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Channel for lovers of rivers, seas and oceans. Dive with us!
Hydatina physis 🥺
This is a species of sea snails found in oceans all around the world. It has a spherical shell covered in bubble-like protrusions. The snail feeds on zooplankton and small crustaceans.
Fun fact: The unique bubble texture of the shell is not just for show - it helps the snail maintain buoyancy and float in the water column to search for food.
Cranchiids 🦑
These animals have neutral buoyancy, which they achieve by accumulating ammonium chloride in a special float sac. This increases their buoyancy but makes them soft and delicate due to the weak lifting power of this solution. The mollusks themselves lead a sedentary lifestyle, but they have a well-developed grasping apparatus. 🐾
Cranchiids are a fascinating group of deep-sea squid known for their unique adaptations. They can regulate their buoyancy by adjusting the concentration of ammonium chloride in their float sac. This allows them to maintain a neutral buoyancy and conserve energy in the deep ocean. 🌊 Despite their delicate appearance, cranchiids are effective predators, using their powerful tentacles and suction cups to capture prey. They are also an important food source for many deep-sea creatures, including sperm whales. 🐳
Gibberichthys latifrons 🥰
Deep-sea fish inhabiting the waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It has an elongated, spindle-shaped body with large eyes. The fish feeds on small crustaceans and mollusks. 🐟
Did you know? Gibberichthys latifrons is a deep-sea fish that can withstand the extreme pressure of the ocean depths. Its large eyes help it navigate in the dark waters. 🌊
Palaemon elegans 🦐
This species of shrimp belongs to the genus Palaemon and the family Palaemonidae. The rock shrimp inhabits shallow, coastal marine waters and can also be found in brackish waters with a salinity of at least 1‰. They live on various types of soil, but require the presence of aquatic vegetation. 🌿
Did you know? 🤔 Rock shrimp are known for their ability to change color to blend in with their surroundings, making them masters of camouflage! 🎨
Scarus ferrugineus 🥰
This species of marine ray-finned fish is a parrotfish belonging to the family Scaridae. It inhabits reefs in the northwestern Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Parrotfish are known for their colorful appearance and their ability to change sex during their lifetime. They play an important role in the ecosystem by grazing on algae and helping to maintain the health of coral reefs. 🐠🌊
Squid 🦑
The body length ranges from 0.7 cm to over 5 meters, and when including the tentacles, the overall length can be several times larger than these dimensions. The shell is internal, in the form of a narrow horn plate. All representatives of the group have a radula for scraping and grinding food, and an ink sac. The secretion produced by it colors the water and hides the squid during predator attacks.
Fun fact: Squid are cephalopods, a group of mollusks that also includes octopuses and cuttlefish. They are known for their intelligence, with some species having the ability to change color and patterns on their skin for communication and camouflage. Squid also have a fast-paced life cycle, with most species living only a few years.
🐟 Common Hatchetfish
A very unusual characin fish that attracts the attention of aquarists primarily with its distinctive appearance and peculiar behavior. These fascinating little fish are known for their ability to jump out of the water and glide for short distances using their enlarged pectoral fins, much like flying fish. In the wild, they inhabit the shallow, slow-moving waters of South America, where they feed on insects and other small prey. Hatchetfish are a peaceful and social species that prefer to be kept in groups of six or more. With their unique shape and lively personality, they make a captivating addition to any community aquarium.
🌟 Ice Starfish or Ice Sea Star 🌟
This species of sea star belongs to the order Brisingida and inhabits the eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. With a wingspan of up to one meter, it is one of the largest sea stars in the world. 🌊
Did you know that ice sea stars are carnivorous? They use their long, slender arms to capture small prey like crustaceans and mollusks. Their unique appearance and size make them a fascinating subject for marine biologists and deep-sea explorers alike! 🧪🌍
Spangled Flatworm 🧬
This aquatic flatworm species is known for its striking appearance, featuring a bright blue color and star-shaped body. Found in freshwater habitats, these fascinating creatures are predatory and use their unique appearance to blend in with their surroundings as they hunt for prey. 🐛🌊
Did you know? The Spangled Flatworm's vibrant blue hue is a result of specialized pigments in its skin, which help it camouflage against the backdrop of aquatic plants and debris. 🌿💙
Flabellina affinis 🧬
This species of sea slug belongs to the family Flabellinidae. It is a type of nudibranch, which are shell-less marine gastropod mollusks. Flabellina affinis is known for its intricate coloring and unique morphology. 🐚
Did you know? Nudibranchs are hermaphrodites, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs. They play a vital role in the marine ecosystem as both predators and prey. 🌊
Solenostomus cyanopterus 🥰
This species of ray-finned fish belongs to the family Solenostomidae. They are widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region. 🌊
Also known as the "ghost pipefish," these fascinating creatures are masters of camouflage. They can mimic the appearance of seagrasses, algae, or even floating debris to blend in with their surroundings. 🌿
Ghost pipefish have elongated bodies and can grow up to 30 cm in length. They are poor swimmers and often rely on their ability to blend in to avoid predators. 🐠
Unlike most other fish, male ghost pipefish carry the fertilized eggs on a specialized pouch located under their tail until they hatch. This unique adaptation allows for better protection and survival of their offspring. 🍼
These intriguing fish are a favorite among underwater photographers and divers who enjoy the challenge of spotting them in their natural habitat. 📸
Squid Squad 🦑
These creatures belong to an especially successful group of mollusks called cephalopods, which have existed for about 500 million years. Some ancestors of modern squid had shells, like the ammonites that ruled the waves 400-65 million years ago. 🌊
Squid are incredible swimmers, using jet propulsion to reach speeds up to 25 mph. They also have the largest eyes in the animal kingdom - a giant squid's eye can be 16 inches wide! 👀
There are over 300 species of squid found in every ocean. From tiny deep-sea dwellers to massive giants, these tentacled wonders continue to captivate our imaginations. 🌎
Boxer Shrimp - Stenopus hispidus 🦐
Found in all tropical Indo-Pacific seas.
