07/10/2025
A Great Blue Heron shows off its skill as a hunter, pulling a massive plecostomus (also called suckermouth catfish) from a gator pond in the Everglades. 🐟
Plecos aren’t native here. They come from South and Central America and are said to have been introduced through the aquarium trade. Now firmly established in Florida waters, they’re considered invasive. With their armored, prehistoric look and bony plates, they may seem fascinating, but they disrupt native ecosystems by altering habitats and competing with native fish.
Here, the heron reminds us that even invasive species become part of the food web, yet their presence still puts pressure on the Everglades’ delicate balance.
