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Channel for lovers of rivers, seas and oceans. Dive with us!
Siamese Fighting Fish "Superdelta" 🥰
One of the artificially cultivated breed varieties, obtained through selective breeding of the wild form of Siamese fighting fish (Latin: Betta splendens). They got their name due to the unique shape of their fins in combination with a body that resembles a flying airplane symbol. 🐠✈️
These beautiful fish are known for their striking colors and impressive finnage. Males are especially ornate, with long, flowing fins and vibrant patterns. 🎨
Siamese fighting fish are native to the warm, shallow waters of Southeast Asia, where they have been bred for centuries for their aggressive nature and stunning appearance. 🌿🏞️
In the wild, these fish are territorial and will fiercely defend their space, but in captivity, they make fascinating and low-maintenance pets when kept in proper conditions. 🐟🏠
Ostracion cubicus 🐡
This fish has a distinctive cube-shaped body. In the wild, it inhabits tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. 🌊
Fun fact: The yellow boxfish is known for its unique swimming style, using its pectoral fins to move in a way that resembles a bouncing ball! 🎾
Did you know that the boxfish's bright coloration serves as a warning to potential predators that it is toxic? 🐍🔴
Thecacera picta 🥰
A species of sea slug from the family Polyceridae, order Nudibranchia.
This colorful nudibranch was discovered in Suruga Bay, Japan 🇯🇵 It inhabits the tropical western Indo-Pacific region, living on the outer slopes of coral reefs at depths of up to 60 meters. 🐚🌊
Thecacera picta is known for its striking appearance, with a white body covered in bright orange spots and lines. 🎨 It feeds on various marine organisms, including sponges and algae. 🍃
Interestingly, like many nudibranchs, Thecacera picta is hermaphroditic, meaning it possesses both male and female reproductive organs. 👫 This allows them to mate with any other individual of their species they encounter. 💏
A rare and tiny sea snail - Noalda sp 🐌
These fascinating creatures are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are known for their vibrant colors and unique body shapes. Noalda species are often sought after by marine biologists and collectors due to their rarity and beauty.
Dandelion Siphonophore 🌊
This is a type of hydrozoan polyp that forms long colonies consisting of numerous individual polyps. They have a beautiful shape and vibrant color, but are largely unknown to the general public. 🌈
Did you know that siphonophores are actually a colony of specialized individuals called zooids? Each zooid has its own specific function, such as feeding, reproduction, or propulsion. 🎈
These mesmerizing creatures can be found in both shallow and deep waters around the world. Their delicate appearance belies their predatory nature, as they use stinging cells to capture prey. ⚡
Pomacanthus paru 🐠
This majestic fish is known as the French Angelfish in English. It belongs to the Pomacanthidae family and is found in the western Atlantic Ocean. 🌊
French Angelfish are easily recognizable by their distinctive black and yellow coloration. Juveniles have a more vivid yellow color that fades to a dusky gray as they mature. 🐟
These angelfish can grow up to 15 inches long and are popular in the aquarium trade due to their striking appearance. However, they require a large tank with plenty of hiding spots and live rock for grazing. 🏰
In the wild, French Angelfish are found near coral reefs and rocky outcroppings, where they feed on sponges, algae, and small invertebrates. They are generally solitary or found in pairs. 🌿
An interesting fact about these fish is that they can change sex from female to male if the dominant male in their group disappears. This ability ensures the continuation of their species. 🔄
Chelidonura amoena 🐌
This is a species of sea slug, also known as the "head-shield slug", a marine opisthobranch gastropod mollusk in the family Aglajidae. These colorful slugs are found in warm waters around the world, where they feed on small invertebrates. 🌊🐚
Chelidonura amoena is known for its striking appearance, with a translucent body adorned with vibrant colors like blue, yellow, and orange. The slug's "head-shield" is a unique flattened extension of its body that helps it glide smoothly through the water. 🌈🏊♀️
Despite their small size, these slugs have a fascinating defense mechanism. When threatened, they can release a toxic mucus that deters potential predators. This allows them to move relatively safely through their underwater habitats. 🛡️🐍
Interestingly, Chelidonura amoena is hermaphroditic, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. This adaptation allows them to reproduce more efficiently in their often isolated environments. 🔄🔍
Ecsenius melarchus 🐟
This is a species of combtooth blenny from the genus Ecsenius. It inhabits coral reefs in the western Pacific Ocean. The maximum length can reach 5 centimeters. Blennies of this species primarily feed on plants, including bottom algae and weeds, and are popular commercial aquarium fish. Did you know that blennies have a unique ability to camouflage themselves among rocks and coral? They can even change their coloration to blend in with their surroundings! 🐠🌿
🐠 Bearded Goby
This fish belongs to the goby family and inhabits coastal areas in tropical and subtropical seas. Known for their distinctive "bearded" appearance, these small fish are fascinating to observe in their natural habitat. Did you know that there are over 2,000 species of gobies worldwide, making them one of the largest fish families? 🌍
A pair of Yelliownose shrimp steers
Most species of bull shrimp rest on the bottom at the entrance to the burrow. Others, such as these yellow-nosed bull shrimps, hover over the hole.
