Like a kite on a blustery day
I flap through the water my way
There’s a spine on my tail
That’s as sharp as a nail
So don’t step on the poor COWNOSE RAY.
When we hunt for a meal that’s delish
We travel in packs, but we’re fish
I might be a shark
But you won’t hear me bark
Even though they call me a DOGFISH.
Hey you! Don’t be wearing a frown
Look up and you’ll see me around
My long face gives my name
But my pride’s not to blame
When I swim I appear to LOOKDOWN
I walk tall when I cross the Bay’s floor
Down this deep there’s much more to explore
My sturdy steel shell
Resists water quite well
Stay dry in DIVING BELL on your Bay tour!
A schoolyard’s where fun games are played in
But we travel in schools when we’re grazin’
So please give us some props
Cause we’re good for your crops
Natural plant food comes from us MENHADEN.
My cousin from Scotland’s named Nessie
In Lake Tahoe my sister’s called Tessie
In the Bay’s storied history,
I’m a creature of mystery!
I’m a sea serpent! My name is CHESSIE!
Every Summer we float here to settle;
Our long tendrils test anyone’s mettle
Though we’re known for our sting
Causing pain’s not our thing
It’s not personal, I’m just a SEA NETTLE.
If a sook or a jimmy you nab,
Beware of your fingers, they’ll jab!
I’m a beautiful swimmer
And summer feast winner
The Chesapeake pride’s a BLUE CRAB!
We are skinny and toothy, we are
Some might say that we look quite bizarre
Please don’t laugh just because
of my long pointy schnoz
Life is hard when your name’s LONG NOSE GAR.
In China I was born and bred;
See how far my fish family has spread!
Some complain we’re invasive
I just think we’re pervasive
Land and sea are both home to the SNAKEHEAD.
In submersible size I’m a cub
I’m small but I’m big inside, bub!
There’s no chance that we’ll drown
When we’re five fathoms down
Take a ride in me! I’m BABY SUB
In the spring my namesake comes bob-bobbin’
And young lovers sweet hearts commence throbbin’
Don’t be absurd!
I’m a fish, not a bird!
Though I can’t fly I’m called a SEA ROBIN.
Fresh water or salt I submerge in
Though my eggs are something you would splurge in
I’m endangered, don’t eat!
Or my numbers deplete.
Please protect the sweet sensitive STURGEON.
Predators think that I’m a demure fish
or a meal fit for a restauranteur’s dish
When I get in a state
My whole body inflates
Big is beautiful when you’re a BURRFISH!
A fisherman’s friend I am still
On your line, I will give you a thrill
I’ll take up your bait
You won’t have a long wait
Your first catch might be me—just a BLUEGILL!
Pancake flat, but they’re also quite rounder
Than fish that are usually found here.
They feed on the bottom
It’s so hard to spot ’em!
They change colors to hide. That’s the FLOUNDER!
