Ad
IN THE NEWS:

THREAT LEVEL: near threatened animals

January 3, 2017

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail

 

The following animals are considered NEAR THREATENED by the International Union for Conservation and Natural Resources (IUCN):

What does BENTHIC mean?
What does BENTHIC mean? Benthic: of or relating to the bottom of a body of water like a seabed or the
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata)
Like other dolphins of the genus Stenella, these are relatively small dolphins, reaching lengths of 6 to 7 feet (2 m) and
Burial at sea: a tradition rooted in shark fears
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): The naval tradition of
WHO WINS: Megalodon vs. T-Rex?
Who would win in a battle between a Megalodon and Tyrannosaurus Rex? Even a Tyrannosaurus Rex would have been no competition
Clymene Dolphin (Stenella clymene)
Clymene dolphins, sometimes known as the "short-snouted spinner dolphin," are relatively small delphinids. In 1981, Clymene dolphins were separated from
Which “barking” pinniped has become an entertainment favorite?
The star of countless circus acts and appearances in shows and movies, the California sea lion is arguably one of
North Atlantic (Northern) Right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)
Right whales are large baleen whales. Females are larger than males. Distinguishing features include a stocky body, black coloration (although
Dall’s Porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli)
  Dall's porpoises are "high strung," fast swimming members of the porpoise family and are common in the North Pacific
Do humboldt squids attack humans?
By Earl Filskov First discovered in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile in 1835 by French naturalist Alcide
What is an ocean current?
The term "current" describes the motion of the ocean. Ocean currents are driven by wind, water density differences, and tides. Oceanic
Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)
Striped dolphins are some of the most abundant and widespread dolphins in the world. These dolphins can reach lengths of
What does Pelagic mean?
What does Pelagic mean? Pelagic: Relating to open water on the ocean as opposed to reefs, gulfs, rivers, or other
Is the Earth round?
The Earth is an irregularly shaped ellipsoid. While the Earth appears to be round when viewed from the vantage point
Researchers in Antarctica with the Deep-SCINI rover. (Photo credit: Linuxgizmos.com)
Ice Cold: Living Under Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf
By Earl Filskov April 1, 2015 When drilling a hole almost 2,500 feet (740m) through the Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf –
Which whale is named for a noted biographer?
The only beaked whale found in the waters off of Alaska, the Stejneger’s beaked whale is named for Leonhard Stejneger,
Southern Right Whale Dolphin (Lissodelphis peronii)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Delphinidae GENUS: Lissodelphis SPECIES: peronii TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
Which is the most rare of the large whales?
Living in the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean from Japan and Russia to Alaska and British Columbia, the
One person has 12 species named for him: 1 cetacean, 1 sheep and 10 mollusks. Who?
The Dall sheep, Dall's porpoise and 10 species of mollusks are all named for William Healey Dall (1845-1927), an American
Pygmy Right Whale (Caperea marginata)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Neobalaenidae GENUS: Caperea SPECIES: marginata TOOTHED or  BALEEN: baleen FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or BRACKISH:
What do box turtles eat?
In the wild, box turtles are omnivores, meaning they will eat anything: meat, vegetables, and fruit. Specifically, the diet of
What are the largest and smallest living turtles?
By Stacey Venzel Determining the biggest and smallest of turtle species can be difficult. Is it based on length or
What is the Caudal Keel?
What is the Caudal Keel? The caudal keel is a muscular mound found on the body of a fish where the
What are gills?
What are gills? Gills are a paired set of respiratory organs that allows fish and some amphibians to extract oxygen from water.
How long is the U.S. shoreline?
NOAA's official value for the total length of the U.S. shoreline is 95,471 miles As there is no reference that
These tanks, filled with water from the same source, show how mussels can filter the water. The tank on the right has mussels. The tank on the left doesn't. Photo credit: Virginia Tech.
Are mussels the secret answer to cleaning polluted water?
By Valerie K Clark Short answer: Yes, but should they be introduced to clean polluted water is another question. Let’s
Do turtles eat jellyfish?
By Stacey Venzel A number of turtles have specialized digestive tracts that allow them to consume toxic or potentially harmful
A 300-pound green sea turtle weighs only how much at birth?
A 300-pound green turtle weighs only how much at birth? Weighing about half a pound at birth (25 g), the average
What is Storm Quicklook?
From NOAA NOAA's Storm QuickLook Provides Near Real-Time Ocean and Meteorological Conditions During a Tropical Storm. When NOAA's National Weather
What are Chondrichthyes?
What are Chondrichthyes? Chondrichthyes:  Fish with cartilage skeletons such as sharks. ###
What marine mammal has fingernails?
Either the West African manatee or the West Indian manatee is correct. All manatees are ancient relatives of elephants and other
Do turtles make good pets?
No, turtles do not make good pets. They are popular, but they are not a good idea. There are many
Why are GPS transmitters in turtle eggs?
Why are GPS transmitters in turtle eggs? One of the ways international groups catch poachers guilty of stealing turtle eggs
Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum)
The mud turtle is a small, nondescript reptile, measuring 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm). The carapace (upper shell) is olive to
What is an iceberg?
An iceberg is ice that broke off from glaciers or shelf ice and is floating in open water. To be
What is Bioamplification?
What is Bioamplification? Bioamplification (also called "biomagnification"): the increase of toxin pollutants within species as they move up the food chain.
U.S. reefs face increased bleaching, warmer waters
By NOAA A new NOAA outlook shows that many coral reefs across around the world will likely be exposed to
Tasman Beaked Whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi) aka Shepherd’s Beaked Whale
  PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Ziphiidae GENUS: Tasmacetus SPECIES: shepherdi TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER
Despite their misleading name, which two whales cannot fly a plane?
  Both the Long-Finned Pilot Whale and the Short-Finned Pilot Whale were given their names based on the unproven theory
Can turtles find their way home?
By Stacey Venzel While many turtles move from one home to another, they are not traveling aimlessly. A turtle crossing
What is smallest shark in the world?
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): The smallest shark in
Militarized recycling benefits aquatic research
  By Scott A. Rowan Last month's discovery by government researchers of what is believed to be the first recording
The hawksbill turtle diet consists mostly of which unusual prey?
The hawksbill turtle diet consists mostly of which weird animal? The average hawksbill turtle in the Caribbean eats more than
What are spring and neap tides?
A spring tide—popularly known as a "King Tide"—refers to the 'springing forth' of the tide during new and full moon.
What animal was named for semen
The largest of all the toothed whales (odontocetes), the Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was a misunderstood leviathan by whalers. The
How does land-based pollution threaten coral reefs?
Many serious coral reef ecosystem stressors originate from land-based sources, most notably toxicants, sediments, and nutrients. Impacts from land-based sources
How do turtles eat?
By Stacey Venzel Without teeth, an animal cannot chew its food in the traditional sense. Toothless turtles have other ways
What is ocean noise?
Ocean noise refers to sounds made by human activities that can interfere with or obscure the ability of marine animals
Ross Seal (Ommatophoca rossii)
They are slightly smaller on average than leopard and crabeater seals, reaching about 3 metres and 200 kg. Their coat
What are the most threatened turtles in the world?
By Stacey Venzel An increasing number of threats face the Testudines family resulting in more species becoming threatened each year.
Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii)
The bog turtle reaches a maximum length of 4.5 inches.  A bright yellow or orange blotch on each side of
Which whale is the “Antillean”?
Known as the Antillean or “Gulf Stream beaked whale,” the Gervais Beaked Whale is named for French naturalist Paul Gervais,
What is the smallest cetacean (whale or whale relative)?
The world's smallest known cetacean is the Vaquita (Phocoenca sinus). Also known as the Cochito, the vaquita has a very
Baikal Seal (Phoca sibirica)
  The Baikal Seal belongs to the Phocina group of northern seals, which includes the Ringed Seals (Pusa), the Harbour
Why did the crab bite the turtle?
Why did the crab bite the turtle? Because dogs are natural predator of turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. It can be mean
What cetacean is named for a famous polyglot and malacologist?
The Dall's porpoise is named for American naturalist William Healey Dall (1845-1927) who published more than 1,600 research papers and
Which species is often called a Giant Bottlenose Whale?
Also called the Giant Bottlenose Whale, the Baird’s Beaked Whale (Berardius bairdii)  is the largest of all the beaked whales
What is “spyhopping”?
Spyhopping is when whales and dolphins raise their heads vertically out of the water. Likened to a human treading water,
What is the geoid?
From NOAA While we often think of the earth as a sphere, our planet is actually very bumpy and irregular.
What is the largest seal?
The largest seal in the world tips the scales at more than 8,800 pounds (4,000 kg) and up to 20
What are the Ampullae of Lorenzini?
What are the Ampullae of Lorenzini? Ampullae of Lorenzini are small, gel-filled pores on the rostrum and head that detect electromagnetic
How do sharks defend themselves?
  By Blaise Jones In a related story, Blaise Jones explained that there are many other predators in the water
THREAT LEVEL: data incomplete on these animals
The following animals have insufficient enough research to fully determine their vulnerability and are classified as DATA INCOMPLETE by the International
What is a “false crawl”?
By Stacey Venzel Sea turtle nest-laying tracks are easily recognizable on beaches by flipper patterns resembling tire marks that stretch
Which Antarctic whale is 85 percent of the diet for killer whales?
In the icy waters of the Southern Ocean, killer whales feast on Antarctic Minke Whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). One of the
What are the most and least abundant shark species in the world?