Orange Fragile Stars 🥰
This is a species of sea star. They inhabit rocky bottoms or coral reefs in tropical and subtropical waters. Their orange coloration helps them blend in with coral and sponges.
Fun fact: These sea stars can regenerate their arms if they lose them! 🦪✨
Sprinklerfish 💦
A monotypic family Toxotidae of ray-finned fish, known for their unique ability to spray water onto land or into the air to knock down insects, their primary food source.
Fun fact: Sprinklerfish are the only known fish species capable of this water-spraying behavior, making them a fascinating subject in the study of aquatic adaptations.
Starfish 🔥
Starfish are marine animals belonging to the echinoderm class. They got their name "sea urchins" due to their unique movement style: when they crawl along the seafloor, their arms twist in a snake-like manner. This name is a transliteration from the scientific name Ophiura, derived from ὄφις (ophis) meaning "snake" and οὐρά (oura) meaning "tail."
Interestingly, starfish can regenerate their arms if they lose them! 🦪✨
Elysia viridis 🦠
The green sea slug, a small to medium-sized marine opisthobranch mollusk belonging to the family Plakobranchidae. Despite its resemblance to nudibranchs, it is not closely related to this group of sea slugs.
An interesting fact: Elysia viridis can absorb chloroplasts from algae it eats, allowing it to perform photosynthesis and survive without feeding for months! 🌱✨
Interesting facts about sea cucumbers ✨
- On average, only 1 out of 100 sea cucumbers survives to adulthood. The rest become prey for other fish.
- Immediately after birth, the larvae leave their parents forever.
- They move very slowly on their own, so sometimes they attach to other fish and travel this way. Once they reach a suitable location, they detach and leave their "transport".
Did you know? Sea cucumbers can expel their internal organs as a defense mechanism and regenerate them later! 🦴
Wire Coral Crab 🥰
The Epialtidae family grows up to 2 cm. It inhabits wire corals and can spend several months on a single coral, perfectly camouflaged among them at depths of 20-35 meters. This tiny crab is an endemic species found in the Indo-Western Pacific Ocean.
Fun fact: The Wire Coral Crab's legs are specially adapted to grip the delicate branches of wire corals, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings. 🌊🦀
🌊 Portuguese Man O' War
A mesmerizing colonial hydrozoan from the order Siphonophora, its colony consists of both polypoid and medusoid individuals. It is distinguished as the sole member of the genus Physalia and the family Physaliidae.
🔍 Despite its appearance, the Portuguese Man O' War is not a single organism, but a symbiotic colony of specialized organisms working together. Its tentacles can extend up to 30 meters in length and deliver a powerful sting, even after the creature has died.
🌟 This enigmatic creature is found in warm waters around the world, drifting with the currents and capturing prey with its venomous tentacles. A true marvel of the ocean's depths! 🌊
Anemone Hermit Crab 🦀
Also known as the anemone carrier or anemone-bearing hermit crab.
Found on sandy bottoms and in seaweed beds, in bays, lagoons, and coastal reefs. Its shell is adorned with one or two commensal sea anemones to deter predators. 🌊
These unique crabs have a symbiotic relationship with the anemones. The anemones get a mobile home and food scraps, while the crab gets a natural defense against enemies. 🦀🌸
Interesting fact: The anemones can change color based on the crab's diet and environment, ranging from white to bright purple. 🎨
Phyllorhiza punctata 🪼
Also known as the floating bell, Australian spotted jellyfish, brown jellyfish, or white-spotted jellyfish, this species of jellyfish is native to the western Pacific Ocean from Australia to Japan. However, it has become widely distributed in other locations as well. It primarily feeds on zooplankton.
