Cahaba declared “fishiest river” in U.S. by National Geographic

To mark America’s 250th Birthday, National Geographic revealed this week a list of the “grandest, wildest and strangest bits of geography and culture” in all 50 states.

What did they highlight in Alabama? 

Birmingham’s own Cahaba River, declaring it the “Fishiest River.”

National Geographic based their pronouncement on the fact that the Cahaba River, which begins in Trussville and winds about 200 miles all the way down to near Selma, is home to more species of native fish per mile than any river in North America. 

“Residents of the Birmingham Metro area have the unique opportunity to live with the Cahaba River in their backyards and the public access to enjoy it. I’m always a bit surprised to learn how many people still don’t realize the world-renowned biodiversity it supports or the numerous ways they can enjoy it.”

David Butler, Executive Director, Cahaba River Coalition

Cahaba River has 135 kinds of fish

Approximately 135 kinds of fish reside in the free-flowing river, including:

• Goldline darter
• Crystal darter
• Rainbow shiner
• Cahaba shiner
• Spotted bass
• Southern brook lamprey
• Paddlefish

Brian Keener, director of the University of West Alabama’s Cahaba Biodiversity Center, called the Cahaba a global hotspot in the National Geographic story. 

In an interview with Bham Now, he added.

“The message is starting to get out that we are in one of the most biodiverse states in the country. But more than that, Alabama’s diverse geology and ample river system has fostered a radiation of aquatic biodiversity that makes it a global hotspot with the Cahaba River being the centerpiece of that stage.”

 

Want to read the entire National Geographic list? Visit their “Wonders of America” story.