By Blaise Jones Determining which shark species are the most abundant is no easy tasks. You simply cannot go out
Do any whales crossbreed?
Yes, but it is uncommon. It is so unusual, in fact, that less than six sightings of hybrid whales have
World’s most endangered porpoise: vaquita
  By Amber Friend The history-making extinction of aquatic animals is not just a thing of the past, unfortunately, with
Fraser’s Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei)
Fraser's dolphins are members of the delphinid family. They are about 6-9 feet (2-2.7 m) long and weigh 350-450 pounds (160-210 kg).
Which dolphin is often confused with seals?
While it would be difficult to confuse most dolphins for a seal or sea lion, the Northern Right Whale Dolphin
What is the difference between a hurricane watch and warning?
A warning means that hurricane conditions are expected whereas a watch means that conditions are possible. Hurricane warnings indicate that
Learn to speak False Killer Whale
No, humans cannot actually speak the same way a whale does. But work is underway to translate the calls, whistles,
Goblin warrior sharks of Japan
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): In Japanese folklore, a
What is Biomagnification?
What is Biomagnification? Biomagnification (also called Bioamplification) is the increase of toxin pollutants within species as they move up the food
MAMMAL DEMENTIA: HABs, CTE and the lost sea lion
By Scott A. Rowan The mysterious case of the sea lion crawling into the cattle field miles from the ocean
What are DERMAL DENTICLES?
What are DERMAL DENTICLES? Dermal Denticles are scales covering the skin of sharks that more like teeth than the scales
Learn to speak humpback whale
Though the vocalizations of killer whales is one of the most complex, especially given the fact that there are various
What are “Arctic Pork Rinds”?
  A delicacy for the Inuit natives in Canada and Greenland is maktaq (also muktuk, maktaaq), which is narwal skin
Southern (Antarctic) Ocean animal life
Go directly to other pages that share the animals found in those oceans: North Pacific South Pacific North Atlantic South
Which turtle’s future is dire due to daytime nesting?
Which turtle's future is dire due to daytime nesting? The Kemp's ridley turtle is the only sea turtle to nest
What is the deadliest shark?
By Earl Filskov There are currently 368 known species of sharks in the world. Only 20 out of the 368
What is “lobtailing”?
Lobtailing is when a cetacean lifts its fluke (tail) out of the water and slaps it on the surface of
What endangered animal’s name is Spanish for “little cow”?
Spanish for "little cow," the vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is the the world's most endangered cetacean due to the fact that
Vaquita
Endangered Vaquita Population Less than 100, How You Can Help Today
By Amber Friend March 13, 2015, 9:17 a.m. History is not something that we just read about in books; it's
New Zealand Fur Seal (Arctocephalus forsteri)
Fur seals and sea lions are distinguished from other seals by their external ear flaps and hind flippers which rotate
Which whale is hit by more vessels than any other?
According to a 2004 NOAA report on ship strikes documented from 1975-2002, the Fin Whale was hit by more vessels
Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) Identification: Greenish or brown carapace marked with yellow and black bands or stripes. Plastron is
Do polar bears eat baby penguins?
By Valerie Clark You might think that cute little penguins are natural prey for polar bears in the arctic. Fortunately
Which species is known as the “Sneezing Dolphin”?
When the Indus River Dolphin surfaces to breathe it makes a sound similar to a sneeze. Indus River dolphins generally
Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera spinifera)
Spiny Soft-shell Turtle (Apalone spinifera spinifera) Identification: Smooth, flat, "rubbery," skin-covered shell lacks scutes and has flexible edges. Brown or
What is smallest cetacean?
By Amber Friend A vaquita is the smallest living cetacean (pronounced sĭ-tā′shən). Cetaceans are made up of whales, dolphins and
Caspian Seal (Phoca caspica)
The Caspian Seal belongs to the Phocina group of northern seals, which includes the Ringed Seals (Pusa), the Harbour and
What is a thermocline?
A thermocline is the transition layer between warmer mixed water at the ocean's surface and cooler deep water below. Bodies
Could fish have accents?
From Exeter University Professor Simpson, who has listened to the vocalisations of fish using sophisticated underwater listening equipment, has identified
Southern Bottlenose Whale (Hyperoodon planifrons)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Ziphiidae GENUS: Hyperoodon SPECIES: planifrons TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
What is the difference between a hurricane, a cyclone, and a typhoon?
The only difference between a hurricane, a cyclone, and a typhoon is the location where the storm occurs. Hurricanes, cyclones,
White-Beaked Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris)
White-beaked dolphins, sometimes called "squidhounds" by fishermen in Canada, are relatively small delphinids (Reeves et al. 2002). They are about
What is a slough?
A slough is a swamp or shallow lake system, usually a backwater to a larger body of water A slough
What are dermal plates?
By Scott A. Rowan Since the age of dinosaurs, animals have developed many defensive techniques, including one of the most
Where are the most sharks in the world?
By Blaise Jones Sharks can be found all over the world with only a few exceptions. There are no sharks
Rise In Humboldt Squid Sightings May Be Sign of Global Warming
By Earl Filskov March 8, 2015, 7:07 p.m. Humboldt Squid in Action / YouTube Approximately 100 miles off the coast
Pygmy beaked whale (Mesoplodon peruvianus)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Ziphiidae GENUS: Mesoplodon SPECIES: peruvianus TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
How do sharks breathe?
By Blaise Jones Like most large marine organisms, sharks breathe through their gills. Gills are specialized organs that allow for
What is a feeding frenzy?
By Blaise Jones Nothing encapsulates the popular image of sharks more than the feeding frenzy. The thought of dozens of
What dolphin was made popular by tourists in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, one of the main tourist attractions is swimming with Dusky Dolphins. Despite being wild, the dolphins are
How many sharks are born at one time?
By Blaise Jones The reproductive habits of sharks have long been a mystery to science. Early research into sharks focused
Spectacled Porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Phocenidae GENUS: Phocoena SPECIES: dioptrica TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
How good is a shark’s sense of hearing?
By Blaise Jones Finding prey in the ocean is no easy task. The ocean is, in a word, big. Some
Where do penguins live?
By Valerie Clark You might think that cute little penguins are natural prey for polar bears in the arctic. Fortunately
What are the horse latitudes?
The horse latitudes are subtropical regions known for calm winds and little precipitation. The horse latitudes are located at about 30
Why do animals have “bioflourescent” or “bioluminescent” abilities?
In late September, marine biologist David Gruber revealed the world's first recording of a reptile displaying bioflourescent behavior. The hawksbill sea
What is “bubble net feeding”?
Bubble Net Feeding is a highly-coordinated form of predatory feeding employed by humpback whales where a pod of whales swims
First described in 1895, which dolphin wasn’t officially documented until 1971?
Scientist Francis Fraser is credited with being the first to describe a new species of cetacean based upon a single
Harp Seal (Phoca groenlandica)
Harp seals are part of the family Phocidae, known as the "true" or "earless" seals because they lack external ear
What is Plankton?
What is Plankton? Plankton: Microscopic animals (zooplankton) and plants (phytoplankton) that float in the ocean and are the main diet of
Can turtles feel pain?
By Stacey Venzel Reptiles, like mammals, feel pain, but perhaps in a less noticeable way. The presence of certain receptors
What is seaweed?
From NOAA Some seaweeds are microscopic, such as the phytoplankton that live suspended in the water column and provide the
Why do basking sharks swim with their mouth open?
By Blaise Jones Many people consider it in poor taste to walk around with your mouth open all the time.
Hagfish mouth.
HAGFISH DAY: meet the world’s grossest animal (and a living dinosaur)
This third Wednesday in October is Hagfish Day, created to help popularize one of the strangest animals in existence whose
What is a Dorsal Fin?
What is a Dorsal Fin? The dorsal fin(s) are on the back (top) side of the shark that is exposed
Why do turtles eat plastic?
By Stacey Venzel Aquatic turtles are used to chomping at things floating through the water, which they expect to be
What are the 10 “ice seals”?
There are 18 seal species in the world and 10 of them are located in the polar regions. These 10
Is it legal to own a Desert Tortoise?
Yes, unless you have an old desert tortoise. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is legal to
Are turtles reptiles or amphibians?
Are turtles reptiles or amphibians? It's one of the most popular questions about turtles, but isn't as simple an answer
Beer comes to the rescue for marine life
  By Scott A. Rowan Now you can have a beer and enjoy it guilt-free knowing that your selection will
Time lapse photos of sea star eating, its protruding stomach is the white material (Photo credit: lizwason/wordpress).
Is It Sea Star? Or Starfish? Or ‘Asteriod’?
By Angelica Romero Blancas March 14, 2015, 8:57 a.m. What lies in the ocean can be as much of a
THREAT LEVEL: least concern animals
The following animals are considered LEAST CONCERN by the International Union for Conservation and Natural Resources (IUCN): -TSF-
What are the Ampullae of Lorenzini?
By Blaise Jones Shark have a wide variety of amazing senses and none are more fascinating and alien than their
Which turtle has the best defense?
Which turtle has the best defense? The turtle with the best defense just may be the yellow-margined box turtle which
How do I tell difference between male and female turtle?
Telling the difference between a boy and girl turtle can be very simple - if you know what to look
Which whale sometimes freezes to death in fast-forming ice?
Found only in the Arctic Ocean and nearby waters, the Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) lives beneath the ice, surfacing between cracks
What is a shark skeleton made of?