🌊 Interesting fact: Despite its impressive size, the Phyllorhiza punctata poses no significant threat to humans. Its sting is mild and usually causes only a slight itching or burning sensation. 🚿
Phyllodesmium longicirrum 🐛
This species of sea slug belongs to the family Facelinidae. It is a type of nudibranch, which are marine gastropod mollusks known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Phyllodesmium longicirrum is particularly striking, with its elongated, slender body and unique coloration.
Did you know? 🤔 Nudibranchs are hermaphrodites, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs. They are also capable of producing their own food through a process called kleptoplasty, where they absorb and utilize the chloroplasts from the algae they consume.
Chlorurus microrhinos 🐠
This colorful fish is known as the Steephead Parrotfish. It belongs to the family Scaridae, which are commonly called parrotfish due to their bird-like beaks. The Steephead Parrotfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, where it feeds on algae and coral. 🐚
Did you know? Parrotfish play a crucial role in coral reef ecosystems by eating algae and helping to keep the reefs clean. Their unique beaks allow them to scrape algae off of coral surfaces, which promotes coral growth. 🌊
These fascinating fish can change their color and even their sex during their lifetime, making them a truly remarkable species! 🎨
Jellyfish are not as simple as they seem 🪼
Jellyfish are not as primitive as commonly thought: they have muscles, nerves, complex sense organs (eyes and balance organs), and even something like a brain - a nerve ring with nerve nodes at the edge of the bell. Despite their simple appearance, jellyfish are capable of complex behaviors.
Some jellyfish species can glow in the dark through bioluminescence. This light show is used for communication, defense, and attracting prey. The largest known jellyfish is the lion's mane jellyfish, with tentacles that can extend over 100 feet in length!
🐠 Yellow Spotted Wrasse 🐠
This colorful fish can grow up to 12 inches long and features a yellow-brown body with dark spots. It feeds on small invertebrates and resides in rocky or sandy areas at depths ranging from 30 to 300 feet. 🌊
Did you know? The Yellow Spotted Wrasse is known for its unique swimming style, undulating its body to propel itself through the water. 😮
The Argonauts 🥰
A genus of octopuses from the Argonautidae family. They live in the surface waters of the World Ocean in the tropical and subtropical zones. They feed mainly on other pelagic mollusks.
Wunderpus photogenicus 🧬
Known as a predator, it prefers hunting at dawn on small fish and crustaceans. Typically, it buries itself in soft sand, leaving only the tips of its tentacles exposed, which mimic tiny worms. When prey approaches, the octopus swiftly emerges from the sand to attack.
Fun fact: The Wunderpus photogenicus is known for its striking coloration, which includes vibrant blue, orange, and white patterns, making it a favorite among underwater photographers. 🎲📸
The Ribbon Blenny 🔥
This vibrant fish can grow up to 6 cm in length. Priolepis vexilla inhabits rocky reefs, feeding on small invertebrates. 🐟
An interesting fact: Ribbon Blennies are known for their unique ability to change color, which helps them blend into their surroundings and communicate with other fish. 🎨
The Wunderpus photogenicus 🐙
A species of cephalopods in the Octopodidae family. The only member of the Wunderpus genus. This octopus was first discovered in shallow waters off the coasts of Bali, northern Sulawesi, the Philippines, and eastern Vanuatu. It was scientifically described for the first time in 2006.
Fun fact: The Wunderpus photogenicus is known for its striking coloration and pattern, which can change rapidly to blend with its surroundings or for communication. 🌈✨
Giant Squid Egg Sac ✨
This is a giant jelly-like mass containing squid eggs. The transparent jelly likely protects thousands of squid eggs from pressure and bacteria. Some marine mollusks lay eggs in large "clumps" encased in jelly.
Fun fact: Giant squid can grow up to 43 feet long, making them one of the largest invertebrates on Earth! 🐙
The Aulostomus maculatus 🥰
A species of marine anglerfish belonging to the flutemouth family. Found in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean. Maximum body length is 100 cm.
Fun fact: These fish have a unique hunting technique where they use a modified dorsal spine as a lure to attract prey! 🐟✨
Sabretooth Moray 🐙
Moray eels are renowned for their fierce temperament and extraordinary aggression, attacking any intruder without hesitation, even if the intruder is much larger.
Fun fact: Despite their fearsome reputation, moray eels are generally shy and prefer to hide in crevices rather than actively seek out prey. 🐟🔍