Estuarine Biology

Estuary Patuxent: A River and Its Life

The Natural Environment of the Chesapeake Bay encompasses a rich diversity of life inhabiting the largest Estuary in America. Here you will be able to view many local species of fish and invertebrates that live in the waters of the rivers and bay, as well as visit a living salt marsh, see otters at play, and learn about the dangers of invasive species.

What's in the Gallery

The Estuarium hosts many of the aquatic inhabitants of the Chesapeake region. The waters of the Chesapeake are considered to be an Estuary because they serve as a nursery grounds for many fish and invertebrates, including the popular stripe bass (Morone saxatilis) and blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). These animals are euryhaline animals, meaning they adapt well to the wide range of salinities in the bay. The Chesapeake Bay ranges from nearly fresh water, where the 11 major fresh water rivers flow into the bay, to very salty, where the bay ends its journey flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.

When you visit the Estuarium you will get a close up look at many of the Chesapeake Bay inhabitants from some of the smallest critters, like gobies and local seahorses, to the fearsome invasive Snakehead species, captured right in the Potomac River. You will also see some of the bay’s more common species like the Rockfish, blue crab, spot, croaker, and red drum.

 

Eco Invaders

This exhibit, found at the end of the Gallery, gives us a new perspective on our role in the ecosystem – the unintended consequences of introducing non-native species into the environment. The exhibit features live Northern Snakeheads made notorious in the 2002 Crofton Pond episode. It also highlights such familiars as the mute swan, nutria, kudzu, and the ubiquitous Phragmites that has taken over so much of the Chesapeake marsh, as well as such common neighbors as sparrows and rats. Special lighting and impressive original illustrations add to the drama of this provocative story.

River Otters

One of our most popular exhibits is the River Otter Habitat located outside. Enjoy watching our playful otters, Bubbles and Squeak, swimming, chasing each other, or romping through the sand. Otters abound in the tidal creeks and rivers of the Chesapeake, but are rarely seen because they are active primarily at dawn and dusk. During the day they rest in their dens, and when confronted quickly dart underwater and swim to a secluded area. As top predators in the food chain, they have a good life. Extremely strong for their weight, and fast swimmers thanks to their streamlined bodies and webbed feet, they easily capture fish, frogs, and snakes for food. Our otters have a slightly different diet.  Besides fish, they enjoy things like shrimp, boiled eggs, carrots, peanuts, grapes and dried banana chips. At 4:00 p.m. the otters are brought in for their final meal of the day. You can then view them in their indoor habitat thru the window at the end of the Estuarium. They are also brought in on very hot days, so check ahead to be sure they are out.