By Blaise Jones Sharks are members of the group Chondrichthyes, which comes from the Greek words for “cartilage” and “fish.”
How many river dolphins exist?
By Earl Filskov We know so little about the planet Earth and its inhabitants, both past and present. National Geographic
Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) aka Snubfin Dolphin
  PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Delphinidae GENUS: Orcaella SPECIES: brevirostris TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER
Do turtles care for their young?
By Stacey Venzel Forget calling the babysitter. The second a turtle hatches from its egg, it is on its own.
Fukushima rivers 200 times more radioactive then ocean
Tokyo – Radioactive contamination in the seabed off the Fukushima coast is hundreds of times above pre-2011 levels, while contamination
TOXIC WATER: Aquatic Fallout & Future in the Aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster
By Scott A. Rowan The person has not yet been born who knows how to solve the permanent problem that
Which whale is named for a whaler and Smithsonian Institute executive?
It may sound horrific today that a respected animal researcher would not just work with whaling industries, but would actually
Do sharks see in color or black and white?
By Blaise Jones The short answer is no, probably not. But as with all things in nature, the full answer
Blue whale accents & dialects
The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is not only the largest animal to ever live on earth - yes, it was
Leith’s Softshell Turtle (Aspideretes leithii)
  Taxonomy Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Trionychidae Genus: Aspideretes Species: leithii Description Leith’s softshell turtle is a large species,
Which whale is named “two teeth”?
One of the elusive beaked whales, the Sowerby’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens) was named for James Sowerby (1757-1822), an artist
What is plankton?
  The group of small animal and plant organisms float or drift in massive numbers in fresh or salt water and consist
What is coral spawning?
Hard (or stony) corals reproduce by releasing their eggs and sperm all at the same time. This spawning cycle is
What is a hurricane?
A hurricane is a type of storm called a tropical cyclone, which forms over tropical or subtropical waters. A tropical
Spyhopping great white sharks
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Great white sharks are
Top ten dangers at the beach
Trips to the beach aren't always fun in the sun. Plan your summer beach visit with the following safety tips
Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis)
Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) Ouachita Map Turtles are very similar to False Map Turtles. Identification General description: Their carapace
Which porpoise is a dolphin?
Sometimes call a “hookfin porpoise,” the Pacific White-Sided Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) is actually a dolphin. The source of the misleading
What is the Plimsoll line?
From NOAA A commercial ship is properly loaded when the ship’s waterline equals the ship’s Plimsoll line. The Plimsoll line
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Stenella plagiodon)
Atlantic spotted dolphins are members of the delphinid family. They are about 5-7.5 feet (1.6-2.3 m) long and weigh 220-315 pounds
BENAK: Malaysia’s aquatic anomaly, tourist attraction
By Scott A. Rowan In our series of stories on tidal bores, we examine the geology, and details of some
Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)
The beluga whale is a small, white-toothed whale. Adult belugas may reach a length of 16 feet (5 m), though average size
Which species smashes through Arctic ice 6 feet thick with its head?
Built like a torpedo with a massive shell on the front end to penetrate a dense object, the bowhead whale
Which cetacean was named for a famous Norwegian sailor?
Johan Bryde (1858-1925) was a Norwegian whaler who later was co-founder of the South African Whaling Company in 1908. The
Which famous “whale” species is actually the largest dolphin?
Though they’re common name may be misleading, the Killer Whale is neither a “killer” nor a “whale.” Actually the largest
Round scars on the flank of a stranded female Gray's beaked whale (Mesoplodon grayi), probably from cookie-cutter shark bites. Photo credit: Avenue.
How can a cookie be a cigar? When it’s a parasite! Meet the cookie cutter shark
By Taylor Rudow When most people hear the word shark, the cookie cutter shark is not the image that comes
Which dolphin was declared “functionally extinct” in 2006?
In 2006, and again in 2012, marine researchers reluctantly declared the Chinese River Dolphin, also known as the Baiji, to be
Which dolphin is the most easily identified?
As the only member of the whale family with no dorsal fin, the Northern Right Whale Dolphin is the most
Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus)
Of the seven species of sea turtles, the flatback turtle has the smallest distribution range, habitat size, and population numbers.
Comparison of a bottlenose dolphin, one of the most popular ocean animals, versus the similarly-named dolphinfish, one of the most popular restaurant items, and the dolphinfish's closest relative, the Pompano dolphin. Images are not to scale.
Dolphin or dolphinfish: what’s the difference?
By Holly Lynn Anderson Clearing up the confusion between a dolphin and a dolphinfish illustrates two common problems when discussing
Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
Gray whales are mysticetes, or baleen whales. Gray whales are the only species in the family Eschrichtiidae. These large whales
Do turtles fart?
By Stacey Venzel Yes, turtles fart. Gas build-up in the stomach can make turtles fart. In fact, Brussels sprouts cause
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Green turtles are the largest of all the hard-shelled sea turtles, but have a comparatively small head. Adult green turtles
Was the real “Jaws” a bull shark?
By Earl Filskov There are currently 368 known species of sharks in the world. Only 20 out of the 368
What are “Pork Rinds of the North”?
  A delicacy for the Inuit natives in Canada and Greenland is maktaq (also muktuk, maktaaq), which is narwal skin
Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus)
Bearded seals are members of the "true seal" family, Phocidae. They have a small head, large body, and small, square
The males of which whale species are known for their “white hat”?
One of the more easily-recognized whales due to the white patch on its head that looks like a white baseball
What factors determine how many eggs a turtle lays?
By Stacey Venzel Sea turtles lay hundreds of eggs in a season compared to only a dozen in box turtles,
Atlantic Humpbacked Dolphin (Sousa teuszii)
The Atlantic Humpback Dolphin is endemic to the eastern tropical Atlantic, where it is limited to coastal and inshore waters
Skeleton comparison of spinosaurus aegyptiacus and typical penguin
Was The Prehistoric Penguin An Apex Predator?
By Scott A. Rowan The penguin thrashed the shark, eating most of it whole, but it was still hungry. So
Do turtles sleep?
By Stacey Venzel  Every creature needs to be able to rest, but not all of them get their shut-eye in
What 3 seals are named for monks?
The three “monk” seals are either extinct - Caribbean Monk Seal (Monachus tropicalis) - or are the most endangered of
What is countershading?
  By Blaise Jones While sharks come in all shades and colors, most people picture them with gray backs and
How many sharks are endangered?
    By Blaise Jones Sharks have survived every major extinction event that has hit this planet since their species
Are turtles social?
By Stacey Venzel Social behavior is not always as complex as forming friendships, raising families and having relationships. Instead of
How big will a box turtle grow?
Some of the most popular species of turtles to keep as a pet are box turtles because even at full
MASCARET: battling the Seine River bore
By Scott A. Rowan In our series of stories on tidal bores, we examine the geology, and details of some
False map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica)
False map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica) False Map Turtles are very similar to Ouachita Map Turtles. Identification General description: Their carapace
Indian Ocean animal life
Go directly to other pages that share the animals found in those oceans: North Pacific South Pacific North Atlantic South
What is the only dolphin without a dorsal fin?
One of the most easily distinguished dolphins in the world due to its lack of dorsal fin is the Northern
What is a datum?
From NOAA A geodetic datum is an abstract coordinate system with a reference surface (such as sea level) that serves
How deep can a California Sea Lion dive?
California sea lion can dive as deep as:   1,000 feet 1,500 feet 2,000 feet   The deepest that a
What is Biofluorescence?
What is Biofluorescence? Biofluorescence – the ability to absorb blue light from the sun, process it and re-emit it as
Which turtle species was identified in 1988?
Which turtle species was identified in 1988? The seventh and most recent member of the sea turtle family is the
Burmeister’s Porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Phocenidae GENUS: Phocoena SPECIES: spinipinnis TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
How long can a California Sea Lion hold its breath?
How long can a California Sea Lion hold his breath?   6 minutes 12 minutes 18 minutes   The longest
Which animal is a “big-winged New Englander”?
With the scientific name of Megaptera novaeangliae, which means “big-winged New Englander,” the humpback whale got its bird-like name due
Why do scientists measure sea surface temperatures?
Sea surface temperature provides fundamental information on the global climate system. Because the ocean covers 71 percent of Earth's surface, scientists
Is the world on an elephant’s back?
Tribal myths, religions, and legends have featured turtles, tortoises, and terrapins since long before the written word. In the Hindu
Long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis)
Long-beaked common dolphins are relatively small dolphins that can reach lengths of 6-8.5 ft (1.9-2.6 m) and weigh 160-500 lbs
What is an oil seep?
An oil seep is a natural leak of crude oil and gas that migrates up through the seafloor and ocean
What does Ectotherm mean?
What does Ectotherm mean? Also known as cold-blooded, these animals need an external heat source such as sunlight, warmer water,
Most powerful bite in animal kingdom
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Though known for its
How many oceans are in the world?
This is a trick question of sorts. The correct answer can be either one, four, five or six oceans, depending
Which whale is named for a pioneer in scientific journalism?
Australia’s Heber Albert Longman (1880-1954) was a pioneer in scientific journalism, a self-taught scientist who began his career as a
Greenland shark lays claim to world’s oldest animal
By Scott A. Rowan If a report published last week in “Science” magazine is correct, the oldest living animal isn’t
Common Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) aka Northern Minke Whale
Minke whales are members of the baleen whale family and are the smallest of the "great whales" rorquals. The taxonomy
Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Sirenia FAMILY: Trichechidae GENUS: Trichechus SPECIES: inunguis TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
Which sea turtle is only one to nest during the day?
