Brim in the Dead lakes

Question
While I was stationed at Tyndall AFP in Panama City, Fl. I met a taxidermist there who said that there was a brim that they caught in the Dead Lakes called a Hand Painted Brim. I thought that at first this was a hoax...then I ran into another taxidermist and he also siad that is where the fish comes from. The only place in the world. His fish was colored like no pan fish I had ever seen. But both taxidermist painted them almost alike. Could this be shear coincidence or is there such a thing.

Answer
Kenneth; While these beautiful fish are found in dead lakes they are also to be found in the lower Apalachicola basin which is connected to Dead Lakes.  I have caught them myself and they are one of the most exquisite fish I have ever seen.  They are not too common but it isn't too surprising to have one or two in any catch of lower Chipola and Lower Apalachicola rivers which includes Dead Lakes.
The Apalachicola River basin from the confluence of the Flint and Chatahoochee rivers is one of the only areas this far south that has the characteristics of the Apalachicola highlands further north.  There are a number of species of animals and plants that are found only here since the area apparently split away from Appalachia.  I read an article once somewhere that explained why this river valley was so different from the rest of North West Florida but I do not remember where or what it was.  It was an interesting article I wish I knew where I read it.

The definite answer to your question, Yes Kenneth there is such a thing as a hand painted brim and it is beautiful.

Thanks for calling on me to answer your question.  I hope this was what you wanted.  If I can be of further help in fishing related questions don't be hesitant to call on me.

I am

Jack L. Gaither (JackfromSeminole)
Lake Seminole, Georgia  (headwaters of the Apalachicola River)