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Lithia's
Wildlife
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Lithia
is host to a wide variety of wildlife above and below it's crystal
clear waters. Above the water on land wetland birds,snakes, small
mammals and amphibians are abundant. One does not have to spend
much time roaming Lithia's nature trails to find raccoon tracks
or evidence of other animals.
Below the water life is plentiful in it's abundance and contrast.
Many animals remain a constant at Lithia Springs. While others are
seasonal to inhabit this spring. It is well beyond the scope of
this web site to list all the creatures I've encountered while snorkeling
at Lithia. I've tried to compile a few examples of what you can
expect to see at Lithia on pretty much any given day. |
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Blue
Tilapia (Tilapia aurea)
The most noticeable of Lithia's inhabitants. Talipia are not native
to Florida. Imported to Hillsborough County from Africa and studied
as a noncompetitive, edible and catchable sport fish. They were
illegally taken from control ponds and stocked in private ponds
and lakes. Thus contaminating Florida's environment. They are now
a prolific and unwelcome inhabitant at Lithia Springs. |
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Redbreast
Sunfish (Lepomis auritius)
Absolutely beautiful member of the sunfish family. Can usually be
seen forming in small congregations with other members of the sunfish
family. Observed mainly in Lithia major these fish are not timid!
If you stand still in the water long enough the Redbreast will approach
with a seemingly careful demeanor. |
| I
sincerely hope to provide you with more photo's and descriptions
in the future. Some other inhabitants that you will find below Lithia's
water include. |
Atlantic
Needlefish (Strongylura marina)
Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus)
Florida Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides floridasnus)
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Mullet
(Mugil cephalus)
River Snail (Goniobasis Catenaria)
Spotted Sunfish (Lepomis punctatus)
Bluegill (Lepomis machrochirus mysticalis) |
| Many
other visitors and inhabitants are present at Lithia Springs. I
have seen many very large Snook, huge Turtles and Catfish. Thank
you for your interest in Lithia Springs. |