Which sea turtle is the only one to nest in daylight? The Kemp's ridley turtle is the only sea turtle
What color is an iceberg?
The colorful hues of icebergs result from the interplay of light with dense ice, ice crystals, and algal growth. Most
Are all fish cold-blooded?
The opah is the only known fully warm-blooded fish that circulates heated blood throughout its body. Not all fish are
What kind of teeth do sharks have?
By Blaise Jones The teeth of all sharks are enlarged versions of their dermal denticles, which coat their skin. The
Could Loch Ness monster be a Greenland shark?
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Could the Loch Ness
South Pacific Ocean animal life
Go directly to other pages that share the animals found in those oceans: North Pacific South Pacific North Atlantic South
Guadalupe Fur Seal (Arctocephalus townsendi)
Guadalupe fur seals are members of the "eared seal" family, Otariidae. Guadalupe fur seals are sexually"dimorphic" with males reaching average
How often do sharks eat?
By Blaise Jones A large part of the fearsome reputation of sharks comes from the idea that they are all
When and how often do turtles lay eggs?
By Stacey Venzel While a human giving birth to quintuplets makes headlines, turtles should really be the ones on the
What is the largest reef in the world?
By Frances Allen The Great Barrier Reef comprises 2,900 individual reefs, making it the largest coral reef in the world
What are the biggest threats to turtles?
By Stacey Venzel Hunting, habitat destruction, food shortage, global warming, pollution, litter, boating, fishing and tourism are the main concerns
What are gill rakers?
What are gill rakers? Gill rakers are one or a series of projections that extend over the gills to prevent
Which whale is named for the first curator of the Smithsonian Institute?
  Naturalist, ichthyologist (person who studies fish) and ornithologist (person who studies birds), Spencer F. Baird (1823-1887) was named the
How do police catch turtle egg poachers?
How do police catch turtle egg poachers? One of the ways international groups catch poachers guilty of stealing turtle eggs
Benjamin Franklin published this map of the Gulf Stream in 1769.
What causes the Gulf Stream?
By Bob Baldwin Benjamin Franklin created the chart above to show the mysterious river of water flowing across the Atlantic
What is a group of turtles called?
What is a group of turtles called? A group of turtles is called a "bale" and a group of tortoises
Gray’s Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon grayi)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Ziphiidae GENUS: Mesoplodon SPECIES: grayi TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
Which whales existed only in theory until found alive in 1954?
Known only from fossilized skulls until the discovery of live animals in 1954, the Pygmy Killer Whale can be found
What do sea turtles eat?
What do sea turtles eat? The answer isn't as simple as you might think. There are seven species of sea
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Identification: The low, smooth carapace is black or olive, with red markings along or under the
Weddell Seal videos
Here are a few videos that will help quickly introduce you to the Weddell Seal and the great work researchers
What is a group of trout called?
What is the name of a group of trout? Hover. A group of trout is called a hover. Groups of
Do turtles have bones?
Yes, turtles have bones. The shell is made up of a carapace and plastron, which the ribs are attached to
Sharks of the Mississippi River
Sharks in the Mississippi River? You bet. On Sept. 8, 1937, fishermen caught a bull shark in the upper Mississippi
What is the largest turtle?
What is the largest turtle? The largest leatherback turtle ever recorded weighed more than a ton! In 1988, a leatherback
Dugong (Dugong dugon)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Sirenia FAMILY: Dugongidae GENUS: Dugong SPECIES: dugon TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
Why do turtles have tails?
By Stacey Venzel A turtle’s tail houses its reproductive organs, so without it, a turtle could not reproduce. Shorter tails
What is the biggest source of ocean pollution?
Most ocean pollution begins on land.  Eighty percent of pollution to the marine environment comes from the land. One of
Big-headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum)
Taxonomy Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Platysternidae Genus: Platysternon Species: megacephalum Description The big-headed turtle is appropriately named.  Its head
Ringed Seal (Phoca hispida)
Ringed seals are part of the "true seal" family Phocidae. The ringed seal is the smallest and most common seal
Jaws by Peter Benchley.
DAH-DUM, DAH-DUM: The real story behind “Jaws”
By Stacey Venzel Terror surrounding the great white shark received a major boost in 1974 when Peter Benchley's critically acclaimed
Bleached branching coral (foreground) and normal branching coral (background). Keppel Islands, Great Barrier Reef.
Why should I care about global warming?
By Stacey Venzel Over the last one hundred years, the average temperature on our planet has risen 33 degrees Fahrenheit
How much does a green sea turtle weigh?
How much does a green sea turtle weigh at birth? Weighing about half a pound at birth (25 g), the average
Chinese River Dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer) aka Baiji
• Read more about the Baiji - "Ghost of the River" ... The Chinese river dolphin is a freshwater dolphin
Closeup of a Galileo thermoscope.
What is the temperature at the bottom of the ocean?
By Jeannette Bedard  In the ocean, the surface is easy to observe. From antiquity, seafarers strove to interpret the surface
Which whales has three popular populations named: Resident, Transient, and Offshore?
Scientific studies have revealed many different populations–or even potentially different species or subspecies–of killer whales worldwide. These different populations of
What dolphin gives birth up to 45 years old?
The Bottlenose Dolphin is known to give birth up to 45 years old. Females will outlive males, with males living
Do any fish live in the Southern Ocean?
  By Earl Filskov When drilling a hole almost 2,500 feet (740m) through the Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf – the world’s
Which deadly animal has three hearts and blue blood?
By Earl Filskov Approximately 100 miles off the coast of Mexico in the Humboldt Current, fisherman hope to catch the
What are the 10 most deadly sharks?
By Earl Filskov There are currently 368 known species of sharks in the world. Only 20 out of the 368
MEGAMOUTH SHARK: world’s most mysterious shark
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Only discovered in 1976,
Can turtles drown?
By Stacey Venzel Turtles can drown if they are not able to surface to the water to breathe. Drowning occurs
What dolphin is the only one to completely spin out of the water?
Making as many as four body revolutions in one leap, the Spinner Dolphin is the only dolphin that spins completely
Map or nautical chart? What’s the difference?
From NOAA A nautical chart is much more than a map. A nautical chart represents hydrographic data, providing very detailed
Blainville’s Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon densirostris)
Blainville's beaked whales, sometimes known as the "dense-beaked whale," are little known members of the beaked whale family (Ziphiidae). As
Great hammerhead shark (Sphryna mokarran). Photo credit: Jake Mohan.
Why do hammerheads have hammer heads?
By Blaise Jones When people picture sharks, they probably imagine a sleek, torpedo-shaped body with a conical head. Most sharks
Do sharks hunt in packs or are they solitary hunters?
By Blaise Jones For the most part sharks are lone hunters, only interacting with other members of their species in
How do turtles eat snails?
By Stacey Venzel Lacking teeth, turtles do not have to worry about losing a set of dentures when they bite
What seal dives 2,000 feet under ice to avoid predators?
The Weddell Seal lives in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean, along the coast of Antarctica and nearby islands
What is the fastest cetacean in the world?
The Dall's porpoise is considered to be the world's fastest cetacean, about to reach speeds up to 35 mph (56
What animal blows air into ice cracks to feed?
The Weddell Seal is the only seal that lives permanently in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean along the
Meet “Casper” the newly-discovered octopus species
By Scott A. Rowan Ghosts surprise. That's what they do. So it only makes sense that the surprise scientists experienced
TIDAL BORES: the geology of aquatic bores
  By Scott A. Rowan In our series of stories on tidal bores, we examine the geology, location, and dangers
Do sharks chew their food or swallow it whole?
By Blaise Jones A large part of the fearsome reputation of sharks comes from the idea that they are all
Does pollution harm sharks?
By Blaise Jones One of the key byproducts of human expansion are heavy metals. No, not Metallica. Cobalt, aluminum, chrome, lead, nickel, zinc, copper, cadmium and mercury
What is the Sargasso Sea?
What is the Sargasso Sea? The Sargasso Sea is the world's only sea that does not touch land at any
Oceans of the world
How many oceans are there? This is a trick question of sorts. The correct answer can be either one, four,
Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris)
Subspecies of the spinner dolphin include: Eastern spinner (Stenella longirostris orientalis) Central American spinner (Stenella longirostris centroamericanus) "Whitebelly" spinner (Stenella
What strategies do turtles use to find food?
By Stacey Venzel There are no turtle grocery stores to make food shopping easy; instead, a turtle has to work
Which cetacean is a “Finback”?
  Known by nicknames like Razorback, Finback, and Common Rorqual, the Fin Whale is the second largest animal in the
On December 4, 2006, Japanese scientists videotaped this female giant squid alive. Credit: Tsunemi Kubodera of the National Museum of Nature and Science of Japan/AP
The Giant Squid: Separating Myth from Facts
By Shauna Bennett April 8, 2015 Below the thunders of the upper deep, Far, far beneath in the abysmal sea,
Which cetacean is a “devil fish”?
Due to their violent reactions after being harpooned by whalers, Gray Whales earned the nickname of “devil fish.” In the
Can I release my pet turtle into a local pond or stream?
Just because you can doesn't mean you should. One of the worst things that a turtle owner can do is
The Chilean Dolphin is known by what dark name?
