotfin Chub. I went to a spot looking for Tangerine Darters and was instead dazzled by these. I was not really aware of this species beforehand. For some reason, I had never heard much about them. I have never seen a fish quite like them. They really seem to be glowing. Mesmerizing.


Snail Darter. It was neat to see this famous species. You can't really tell from this small photo, but it's pectoral fins are resting on a snail.


Tangerine Darter. I ended up finding my high-color tangerines at another site, the Hiwassee, with Casper. A very impressive fish. Large, colorful, and very friendly. Easy to observe and photograph, they regularly allowed me to within a foot or so. I was able to get very close with a wide angle lens for this photo.

[mattknepley]

Fantastic, Isaac. Absolutely beautiful work.

[trygon]

Very nice. One month to go.

[Casper]

It's an honor to spend time with Isaac. A master photographer indeed.
I enjoyed your captions too. Dazzled Connie and the girls.
I will send a link to the Snorkel Boss, Mr. Ed and Jeremy.
Wonderful bliss on a dull day.

[Sean Phillips]

Amazing pictures and great fish! Especially for someone who's only got Rhinichthys, Johjny Darters, and game fish in one of their local creeks!

[Josh Blaylock]

Amazing Isaac.....

Sent from my Nexus 5

[Isaac Szabo]

Thanks guys!

[Markart]

Spectacular as always. The Studfish photo in particular is a peach. And that Spotfin Chub is jaw-dropping. Thanks for posting Issac.

[NotCousteau]

Beautiful pictures!

[bbrown]

Stunning pictures! I especially like the studfish and snail darter. Thanks for sharing these.

[Kanus]

I've been staring at these for a few days now and still can't think of anything to say other than "WOW" "AMAZING!" and a large variety of synonyms. That's really all that can be said about these. Spectacular work.

[Isaac Szabo]

Thanks! Tennessee is a great state for fish, and I feel fortunate to have gotten to experience some of its beautiful and unique species.

I got lucky with the studfish. I have always found the big males to be pretty wary and difficult to approach close enough for good photos. The only two times I've been able to get good photos is when they were too busy chasing females to care much about me being there.

[Casper]

Thanks! Tennessee is a great state for fish, and I feel fortunate to have gotten to experience some of its beautiful and unique species.

Yes Sir!

I got lucky with the studfish. I have always found the big males to be pretty wary and difficult to approach close enough for good photos. The only two times I've been able to get good photos is when they were too busy chasing females to care much about me being there.

My experience as well. I once saw 2 males all puffed up and circling one another displaying and sparring, oblivious to my presense. No images as they were my pre camera days! Snorkeling offers so much more than capture and every state i have been in i have been able to find clear water. Look for protected watersheds, dams and springs.

Fantastic images, i have been sharing them with my friends including all my non fishy ones. All are dazzled.

I am looking forward to taking you to some of my special sites! 2015 is coming soon.

[Isaac Szabo]

Yes, I can't wait to get back over there. So much more to see. I just scratched the surface.

[Chasmodes]

I've been staring at these for a few days now and still can't think of anything to say other than "WOW" "AMAZING!" and a large variety of synonyms. That's really all that can be said about these. Spectacular work.

 

I couldn't say it better, only to add that I'm constantly browsing this site, and every day I find something fascinating.  Your photos blow me away!

[Isaac Szabo]

Thanks Kevin! There is lots of good information and photos in the archives of the forum, but it's not always easy to find.

[Matt DeLaVega]

http://gallery.nanfa.org/main.php

For good photos, spend some time here.

[BlueBlood]

Excellent work Isaac, great composition and coloring on all of the above shots! A treat to see in frozen winter!

[Isaac Szabo]

Thanks Eric! Spring is only a couple of (long) months away. Stay warm!