(KNSI) — A sure sign the Minnesota State Fair is around the corner, the Department of Natural Resources’ fish pond and indoor fish tanks were stocked on Tuesday.
Approximately three dozen species of fish, ranging from sunfish to lake sturgeon, were added to the pond.
The fish pond features native species such as redhorse, buffalo, gar, and bowfin. Gar, in particular, is a popular sight at the fair. Gar are ancient fish, little changed since the days of the dinosaur. The longnose gar’s needle-like nose, suit-of-armor scales, and long body make it look like no other fish you might see in Minnesota. Longnose gar is found in shallow lakes and rivers in southern and central Minnesota. They can live in very warm water with little oxygen.
The DNR’s fish pond exhibit began in 1905 using aquariums purchased from the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.
The pond is on the south side of the DNR building on Carnes Avenue.
The state fair kicks off Thursday, August 24th and runs through Labor Day.
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