The Chilean Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus eutropia) is also known as the Black Dolphin. It earned the name Black Dolphin because the
Sentinel-Tribune story about “Today’s Dinosaurs”
To learn more, please go to the official page for Today's Dinosaurs: A Complete Guide to Turtles, Terrapins, and Tortoises
What should I do if I find a turtle in the road?
By Stacey Venzel If you spot a turtle crossing the road, it is helpful if you move the turtle away
What vulnerable marine mammal is related to elephants?
All four species in the Order Sirenia are distant relatives of the elephant: Amazonian manatee, dugong, West African manatee and
Biofluorescence vs. bioluminescence: what’s the difference?
In late September, marine biologist David Gruber revealed the world's first recording of a reptile displaying bioflourescent behavior. The hawksbill sea
Long-finned pilot whale calls, vocalizations
Long-finned pilot whales are commonly seen in tight, sociable pods and sub-groups (usually containing more females than males) of usually
Why did the raccoon bite the turtle?
Why did the raccoon bite the turtle? Because raccoons are natural predators of turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. It can be mean
Which species is named for a student who famously upset his teacher?
Also known as the “dense-beaked whale,” the Blainville’s Beaked Whale is named for Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville (1777-1850), a
Which blackfish has the most teeth?
With 20 to 26 pairs of teeth in each jaw, the Melon-Headed Whale has more teeth than any other blackfish
How are Atlantic Spotted and Clymene Dolphins related?
Both the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin and the Clymene Dolphin are the only two members of genus Stenella. Both are found
LETHAL ATTRACTION: China’s Qiantang River tidal bore
By Scott A. Rowan In our series of stories on tidal bores, we examine the geology, location, and dangers of
What is Sympatric?
What is sympatric? Sympatric is when two species that live in the same environment and overlap in population distribution. ###
What is so unusual about a yellow-margined box turtle’s defense?
Why is the yellow-margined box turtle's defense weird? The turtle with the best defense just may be the yellow-margined box
How did the white-bellied Black Dolphin earn its name?
The Chilean Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus eutropia) is also known as the Black Dolphin. It earned the name Black Dolphin because the
What is aquaculture?
Aquaculture is the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, plants, algae and other organisms in all types of water
What is the largest animal ever?
Weighing more than 330,000 pounds (150,000 kg) and measuring more than 100 feet (30 m), the Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
What is the largest seal?
Northern elephant seals are the largest phocid, or “true” seal, in the Northern Hemisphere. Fully grown males can reach lengths
Which dolphin has a mustache?
The Clymene Dolphin does not have a traditional, hairy mustache, but the markings on its rostrum are distinctive enough to
South Atlantic Ocean animal life
Go directly to other pages that share the animals found in those oceans: North Pacific South Pacific North Atlantic South
How do turtles survive through winter?
By Stacey Venzel Similar to other reptiles, turtles are cold-blooded. While this means their body temperature changes with the environment,
Can I own a Desert Tortoise?
Yes, unless you have an old desert tortoise. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is legal to
Chances for above-average hurricane season: NOAA
From NOAA In its updated 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, NOAA calls for a higher likelihood of a near-normal or
Do turtles save their food for later?
By Stacey Venzel Turtles do not have chubby cheeks like chipmunks, squirrels or hamsters to store food for later. Unlike
What should I do if I find a baby turtle?
By Stacey Venzel Baby humans are small but not nearly as small as baby turtles. The intelligence of a baby
What does the ocean have waves?
Waves are created by energy passing through water, causing it to move in a circular motion. The ocean is never
What is the cloaca?
What is the cloaca? The cloaca is the cavity at the end of the digestive tract that leads to an
Are any sharks endangered?
By Blaise Jones Yes. Chondrichthyes (sharks, stingrays, and chimera) are one of the most endangered groups of vertebrate animals on
How long do box turtles live?
Box turtles are known to live up to 100 years old. On average, turtles can live to be about 80
Pygmy Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps)
Pygmy sperm whales are small members of the toothed whale group, and one of two species in the family Kogiidae.
Crabeater Seal videos
One of the most abundant seals on the planet is the Crabeater Seal, a resident of the Southern Ocean. Crabeater
Northern Bottlenose Whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus)
Northern bottlenose whales are the largest members of the beaked whale family (Ziphiidae) in the North Atlantic Ocean. As adults,
Why do we name tropical storms and hurricanes?
Storms are given short, distinctive names to avoid confusion and streamline communications Until the early 1950s, tropical storms and hurricanes
Can a turtle flip over?
By Stacey Venzel Turtles are almost always able to rotate from their backs to their stomachs, but in rare instances
The discovery of water molecules buried within blue ringwoodite, which is found hundreds of miles inside the Earth, may be empirical evidence that the world's largest ocean is subterranean. Photo credit: Jasperox.
World’s largest ocean has never been seen
By Rachel Sloan The biggest ocean in the world has never been seen, according to scientists who discovered a massive
Which whale has a “false gill” that makes it look like a shark?
A bracket-shaped marking that is usually white or light gray behind the eye, is a sure sign that the species
NOAA establishes international marine mammal bycatch criteria for U.S. imports
From NOAA Fish and fish products must meet protection standards comparable to the U.S. Last month, the National Oceanographic Atmospheric
Vaquita or Cochito (Phocoena sinus)
Other stories about the vaquita: Endangered vaquita population is less than 100, how you can help Vaquitas have compact, robust
A “short-snouted spinner dolphin” is actually what cetacean?
The Clymene Dolphin will sometimes spin when it comes out of the water, leading to its nickname: the “short-snouted spinner
How heavy are bull sharks?
By Earl Filskov There are currently 368 known species of sharks in the world. Only 20 out of the 368
Which cetacean is a “Common Rorqual”?
  Known by nicknames like Razorback, Finback, and Common Rorqual, the Fin Whale is the second largest animal in the
Aerial view of a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), the largest animal in the world. Photo credit: NOAA.
What is the largest animal on the planet?
By Angelica Hernandez  When we think of the largest animals in the ocean, a few pictures may come to mind.
What is difference between common snapping turtle and alligator snapping turtle?
Two of the most powerful and prehistoric-looking turtles in the world are the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping
BORED TO DEATH: rivers that kill
By Scott A. Rowan Yes, you can get bored to death. Don't worry, however, you would need to be wading
What are the different shark fins used for?
By Blaise Jones Sharks are amazingly adapted animals, and nowhere is that more apparent than in their body structure. Though
Melon-Headed Whale (Peponocephala electra)
Melon-headed whales are small members of the dolphin group. They can reach a length of 9 feet (2.7 m) and weight of
What do Red-Eared Slider Turtles eat?
What do Red-Eared Slider Turtles eat? One of the most frequently-asked questions about turtles is: what do I feed my
What natural predators do turtles have?
By Stacey Venzel When it comes to the fight or flight response for predator avoidance, the slow-moving turtle would rather
Do turtles have teeth?
By Stacey Venzel One of the distinguishing traits of a turtle is that it does not have teeth. Instead of
Court-martialed for WWII shark attack
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): The captain of the
What is only native seal to Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea?
The Caribbean Monk Seal is the only known seal to be native to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean
Dwarf Sperm Whale (Kogia sima)
Dwarf sperm whales are in the family Kogiidae. They can reach lengths of up to about 9 feet (2.7 m) and
Which mammal has the longest migration?
In 2011, a gray whale was recorded covering 14,000 miles from Russia to Mexico and back, establishing the record for
What is the most mysterious whale in the world?
Each of the 22 species of beaked whale are notorious for being mysterious, avoiding contact with humans, but three of
Which animal is a “dog that runs in rough water”?
The Hawaiian name for the Hawaiian Monk Seal is “llio holo I ka uaua” that is translated as a “dog
Why the Air Force copies sharks
Every country's air force copies sharks when it comes to painting nearly every airplane, especially fighter jets. Countershading saves lives,
Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, and Northwest Atlantic are the 3 U.S. stocks of which “tiny killer”?
Found primarily in deep waters throughout tropical and subtropical areas of the world, the Pygmy Killer Whale has three recognized
What seal covers the most distance on land? Where?
The Crabeater Seal just may cover more distance on land than any other seal. Living in the Southern Ocean, Crabeater
5 things separate turtles from other reptiles
By Stacey Venzel Members of the order Testudines, sometimes classified as Chelonia, “turtles” is a broad term that includes three
What is the world’s largest turtle?
By Stacey Venzel A gentle giant roams the depths of our oceans, and it’s not the blue whale or the
Tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis)
  PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Delphinidae GENUS: Sotalia SPECIES: fluviatilis TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER
How long do turtles live?
Before you get a pet turtle, please watch this video (don't worry, it's less than 90 seconds) to learn why
What is the International Date Line?
The International Date Line serves as the "line of demarcation" between two consecutive calendar dates. The International Date Line, established
Kemp’s Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)
Adult Kemp's ridleys are considered the smallest marine turtle in the world. Their top shell (carapace) is often as wide
POROROCA: the Amazon River’s aquatic “destroyer”
By Scott A. Rowan In our series of stories on tidal bores, we examine the geology, and details of some
Do sharks sleep?
By Blaise Jones The exact nature and biological reason behind sleep is still a mystery to science. No one knows
West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Sirenia FAMILY: Trichechidae GENUS: Trichechus SPECIES: senegalensis TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
Did NASA find water on another planet?
