Cannibals in the classroom

By SANDY LONG

WAYNE COUNTY, PA — Children in some Wayne County classrooms are witnessing an interesting natural phenomenon lately, as the brook trout they have been raising since last fall through the Trout in the Classroom program have begun exhibiting a startling behavior known as cannibalism.

According to Dave Kaneski, waterways conservation officer of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, “This is where a select few trout in each tank seem to stake their claim on a particular area of the tank and assert dominance. They eat anything that comes near them. If nothing voluntary comes close, then the hunt begins.”

The process results in a rapid growth spurt, which often leads to additional cannabalism, noted Kaneski. “We refer to these fish as ‘two-tailed trout,’” he added.

Now in its second year, the program focuses on the importance of watersheds, as students learn about the connections between the trout, water resources, the environment and the roles that humans play.

Students participating in the program provide ongoing care for the trout, which they have raised from tiny orange eggs that arrived in late October 2007. When the fish have matured sufficiently, they are released into approved regional waterways.

Based on the progress of the trout so far, Kaneski predicts a release date for late April or early May. “There is not one big event that surrounds this program, but rather the amazement at seeing a tank full of near three-inch trout, after seeing a near empty tank with a bunch of minute eggs just a few short months ago,” said Kaneski.

Students, teachers and parents all become interested in the fate of the fish as the program progresses. “It’s pure excitement at every school,” said Kaneski. The program is arranged cooperatively through the fish and boat commission, the Wayne County Conservation District and the National Park Service.