Also, the fish in question could have been a small estuarine flatfish, the
Hogchoaker. These guys are pretty common in the lower Patuxent River and
throughout the Bay. they rarely reach 7" in length. The fish gets its name
because its scales are rough and spiny, and all the spines point backwards,
as do those of the fins -- so if it is to be swallowed, it must be done very
carefully and definitely, head-first!

Gail Mackiernan

on 02/09/2005 5:09 PM, George M. Jett at  wrote:

> Bill
> 
> Many animals crush their prey before swallowing it.  It goes down easier.
> I've occasionally see Great Blue Herons take well over half hour to do
> similar behavior as you observed today.
> 
> Get well soon.
> 
> George
> 
> 
> 
>