  Four hundred years ago, the astronomer Galileo's discovery of Jupiter's four large moons forever changed humanity's view of the
Gray Seal (Halichoerus grypus) aka Grey Seal
Gray seals are part of the "true seal" family, Phocidae. True seals lack external ear flaps and have short forelimbs
THREAT LEVEL: critically endangered animals
The following animals are considered CRITICALLY ENDANGERED by the International Union for Conservation and Natural Resources (IUCN): -TSF-
How many spots are on Atlantic Spotted Dolphin pups at birth?
None. Atlantic Spotted Dolphins are born without any spots and look very much like slender bottlenose dolphins. As the pups
The bull shark (carcharhinus leucas) has valid claims to be the most dangerous shark in ALL waters. (Bull shark photo by Albert Kok is licensed under CC BY 2.0).
Bull Shark (carcharhinus leucas) Is The Real Bad Boy of The Ocean
By Earl Filskov March 16, 2015; 6:57 p.m. There are currently 368 known species of sharks in the work. Only
Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata)
Adult hooded seals have black heads and silver-gray coats with dark blotches of varying sizes and shapes across their bodies.
Where do fish go when it freezes outside?
Most fish slow down and "rest" near the bottom during cold winter months. Have you ever wondered how fish survive
Roti Island Snake-necked Turtle (Chelodina mccordi)
Taxonomy Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Chelidae Genus: Chelodina Species: mccordi Description The Roti Island snake-necked turtle is a moderate-sized
Which cetacean is a “Razorback”?
Known by nicknames like Razorback, Finback, and Common Rorqual, the Fin Whale is the second largest animal in the world.
What do baby turtles eat?
In the wild, turtles are omnivores, meaning they will eat anything: meat, vegetables, and fruit. Specifically, the diet of turtles
Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)
Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) As its scientific name, Glyptemys insculpta, implies, the shell of the wood turtle is one of
Order: Carnivora (Ursidae, Mustelidae, Otariidae, Phocidae, Odobenidae)
There are five families of marine mammals within the Order Carnivora that can be divided into two groups: pinnipeds ("flipper-footed")
THREAT LEVEL: endangered animals
The following animals are considered ENDANGERED by the International Union for Conservation and Natural Resources (IUCN): -TSF-
What is Dimorphism?
What is Dimorphism? Dimorphism is a characteristic in species that differentiates the males from the females. It can be coloring, size or
What is Homocercal?
What is Homocercal? Homocercal describes a caudal (tail) fin with lobes of the same size.  It is similar, but opposite of
What dolphin is “thick-toothed”?
The scientific name Pseudorca crassidens for the False Killer Whale gives an indication of the formidable teeth this species has.
What makes a chart or map historic?
From NOAA NOAA considers a historical map or chart any map or chart that is not used today because it
How much does a green sea turtle weigh at birth?
How much does a green sea turtle weigh at birth? Weighing about half a pound at birth (25 g), the average
What is space weather?
From NOAA
THREAT LEVEL: EXTINCT animals
The following animals are considered EXTINCT by the International Union for Conservation and Natural Resources (IUCN): -TSF-
What is Ram Ventilation?
What is Ram Ventilation? Ram Ventilation is the respiration method used by sharks and fish that swim forward to keep water
What is the difference between weather and climate?
From NOAA We hear about weather and climate all of the time. Most of us check the local weather forecast
Which species gives birth to the largest offspring?
The African Elephant is the largest animal walking the earth, weighing up to 12,000 pounds (5.4 metric tonnes) and measure
Which animal has the longest migration?
The Arctic Tern earns the No. 1 spot for longest migration of any animal, covering a staggering 44,000 miles in
How do sharks reproduce?
By Blaise Jones As it is with many other aspects of shark biology, the method by which sharks reproduce varies
Some ailments people believe shark body parts heal
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Boiling the fins of
Rough-Toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis)
Rough-toothed dolphins are small members of the dolphin group that can grow up to 8.5 feet (2.6 m) long and about 350
Why sharks are called “sea dogs”
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): The old-fashioned European term
Which dolphin dives to 2,000 feet to find prey?
Fraser’s dolphins are capable of diving up to almost 2,000 feet (600 m) to feed on deep sea species of
Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
The hawksbill turtle is small to medium-sized compared to other sea turtle species. Their head is elongated and tapers to
What are the trade winds?
Early commerce to the Americas relied on the trade winds—the prevailing easterly winds that circle the Earth near the equator.
World’s First Aquatic, Animated News Network – The Super Fins
Want to change the world, but not sure how one person can help? Join The Super Fins® as a contributor
What is a group of sharks called?
What is a group of sharks called? Shiver. A group of sharks is called a shiver. Groups of different fish
Do turtles fart, poop, vomit, or burp?
By Stacey Venzel Yes, turtles can be just as rude and gross as humans. Farting, pooping, puking and burping are
Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)
Weight: 8 lbs. - 15 lbs Sexual Maturity: 15 - 20 years Height: 4"- 6" Mating Season: August - October Length
What is Trophic Cascade?
What is Trophic Cascade? Trophic cascade - An ecological condition that happens when a top predator is removed from an
What is a wetland?
A wetland is an area of land that is saturated with water. There are many different kinds of wetlands and
Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)
Size: Carapace (shell) length is 3 ½ -5 ½ inches in adult males, 6-9 inches in adult females, and 1-1
Do turtles poop?
By Stacey Venzel Yes, turtles defecate. A turtle’s food has to go somewhere, which becomes turtle poop. Turtles can have
Why do turtles bask in the sun?
By Stacey Venzel Tourists roll out beach towels to soak up the sun’s rays in an effort to catch a
Is it illegal to have a Desert Tortoise?
Yes, unless you have an old desert tortoise. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is legal to
Gervais’ Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon europaeus)
Gervais' beaked whales, sometimes called the "Antillean" or "Gulf Stream beaked whale," are little known members of the beaked whale
Do turtles cause any problems for humans?
By Stacey Venzel Mosquitoes and other annoying creatures dubbed pests are unwelcome for a reason, especially when attempts to lessen
What is R Selection?
What is R Selection? One of two reproduction strategies for species, compared to its opposite K Selection. An R Selection
Polar bear (Ursus maritimus)
Polar bears evolved from brown bears and are the largest member of the bear family. Male polar bears measure 2.4-
Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
The bottlenose dolphin is one of the most well known species of marine mammals. They have a robust body and
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long which can be harmful to our ocean and aquatic life.
What should you do if attacked by a shark?
By Blaise Jones Of all the animals on this planet, sharks arguably have the worst reputation. No other predatory animal
What cetacean is a “bottle beak”?
The scientific name Lagenorhynchus albirostris for the White-Beaked Dolphin is derived from the Latin word for “bottle” (lagenos), “beak” (rhynchos)
Do turtles migrate?
By Stacey Venzel Snowbirds—Ohioans and avians—head south to Florida for the winter. Turtles have their own migratory patterns, too, but
Texas freshwater fishing report (June 28-July 5, 2017)
Freshwater Weekly Fishing ReportWeek of June 28, 2017 From the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department ALAN HENRY Water clear on the
Why did the dog bite the turtle?
Why did the dog bite the turtle? Because dogs are natural predators of turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. It can be mean
Arnoux’s Beaked Whale (Berardius arnuxii)
  Baird's beaked whales, sometimes called "giant bottlenose whales," are the largest members of the beaked whale family (Ziphiidae). Females
Are sharks important?
By Blaise Jones Many sharks occupy spaces near the top of their ecosystem’s food chain. This means that they are
What are gill slits?
What are gill slits? Gill slits are the vertical openings on either side of the animal with gills that allow
Which cetacean is known for its V-shaped head and chevrons?
Fin whales have a sleek, streamlined body with a V-shaped head. They have a tall, “falcate” dorsal fin, located about
Which whale is named for a newspaper publisher?
Australia’s Heber Albert Longman (1880-1954) was a pioneer in scientific journalism, a self-taught scientist who began his career as a
What is a shark’s lateral line?
By Blaise Jones Sharks have a plethora of senses that allow them to maintain their mastery of the oceans. Their
Saimaa Seal (Phoca hispida saimensis)
Saimaa seals, like other ringed seals, are short and stocky. Both males and females reach about 5 feet (1.5 m)
How can you tell how old a turtle is?
By Stacey Venzel Turtles do not celebrate their birthdays quite like humans, but that does not mean we are unable
Learn to speak Killer Whale
Humans lack the physical body parts like phonic lips or a melon that some whales use to make their calls,
Which turtle was named for a Key West fisherman?
Which turtle was named for a Key West fisherman? The Kemp's ridley turtle is named for Richard M. Kemp, who
Which rare whale is a “Bastard”?
Hybrid whales are uncommon in the wild, but they do exist. These offspring are some of the most rare cetaceans
What is the most adaptive dolphin in the world?
Though not found in freshwater rivers, the Bottlenose Dolphin has been spotted in every ocean in the world as well
In 1494, Christopher Columbus named which animal a “sea wolf”?
During his second voyage in 1494, Christopher Columbus’s crew killed eight Caribbean Monk Seals to harvest for their meat. Columbus
What is bathymetry?
From NOAA The term "bathymetry" originally referred to the ocean's depth relative to sea level, although it has come to
What are scutes?
By Scott A. Rowan A scute is a plate of hardened keratin found on many animals, most notably the carapace
Why are vaquitas disappearing?
By Amber Friend Why are Vaquita Disappearing? Vaquitas largest threat is a large fishing net called a "gillnet". Fishermen use
Do sharks care for their young?