Females grow up to 9 cm in length, males are significantly smaller, up to 6 cm.
This type of shrimp lives in narrow crevices, small caves, and under ledges on coral reefs. Usually found in pairs or small groups, they occupy a certain territory where they set up a "cleaning station" for cleaning fish of parasites. 🐠
Fun fact: Boxer shrimp are known for their unique "boxing" behavior, where they extend their front claws and rapidly open and close them, resembling a boxer's punches. This behavior is thought to be used for communication and defense. 🥊
Glossodoris cincta 😊
This is a species of beautiful and amazing sea slug from the family Chromodorididae. Its body is adorned with bright colors, making it unique. This species inhabits tropical seas and attracts attention with its stunning appearance. 🌊🐚
Did you know that sea slugs have both male and female reproductive organs? They are hermaphrodites, which means they can mate with any other individual of their species. 🐚💕
These colorful creatures are also known for their ability to defend themselves from predators by releasing toxic chemicals. Some species can even incorporate toxins from their food into their own bodies for protection! 🐚❌💀
Sea Cucumbers ✨
A class of invertebrate animals belonging to the echinoderm phylum. Edible species are commonly known as "trepang" or "beche-de-mer".
Interesting facts:
- There are a whopping 1,150 species of sea cucumbers worldwide, many of which are edible. About a hundred of these species can be found in Russian waters.
- Archaeological evidence suggests that the first sea cucumbers appeared on Earth around 440 million years ago, predating many dinosaur species.
🐠 Yellow-tailed Blue Damsel 🐠
This small, brightly colored fish inhabits the Indo-Pacific region. It features a distinctive golden-yellow tail. The Yellow-tailed Blue Damsel feeds on tiny crustaceans and mollusks. 🦀🐚
Did you know? These damsels can change their coloration based on their mood and social status within the group. 🌈
Peacock sole larva 🧬
Body length 10cm. The Peacock sole is a very large larval fish. It gracefully swims in the night sea. 🌊
Did you know? Peacock soles are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand or mud to surprise their prey! 🐠
Dardanus arrosor ✨
This large crab, also known as the Mediterranean hermit crab, inhabits the Mediterranean Sea. It boasts bright red or orange coloring and can grow up to 8 cm in length. The hermit crab lives in empty mollusk shells, periodically changing them as it grows. 🦀🌊
Fun fact: These crabs are known for their unique "boxing" behavior, where they raise their claws and move them in a boxing-like motion when threatened. 🥊
Pufferfish 🐡
The pufferfish is a family of marine, brackish, and freshwater fish belonging to the order Tetraodontiformes. They are found in subtropical and tropical waters around the world. Pufferfish are known for their unique ability to inflate their bodies with air or water to deter predators. Some species of pufferfish are considered a delicacy in certain cuisines, despite containing a potent neurotoxin. These fascinating fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for aquariums.
Crab Megalopa 🦀
This is the stage of a crab's development after the larva. They have distinctive features of an adult crab, such as a shell and claws, but are still somewhat transparent and smaller in size. Crab megalopae are in an important transitional phase before becoming a fully formed adult crab.
