Northern Water Snake

Northern Water Snake

Nerodia sipedon

Size: to 42"

Habitat: in and around water

Notes: Not poisonous, but likely to bite if caught, with sharp, needle-like teeth. These snakes retreat into the water at the slightest disturbance, and are excellent swimmers, although they show no particular adaptations to it like oceanic sea snakes. Common small harmless Garter snakes are also often found around water. Most sport some variation of an attractive pattern of yellow/black stripes.

Northern Water Snake

Rudderfish

Seriola zonata

Size
to 24"

Habitat
Coastal surface waters, congregating around any floating objects

Description
Juveniles ( shown, up to 12" ) are attractively patterned with six or seven dark bars; these are lost in adults, which are also much slimmer. Schools of small Rudderfish can often be found around boats, and even around divers hanging on the anchor line. Pilotfish are similar, but larger and retain dark bars throughout life.