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Underwater Fact 157

Filed Under: Bony Fish, Coral Reef by Sophia — Comments Off on Underwater Fact 157
June 13, 2017

The Longhorn Cowfish (Lactoria cornuta), also called the Horned Boxfish, is easily recognised by the two long horns on its head and it’s bright yellow body.

Longhorn Cowfish   © Aqua Marine Life

The eyes of the Longhorn Cowfish move independently from each other, so these animals are able to look in two different directions at the same time.

This slow-moving and generally peaceful species has poisonous skin and if threatened or stressed they can release a toxin into the water that may be lethal to other boxfish and various other organisms.


Boxfish Skeleton   © UC San Diego

Interestingly, the cowfish does not have an internal skeleton like other bony fish, but rather a rigid, hard carapace of fused scales from which the horns, fins, eyes, and lips protrude. This hard, shell-like body looks more like the exoskeleton of crustaceans and similarly functions as protection against predators.

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Underwater Fact 156

Filed Under: Lakes, Reptiles, Rivers by Sophia — Comments Off on Underwater Fact 156
February 25, 2016

Alligators are social creatures and often stay in groups called congregations.

Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that can’t control their body temperature internally. To regulate heat they have to go for a swim to cool down or lie in the sun to warm up.

Image © Chris Gillete for ‘The Earth’

There are two different types of alligator, which vary in size. The American alligator lives in the southern United States and can grow up to 3.4 meters (11.2 ft) long and weight nearly half a ton (1,000 lbs. or 454 kilograms). Chinese alligators are smaller, growing to around 1.5 m (5 ft) long and usually weighing around 23 kg (50 lbs).
They are traditionally found in rivers, lakes, ponds and swamps, but are now confined mostly to ditches and ponds on agricultural land. Much of their habitat has been converted to rice paddies.

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Underwater Fact 155

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August 9, 2015

During its lifespan, the beautifully coloured parrotfish is known to change its shape, colour and even gender.

Parrotfish sleeping   © Nikki van Veelen

Parrotfish are abundant in and around the tropical reefs of all the world’s oceans. There are about 80 identified species, ranging in size from less than 30 to 120 cm (1 to 4 ft) in length. All species vary in their colour and shape and each fish repeatedly changes throughout their lives, making it difficult for researchers to identify and classify the individuals.
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Underwater Fact 154

Filed Under: Lakes, Monotremes, Rivers by Sophia — Comments Off on Underwater Fact 154
June 8, 2015

Female platypuses produce milk, but their mammary glands don’t protrude as nipples. Instead, they secrete milk much like our skin secretes sweat.

Baby Platypus   © Faye Bedford via LandLearn NSW

The Platypus is a unique Australian species. Along with echidnas, Platypuses are grouped in a separate order of mammals known as Monotremes, which are distinguished from all other mammals because they lay eggs.

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Underwater Fact 153

Filed Under: Coral Reef, Sandy Beach, Sharks and Rays by Sophia — Comments Off on Underwater Fact 153
May 19, 2015

Despite its name the ‘Common Skate’ is nowadays extremely rare.

Common SkateCommon Skate   © Oceana.org

Skates are found in most parts of the world, from the shallow waters on the coast to depths of 2700 metres. They are flattened fish that look very similar to their well-known relatives: the rays.
The major difference between rays and skates is their reproductive strategy. Rays are live bearing (viviparous) while skates are egg-laying (oviparous).

The Common Skate or Blue Skate (Dipturus batis) is the largest skate in the world attaining a length of more than 250cm.
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Underwater Fact 152

Filed Under: Coral Reef, Sandy Beach, Squid & Octopus by Sophia — Comments Off on Underwater Fact 152
April 28, 2015

The Veined Octopus or Coconut Octopus is the only invertebrate known to use tools, and one of only two octopuses known to exhibit bipedal behaviour by “walking” on two of its legs.

Coconut octopus in Lembeh   © Marco Carnovale

Originally discovered in 1964, Amphioctopus marginatus lives in the tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean.
The species is commonly known as Veined Octopus, named after the distinct dark brown lines that branch over the mantle and down the arms of the animal. The edges of their arms are often darkened in contrast to the white-blue suckers.

Coconut Octopus   © franklin tom

Another common name for these molluscs is Coconut Octopus, which relates to a very peculiar and interesting behaviour of the species: it carries coconut shells and clam shells across the ocean floor and uses them to build fortresses.

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Underwater Fact 151

Filed Under: Bony Fish, Estuaries by Sophia — Comments Off on Underwater Fact 151
April 12, 2015

Spiny Gurnards feature large colourful fins and venomous spines that help searching for food.

Eastern Spiny GuarnardEastern Spiny Gurnard   © Klaus Stiefel

Gurnards, also called Sea Robins, are recognised by their beautiful large pectoral fins which they flap like wings, opening and closing them while swimming. This colourful display is mainly intended to distract predators.
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Underwater Fact 150

Filed Under: Bony Fish, Coral Reef, Rocky Shore, Sandy Beach by Sophia — Comments Off on Underwater Fact 150
February 18, 2015

Lionfish are venomous, not poisonous – there is a difference.

Pterois640Lionfish   © Sophia Volzke

Although both venomous and poisonous animals produce a toxin that can be harmful to other organisms, the method of delivery is different. Venomous organisms use a specific apparatus like spines or teeth to inject their toxin. Poisonous organisms, on the other hand, require their victim to ingest or absorb the toxin.

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Underwater Fact 149

Filed Under: Pinnipeds, Polar Sea by Sophia — Comments Off on Underwater Fact 149
December 8, 2014

The tusks of a Walrus can reach up to 1 metre in length.

Pacific Walrus   © Jason Everett

Walruses are distinguished by their long white tusks, grizzly looking whiskers and large bodies which are filled with blubber. Their habitat around the Arctic Circle requires special equipment for survival.

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Underwater Fact 148

Filed Under: Marine Birds, Polar Sea by Sophia — Comments Off on Underwater Fact 148
November 6, 2014

Innovative technology allows researchers to learn more about the fascinating world of Emperor Penguins.

Brooding emperor penguin with its chick approached by a rover…   © Nature Methods

Investigating wild animals has always been a challenge to researchers. Especially when dealing with shy animals like penguins. When humans approach, Emperor Penguins normally back away and their heart rate goes up. That’s not what the scientists need when they want to check heart rate, health and other penguin parameters.
Consequently, a group of international scientists have created a remote control rover disguised as a chick to snuggle up to penguins in Adelie Land, Antarctica – the same place where the 2005 documentary March of the Penguins, was filmed.

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