Tetrosomus gibbosus 🥰
A fish with ray fins. Other common names include the helmet cowfish, humpback turretfish, and spiny boxfish. Known for their unique box-like shape and colorful patterns, these fish are found in the Indo-Pacific region. They are poor swimmers due to their rigid body, but make up for it with their ability to release toxins when threatened. 🐠🌊
Teuthidodrilus is a genus of acrocirrid polychaetes, a type of marine bristle worm. These worms are found in the deep sea, swimming freely at depths ranging from 2039 meters and beyond. They feed on marine snow, the organic material that falls from upper layers of the water column. Teuthidodrilus worms can grow up to 9 cm in length and 1 cm in width. 🌊🐛
Did you know? The name Teuthidodrilus comes from the Greek words "teuthis" meaning squid and "drilus" meaning worm, referring to their squid-like appearance when swimming. These unique deep-sea worms are a fascinating example of the diverse life found in the ocean's depths! 🌊💡
Clibanarius tricolor 🦞
This hermit crab is found in the shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea and is popular in the home aquarium trade. Its common names include the blue-legged hermit crab, tricolor hermit crab, reef hermit crab with blue leg, equal-handed hermit crab, and blue hermit crab. 🌊🐚
These colorful crabs are known for their striking blue legs and ability to quickly change their shell as they grow. They are also skilled climbers and can often be found scaling rocks and coral in their natural habitat. 🪨🪸
In the wild, they are important scavengers, helping to keep the reef ecosystem clean by consuming algae and debris. 🍃♻️ In the aquarium, they make great additions to reef tanks and help maintain the health of the ecosystem. 🐠🌿
Lizard Fish 🐉
Being the top predator at depths of 1000-2500 meters is challenging due to the scarcity of food. To maximize their limited resources, lizardfish live far apart from each other. These intriguing creatures have unique adaptations to survive in the deep sea.
Some interesting facts about lizardfish:
- They have long, slender bodies that can reach up to 2 meters in length.
- Their large mouths are filled with sharp teeth, perfect for catching prey.
- Lizardfish are ambush predators, waiting patiently for their next meal to swim by.
- They are found in deep waters around the world, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
Black Oranda 🥰
This fish, whose head resembles a berry, cannot be found in rivers and lakes. The Black Oranda was bred in China specifically for keeping in aquariums, as an ornamental variety of goldfish, which also originated in the Celestial Empire. 🐠
Oranda goldfish are known for their unique raspberry-like growth on their heads, called a "wen." This fleshy outgrowth develops as the fish matures and is most prominent in older specimens. 🍓
Black Oranda goldfish are a striking contrast to the more common orange and white varieties. Their deep, black coloration makes them a standout addition to any aquarium. 🌌
In addition to their striking appearance, Oranda goldfish are also known for their friendly and social nature. They often interact with their owners and can even be trained to perform simple tricks! 🎪
The Red Paper Lantern Medusa (Pandea rubra) 🏮
The highly active red bell of the lantern medusa demonstrates its ability to contract, wrinkle, and form right angles, which is quite uncharacteristic of gelatinous creatures. This fascinating jellyfish is known for its unique appearance and mesmerizing movement through the water.
Nembrotha 🧬
A genus of sea slugs, nudibranchs, and marine gastropod mollusks belonging to the family Polyceridae. Nembrotha is the type genus of the subfamily Nembrothinae.
These colorful sea slugs are found in tropical and subtropical waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. They are known for their vibrant colors and patterns, which serve as a warning to potential predators of their toxicity. Nembrotha species feed on various marine organisms, including sponges, bryozoans, and tunicates. 🌊🐚
Interestingly, some Nembrotha species are able to incorporate the stinging cells (nematocysts) of their prey, such as hydroids, into their own defensive system, making them even more unpalatable to predators. 🛡️😋
Haliclystus sanjuanensis 🦠
This species of small-footed jellyfish is found in the Pacific Ocean along the west coast of North America. They can be spotted in shallow waters during low tide on soft substrates such as seaweed. 🌊
Did you know? Despite their delicate appearance, these jellyfish are actually quite resilient and can survive in a variety of habitats, from rocky shores to sandy beaches. 🏖️ They are also known for their unique "walking" motion, using their tiny legs to move along the seafloor. 🚶♀️
Fun fact: The genus name Haliclystus comes from the Greek words "halos" meaning sea and "klystos" meaning washed, referring to their marine habitat. 🌊✨
Pseudoceros handcockanus 🧬
This species of beautiful and exotic marine flatworm belongs to the Pseudocerotidae family. It is known for its vibrant colors, diverse patterns, and unique appearance. Pseudoceros handcockanus inhabits tropical seas and attracts attention with its striking beauty and individuality.
🌊 Pseudoceros handcockanus is a marine flatworm species that showcases the incredible diversity and coloration found in marine life. These flatworms are hermaphroditic, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs. They are also known for their ability to regenerate lost body parts, a fascinating trait in the animal kingdom. 🐚
Pterapogon kauderni 🐟
This species of small marine fish belongs to the cardinalfish family (Apogonidae) and is found in a small area east of Sulawesi Island in Indonesia. Known for their striking appearance, these fish are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts. They have a unique mating behavior where the male incubates the eggs in his mouth until they hatch. 🐠💙