![]() Although Guilford Courthouse National Military Park preserves and interprets a 1781 battle that helped hasten the end of the Revolutionary War, it also contains some significant and interesting natural resources. Creek ChubsThe creek chubs found within the park were some of the largest ever seen by the biologists; some were as large as a small bass. A few largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were captured, but only one was larger than about 6 inches. Rosyside dace (Clinostomus funduloides) was one of the most interesting species found. Rosyside DaceInarguably the most colorful fish species collected in the park, the rosyside dace is characterized by vivid red coloration and a large mouth; much larger than most other minnows. Bluehead ChubAnother of the more common, and plain looking fish, was the bluehead chub. This species, like the creek chub, regularly live in small, headwater streams, and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Game SpeciesThe only two true game species found in the park were largemouth bass and black crappie. Most individuals found were juveniles, not adults, with the largest bass being only 7 inches long. SunfishSeveral species of sunfish (bluegill, redbreast, warmouth, and pumpkinseed) were also found in the park, mainly in Hunting Creek. The downstream location of Hunting Creek with the lakes in Greensboro County Park likely results in it having the most fish diversity in the park. MusselsWhile not a fish, mussels, which are indicators of water quality, were found in the park in Hunting Creek. Threats to these species include sedimentation, which increases in streams as urban areas become more developed. Eastern MosquitofishThe eastern mosquitofish is the only livebearer that was found during the survey. Livebearers, as their name suggests, give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Mosquitofish, also as their name implies, have been stocked widely as a way to control mosquitoes. Sucker SpeciesThe only sucker species that was found, the creek chubsucker is another regular inhabitant of small streams. It’s mouth is adapted for feeding on the bottom of the stream, hence its classification as a sucker. CatfishSeveral species of catfish (flat bullhead, brown bullhead, and yellow bullhead) were found in the park, mainly in Hunting Creek downstream of the lakes in the Greensboro County Park. These fish are fairly tolerant of pollution. |
Last updated: January 18, 2020