Narwhal Whale
The narwhal whale is a rarely seen creature that lives in the arctic ocean. It is identified by the very long tooth that males have. Male Narwhals have two upper teeth with their left tooth growing in a spiral fashion of up to ten feet long. The purpose of the tusk is not confirmed, but speculation suggests that it can be used in mating rituals or to break up ice in the arctic ocean. Narwhals can grow to be sixteen feet and weigh about 1.8 tons.The narwhals' diet consists of halibut, shrimp, arctic cod, rockfish, flounder and crab .Females are normally smaller, reaching only thirteen feet at their longest, and do not have the identifying left horn. Since Narwhals are mammals they give live birth and have to come to the surface for breathes of air. Their bodies are often a grey-white color with spots and a dark grey face. These creatures might have been the inspiration for tales of the unicorn, a one-horned horse.
Why They Matter
Unfortunately narwhal whales are hunted for their ivory tusks, blubber and meat. Although they are not considered an endangered population some communities are heavily hunted. If this species of whale were to become endangered or even extinct it would lead to the overpopulation of many other species including shrimp, crab, and some fish. Recent studies on the Narwhal's tusk show that it is not just an extra long tooth but is filled with nerve endings which feel pulses that are relayed to the animal. The tusk can be used in the water to detect subtle changes in temperature, pressure, particle gradients and even more. This unique appendage could be useful in science; the mechanism can be studied and possibly replicated.
Click the link below for a video of Narwhal Whales in the Arctic Ocean.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO58kt-jETA&feature=em-share_video_user
Click the link below for a video of Narwhal Whales in the Arctic Ocean.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO58kt-jETA&feature=em-share_video_user
FrogFish
Frogfish are a type of angler fish that are found in all tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. Their skin has no scales and is usually bare or covered with bumpy spinules. They are often brightly colored white, yellow, green, or spotted depending on the color of what they are blending in with. These fish are built similarly to anglerfish which are more equipped to sit and wait for food then to swim around and hunt. Like many deep water fish the frogfish has a large upward-opening, expandable mouth that allows it to eat large prey. The frogfish also has short paddle-like tails and small top-set eyes. They sit on and walk around using their bottom pelvic and pectoral fins. Like the anglerfish the frogfish has a modified dorsal spine that constitutes a rod and lure. This lure dangles the bait above the frogfish's mouth, sitting and waiting for food. The frogfish's diet consists mainly of smaller fish, worms and crustacean which, when in range, are lunged upon.
Why They Matter
The coolest aspect of the frogfish is their incredible skill of mimicry. They are a perfect representation of evolution and the adaptions that result from varying environments. Frogfish that are found living among a coral reef will look very different from frogfish that live on the ocean floor. Some have become adapted to look like a sea urchin with skin resembling spikes. Other frogfish resemble algae like the covered rocks that they live near. Others that live along the sea floor resemble sponges so they can hide from danger and sneak up on potential meals.
Click the link below to observe a frogfish, that is camouflaged as an orange sponge, as it lunges to eat a small fish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=66qBA_02MoQ
Click the link below to observe a frogfish, that is camouflaged as an orange sponge, as it lunges to eat a small fish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=66qBA_02MoQ