Freshwater River

About Our Freshwater River

Our freshwater river is the centerpiece of our beautifully landscaped campus. Walk along the freshwater river from the top of the boardwalk down to our lower dolphin area. Check out the different species of freshwater fish and reptiles, including catfish, paddlefish, yellow belly sliders, and large alligator gar with unobstructed views.

See if you can spot Scrub, our 80-pound resident alligator snapping turtle, as it makes its daily trek from upper river to lower river. Or just relax near a waterfall and enjoy all of the beauty of our campus and the skyline of Downtown Gulfport.

Our Animals

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Shovelnose Sturgeon

Shovelnose sturgeon are
the smallest species found in North America, rarely exceed 5 feet in length.

They feed on insects and invertebrates using barbels to locate their food.

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Bluegill Sunfish

Bluegill Sunfish can grow
up to 9 inches long and are named for their blue-colored throat and gill cover, and a distinctive black spot on their dorsal fin.

They feed on aquatic insects, zooplankton, and crustaceans.

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Alligator Gar

Alligator gar are the largest of
the gar species, growing up
to 10 feet long!

They have an average life span is 35 years and have a lifespan of 50 years.

They can eat prey up to 25% of their body's length.

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Spotted Gar

These fish date back to the Cretaceous period, some 65 to 100 million years ago.

They can grow up to 3 feet in length and have a lifespan of up to 18 years.

Their swim bladder allows them to live in poorly oxygenated waters.

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Blue Catfish

Blue catfish are the largest species of North American catfish.

They are opportunistic predators who feed on crawfish, freshwater mussels, frogs and other readily available food sources.

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Alligator Snapping Turtle

Alligator snapping turtles are the largest species of freshwater turtle, weighing upwards of up to 175 pounds.

They have a worm-like appendage on their tongue to help lure prey within striking range.

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Gulf Coast Softshell Turtle

Gulf Coast softshell turtles
inhabit various freshwater sources such as rivers, lakes, marshes, and farm ponds.

They spend most of their day basking in the sun and foraging for food, preying on mostly invertebrates and aquatic insects.

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Lake Sturgeon

Lake sturgeon have a distinct shark-like tail and rows of armored plates called "scutes" for protection.

They can measure up to 6.5 feet long and weigh close to 200 pounds.

Males may reach 55 years, while females have been recorded living over 150 years.

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Large Mouth Bass

Large mouth bass are the state
fish of Mississippi.

The heaviest reported weight for a large mouth bass is 22 pounds.

They normally do not feed during spawning or when the water temperature drops below 41°F.

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Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth buffalo are native to the surrounding waters of the Mississippi River.

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Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are found in ponds, lakes and slow-flowing rivers. Mostly found in clear water near vegetation.

They consume a wide variety of invertebrates and small fish species.

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White Crappie

White crappies can be found in large rivers, reservoirs, and lakes.

The white crappie rarely exceeds 2 pounds, and typically lives 2–7 years.

Ways to Support Our Freshwater River

Adopt a Turtle

Make an impact and participate in the Aquarium's Adopt An Animal Gift Program.

Recipients will receive a gift box that includes:

Adoption certificate
Plush turtle
Animal fact card
Signed Thank You note from the Mississippi Aquarium team

Best of all, 100% of your purchase directly supports the health and well-being of our animals!

Learn More

Donate to Aquatics Enrichment

Mississippi Aquarium's animal enrichment program provides physically and mentally stimulating toys, activities, and environments for all of our animals. Enrichment allows our animals to demonstrate species-specific behavior found in their natural environments.

These items allow our animals to exercise control of their surroundings and enhance their well-being. Just like proper nutrition and veterinary care, animal enrichment is essential to animal welfare.

Learn More