By Blaise Jones Sharks have been on this planet longer than the dinosaurs were. They’re perfectly adapted to their environments,
Are there oceans on other planets?
Earth is the only known planet to have bodies of liquid water on its surface. Currently, Earth is the only
Where does a turtle lay her eggs?
By Stacey Venzel Nest-building is not just a task left to the birds. While turtles do not pick up sticks
What is the world’s most endangered seal?
The Mediterranean monk seal is a phocid or “true” seal, and is the rarest and most endangered of all pinnipeds
Which seal has the shortest hair?
The Mediterranean Monk Seal has the shortest hair of all pinnipeds (flipper-footed mammal). Mediterranean monk seals have a fairly large,
Which animal was named for Floridian Richard M. Kemp?
Which sea turtle was named for Floridian Richard M. Kemp? The Kemp's ridley turtle is named for Richard M. Kemp, who was
What dolphin is also called the “Sarawak Dolphin”?
The Fraser’s Dolphin is also called the Sarawak Dolphin after being discovered in Sarawak, Borneo. Naturalist Francis Fraser was the
A “hookfin porpoise” is actually which animal?
Even though they are dolphins and not porpoises, the Pacific White-Sided Dolphin is sometimes referred to as a “hookfin porpoise.”
Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina)
Southern elephant seals are named after the large proboscis (nose) of the adult males, which is used to make loud
Amazon River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) aka Boto
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Iniidae GENUS: Inia SPECIES: geoffrensis TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
Where do turtles live?
By Stacey Venzel Turtles have been found everywhere except Antarctica. Their survival for 245 million years suggests they are incredibly
Do sharks hunt in packs?
By Blaise Jones For the most part sharks are lone hunters, only interacting with other members of their species in
What do Red-Eared Sliders eat?
In the wild, red-eared sliders are omnivores, meaning they will eat anything: meat, vegetables, and fruit. Specifically, the diet of
Methane emissions stable as Alaska warms
By NOAA Analysis of nearly three decades of air samples from Alaska’s North Slope shows little change in long-term methane
Do sharks hunt humans?
By Blaise Jones Of all the animals on this planet, sharks arguably have the worst reputation. No other predatory animal
Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor)
Status ESA Endangered - throughout its range MMPA Depleted - throughout its range CITES Appendix II - throughout its range
Do all sharks eat meat?
By Blaise Jones Yes! All sharks are carnivores. No sharks actively eat plants. The closest to a plant-eating shark we
Do turtles vomit?
By Stacey Venzel Yes, turtles vomit. Turtles are capable of vomiting digested food and regurgitating undigested food that has not
Hear killer whale accents and dialects
  RESIDENT, TRANSIENT, or OFFSHORE Vocalizations of the three killer whale ecotypes, the fish-eating (resident) killer whale, the mammal-eating (transient)
Check out the world’s first glow-in-the-dark turtle
The latest proof of the vast amount that we still do not know about the ocean was shared last week
Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddellii)
Weddell seals are found near the fast ice of the Antarctic continent, and some nearby islands.  The Weddell seals do
Which is the second largest dolphin in the world?
Technically a dolphin and not a whale, the Short-Finned Pilot Whale is the second largest dolphin in the world behind
Is it OK to eat sharks?
By Blaise Jones Sharks have been harvested and eaten all over the world throughout human history. Many cultures rely heavily
What animal’s underwater call is loud enough to be heard through Antarctic ice?
The calls of the Weddell Seal are so loud that researchers can easily hear them through the ice. The Weddell
What is a red tide?
A "red tide" is a common term used for a harmful algal bloom. Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when
Which species is the largest of the beaked whales?
Growing to approximately 32 feet (9.8 m) and 17,000 pounds (7,500 kg), the Northern Bottlenose Whale is the largest of
Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)
Alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in North America. They weigh between 155 and 175 pounds. They are
What is a plastron?
By Scott A. Rowan The plastron is the bottom (ventral) half of the shell for turtles, tortoises and terrapins. Like
Baird’s Beaked Whale (Berardius bairdii)
  Baird's beaked whales, sometimes called "giant bottlenose whales," are the largest members of the beaked whale family (Ziphiidae). Females
Ginkgo-Toothed Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens)
  PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Ziphiidae GENUS: Mesoplodon SPECIES: ginkgodens TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER
Short-Beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
Short-beaked common dolphins are small dolphins under 9 feet (2.7 m) long and weigh about 440 pounds (200 kg). As adults, males
How long do turtles live?
By Stacey Venzel They might not be the fastest individuals on the planet, but turtles are some of the oldest.
Brazil announces Amazon dam cancelled
Brasilia, Brazil - Last month the Brazilian environmental agency, IBAMA, announced the licensing process to build the São Luiz do
How many shark attacks around world each year?
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): There are only about
How did the Pacific Ocean get its name?
From NOAA In 1519, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, in the employ of Spain, began a journey across the Atlantic Ocean
What biotoxin does turtle meat carry?
What biotoxin does turtle meat carry? A 2013 medical study revealed that eating turtle meat - especially sea turtles -
What dolphin became its own species in 1981?
Clymene Dolphins, sometimes known as the “short-snouted spinner dolphin,” are relatively small delphinids. In 1981, Clymene dolphins were separated from
The New Jersey bull shark attacks
By Earl Filskov There are currently 368 known species of sharks in the world. Only 20 out of the 368
What is eating the eyes of Greenland sharks?
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Nearly every adult Greenland
What is Oviparous?
What is oviparous? Oviparous is reproduction by laying eggs, which very few species of sharks do. The ones that reproduce this
What is Forchhammer’s Principle?
Forchhammer's Principle refers to the chemical composition of ocean water. In 1865, the Danish geologist and mineralogist Johan Georg Forchhammer,
Which dolphin is a “streaker”?
In tropical areas of the eastern Pacific Ocean, fisherman and field biologists refer to the Striped Dolphin as a “streaker”
What are the Roaring Forties?
Sailors call the latitudes between 40 and 50 degrees south of the equator the Roaring Forties. During the Age of
Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
Gopher tortoises are dry-land turtles that usually live in relatively well-drained, sandy soils generally associated with longleaf pine and dry
THREAT LEVEL: EXTINCT IN THE WILD animals
  The following animals are considered EXTINCT by the International Union for Conservation and Natural Resources (IUCN): -TSF-
Only the males of which whale species have teeth?
Only the male members of the True’s beaked whale have teeth, mostly likely used to battle other males for mating,
Dean’s Blue Hole beach, the free-diving capital of the world in Long Island, Bahamas, is a perfect example of gorgeous beaches created by millions of years of fish feces. Photo credit: Stacey Venzel.
PARADISE OF POOP: Meet the fish whose feces create luxury vacations
By Stacey Venzel If you find yourself cooped up in front of a fireplace this holiday season pouring out your
Which whale is named for pollock?
Found in the subpolar and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Sei Whale gets its name
What is the oldest turtle?
What is the oldest turtle? In 2006 the longest pet-owner relationship in history came to an end in Kolkata, India,
What is Tonic Immobility?
What is Tonic Immobility? Tonic Immobility:  A momentary state of paralysis that can be induced by turning a shark on
What do bull sharks eat?
By Earl Filskov There are currently 368 known species of sharks in the world. Only 20 out of the 368
How does overfishing threaten coral reefs?
Overfishing can deplete key reef species and damage coral habitat. Coral reef ecosystems support important commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishery
What’s the largest shark ever?
  By Blaise Jones While the sharks that swim through our oceans today are large and fearsome, like most animal
What do sea stars eat?
By Angelica Romero Blancas Despite having little to no eyesight, slow speed, and no brain, sea stars are carnivorous hunters,
Heaviside’s Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Delphinidae GENUS: Cephalorhynchus SPECIES: heavisidii TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
What animal has the largest brain?
Approximately five times larger than the human brain, the Sperm Whale has the largest brain of any animal ever. Contained
Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus)
The Steller sea lion, also known as the northern sea lion, is the largest member of the Otariid (eared seal)
Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides)
  PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Phocenidae GENUS: Neophocaena SPECIES: phocaenoides TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER
Albert the Orca Explains Echolocation to The Super Fins
The world's first aquatic, animated news network, The Super Fins® is a collection of animals who cover stories in every
Which shark is known as an “elephant shark”?
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Known as “elephant sharks”
How do turtles eat prey with hard shell?
By Stacey Venzel Lacking teeth, turtles do not have to worry about losing a set of dentures when they bite
The largest animal in the ocean during the Early Ordovician was actually a shrimp ancestor from what is modern-day Morocco: Aegirocassis benmoulae. (Photo Credit: Aegirocassis benmoulae by Nobu Tamura is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)
No Oxymoron Here: Shrimp Was Largest Creature
By Earl Filskov April 17, 2015 Butterflies, cockroaches, spiders, horseshoe crabs and lobsters are known as arthropods, and they are
What is hydrography?
Hydrography is the science that measures and describes the physical features of bodies of water. Hydrography is the science that
Indo-Pacific Humpbacked Dolphin (Sousa chinensis)
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Cetacea Family: Delphinidae Genus: Sousa Species: chinensis TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER,
Chesapeake Bay’s “dead zone” is more than 2M Olympic-sized pools
By NOAA Hypoxic zone size affected by low river flow and nutrient loading Scientists expect that this year’s mid-summer Chesapeake
Which turtle has the fastest nesting turnaround time?
