The Zebra turkeyfish or Zebra lionfish, Dendrochirus zebra, is a carnivorous ray-finned fish with venomous spines that lives in the Indian and western Pacific oceans. This member of the scorpion fish family has thirteen venomous spines along its back, used to defend itself. These fish are slow-moving and peaceful, but can be dangerous. They have a habit of resting in places hidden from light such as under a rock or a piece of coral. They are immune to each other’s poison. They are solitary fish that aren’t afraid of anything, as they have no natural predators.

via wikipedia

On November 26th, 1986 fishing guide Mark Stevenson reeled in the state record, and it would stand for more than 5 years before being surpassed by an 18.18 pound bass caught by crappie fisherman Barry St. Clair. Though Barry’s fish was bigger, Stevenson’s bass is the heaviest bass ever caught on an artificial lure in the state.

Stevenson’s catch was also the inaugural entry into the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Bud ShareLunker program that solicits anglers to put giant Texas-caught bass on loan to be used for spawning and genetics research. Stevenson named his fish “Ethel” before handing her over to the TPWD. Ethel spent her life in a huge display aquarium where she became a popular tourist attraction. So popular in fact that Bass Pro gave her a memorial service when she died at 19.

Legends truly do last forever. Have a safe and happy thanksgiving!

via Lufkin Daily News