Which turtle has the fastest nesting turnaround time? The hawksbill turtle can complete an entire nesting cycle in just 45
How fast do turtles grow?
By Stacey Venzel Compared to other animals, turtles take their time making ticks on the growth chart. Humans can reach
How are satellites used to observe the ocean?
Satellites can "see the sea" in ways that are otherwise impossible and are amazing tools for observing the Earth and the
Fin whale calls, vocalizations
The 20-Hz signals of finback whales are perhaps one of the better described whale calls in the Atlantic Ocean. Typically,
Which whale has a “saddle”?
One of the largest dolphins in the world, reaching up to 25 feet (7.6 m) and weighing 5,000 pounds (2,300
Do turtles burp?
By Stacey Venzel Yes, turtles belch at times. Burping is caused by expelling air out through the mouth, a common biological
North Pacific Ocean animal life
Go directly to other pages that share the animals found in those oceans: North Pacific South Pacific North Atlantic South
What is the Mariner’s 1-2-3 Rule?
From NOAA The Mariner's 1-2-3 Rule is the guideline mariners follow to keep out of a tropical storm or hurricane's
What is Adelphophagy?
What is Adelphophagy? One of two forms of intrauterine cannibalism where the pup eats his or her siblings in the
What is the only ocean with no sharks?
By Blaise Jones Sharks possess a very adaptable physiology which lets them thrive in almost any environment the ocean has
Where can turtles be found?
By Stacey Venzel When it comes to water, turtles have a number of aquatic homes to choose from. Habitat preference
Why was being “right” so wrong for one cetacean species?
Due to their thick layer of blubber that makes them float when dead, the North Atlantic Right Whale was the
Juan Fernandez Fur Seal (Arctocephalus philippii)
The Juan Fernández Fur Seal is a polygynous species. Based on sealer observations made during the late 18th century, the
Do turtles have ears?
By Stacey Venzel Turtles have a good sense of hearing, but not up to par with humans. A turtle’s ears
What is Viviparous?
What is Viviparous? Viviparous – Reproduction by live birth, such as with humans and dogs. The only sharks able to
How Native Americans gave us the word “shark”
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): The term "shark" is
World’s oldest cephalopod: vampire squid
By Earl Filskov Menacingly, it slowly moves through the darkness of the ocean, at depths of more than 3,000 feet,
Why is the ocean so salty?
By Jeremy Duncan Oceans cover approximately 70 percent of the Earth’s surface and 97 percent of all the water on
What cetacean is known as “white sides”?
Ironically, a distinctive yellow-beige streak on the side of a dolphin is a sure sign that you’ve spotted a cetacean
Can I buy a wild turtle?
No, probably not. Each state has laws governing the purchase and selling of wild animals, but most states require individuals
What do pet turtles eat?
In the wild, turtles are omnivores, meaning they will eat anything: meat, vegetables, and fruit. Specifically, the diet of turtles
What animal was filmed for first time in February 2012?
While tracking blue whales off the coast of Australia, Australian researchers set marine mammal history on Feb. 23, 2012, recording
How big is the Atlantic Ocean?
From NOAA The Atlantic Ocean covers an area of approximately 41,105,000 square miles. Covering approximately 20 percent of the Earth’s
How does climate change affect sharks?
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): No sharks have lived
Galapagos Fur Seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis)
With a population size of about 50,000, the Galapagos Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus, subspecies: wollebacki) is one of the first
Flying tiger sharks of WWII
  Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): The American Curtiss
What is a group of herring called?
What is a group of herring called? An army. A group of herring is called an army. Groups of different
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Identification: Broad gray, brown, or olive (often algae covered) carapace with jagged rear edge. Plastron
Caribbean Monk Seal (Monachus tropicalis)
The Caribbean monk seal, also known as the "West Indian" monk seal, is a phocid or true seal. It was
How good is a shark’s sense of eyesight?
By Blaise Jones Finding prey in the ocean is no easy task. The ocean is, in a word, big. Some
Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis)
Sei whales (pronounced "say" or "sigh") are members of the baleen whale family and are considered one of the "great
What is the favorite food of the Crabeater Seal?
Krill. The Crabeater Seal does not eat crab, it only eats krill. The seal earned the misleading name because of unusual
Are sharks territorial?
By Blaise Jones Many movies featuring sharks often have them patrolling a set area as their home territory. This was
What is a vaquita?
By Amber Friend A vaquita is the smallest living cetacean (pronounced sĭ-tā′shən). Cetaceans are made up of whales, dolphins and
What is “bycatch”?
What is "bycatch"? Bycatch: The unintended capture of species not targeted by fish nets or other man-made devices, can be accidental
Can sharks get sick?
By Blaise Jones Sharks are amazingly resilient to disease. Research has indicated that sharks may be the first vertebrate animals
What weird turtle event set a record in February 2017?
What weird animal event set a record in February 2017? The largest arribada of olive ridley turtles happened in February
How many species of turtles exist today?
  By Stacey Venzel First appearing on the planet 245 million years ago, the turtles of today have not changed
Learn to speak Atlantic Minke Whale
Approximately the size of a city bus, the Atlantic Minke Whale is the smallest of the rorquals, or large whales.
What are krill?
Krill are small (2 inches / 5.5 cm) shrimp-like crustaceans that are found throughout the worlds oceans. Not surprisingly, Antarctic
Record for oldest shark in captivity
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): The record amount of
Pinniped or fissiped? What’s the difference?
There are five families of marine mammals within the Order Carnivora that can be divided into two groups: pinnipeds ("flipper-footed") and
Blanding’s Turtle (Emys blandingii)
Blanding's Turtle (Emys blandingii) Identification: Carapace smooth and dome like, black, often with yellow speckles. Plastron with crosswise hinge, yellow
Is the Giant Squid real?
By Shauna Bennett Below the thunders of the upper deep, Far, far beneath in the abysmal sea, His ancient, dreamless,
What is marine biogeography?
Marine biogeography is the study of marine species, the geographic distribution of their habitats, and the relationships between living organisms
Hubb’s Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon carlhubbsi)
  PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Ziphiidae GENUS: Mesoplodon SPECIES: carlhubbsi TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER
What is an Interdorsal Ridge?
What is an Interdorsal Ridge? The interdorsal ridge is an area between the first and second dorsal fins on sharks that have two
What are the doldrums?
The "doldrums" is a popular nautical term that refers to the belt around the Earth near the equator where sailing
Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris)
Northern elephant seals are the largest phocid, or "true" seal, in the Northern Hemisphere. Fully grown males can reach lengths
How do they know how old a shark is?
By Blaise Jones Determining the age of a shark is a difficult and imprecise without a complete dissection, which requires
The inia araguaiaensis was recently determined to be a unique species, similar but different than its cousins the Amazonian and Bolivian river dolphins. (Photo credit: Inia araguaiaensis by Jorge Andrade is licensed under CC BY-AS 3.0 and is resized.)
Araguaian River Dolphin: New Discovery and Already Endangered (Inia araguaiaensis)
By Earl Filskov March 22, 2015, 11:15 a.m. We know so little about the planet Earth and its inhabitants, both
Can turtles leave their shell?
By Stacey Venzel Unlike hermit crabs who rent multiple shells in a lifetime from other mollusks, turtles never switch shells.
What are Pelvic Fins?
What are pelvic fins? Pelvic Fins:  The fin(s) on the bottom of fish that act like a rudder on a
Captain Ahab’s “white whale” was which species?
“Call me Ishmael.” It very well may be the most quoted opening line to a published book and is the
What are those weird U-Turns on the beach?
What are those weird U-turns on the beach? Sometimes sea turtles change their minds after swimming ashore and decide to
Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta)
Loggerheads were named for their relatively large heads, which support powerful jaws and enable them to feed on hard-shelled prey,
What are beach advisories and beach closures?
Beach advisories and beach closures occur when water testing reveals the presence of one or more contaminants that exceed healthy
Order: Sirenia (Dugong, West African manatee, Amazonian manatee, West Indian manatee)
Sirenia include all manatees and dugongs. There are four living species of sirenia: Dugong West African manatee Amazonian manatee West Indian
Is the Kraken a real animal?
By Shauna Bennett Below the thunders of the upper deep, Far, far beneath in the abysmal sea, His ancient, dreamless,
What is the nictitating membrane?
By Blaise Jones Though sharks are some of the most ferocious predators in saltwater or freshwater, they are not invincible.
How often should I feed my turtle?
Your pet turtle will want something to eat every day, but sometimes it only needs to be a snack. Young
What is the Anal Fin?
What is the Anal Fin? The anal fin on the bottom of most sharks. Located between the pelvic fins and
What is the difference between a threatened and endangered species?
From NOAA Under the Endangered Species Act, a species may be listed as either threatened or endangered depending on their
What dolphin has white “lips”?
Streamlined and robust, the White-Beaked Dolphin is easily recognizable due to the white coloring of the area around the animal’s
What are phytoplankton?
Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order
Order: Cetacea (Odontoceti, Mysticeti)
All whales, dolphins and porpoises are cetaceans, which have two categories: toothed and baleen (toothless). Cetaceans live solely in the
What is the difference between a fish, shark, and whale?
By Blaise Jones When you look at a fish, a shark, and a whale, you might think that they are
What do turtles eat in the wild?
In the wild, turtles are omnivores, meaning they will eat anything: meat, vegetables, and fruit. Specifically, the diet of turtles
Why is it important to study tides?
  From NOAA Scientists measure the times, heights, and extents of both the rise and fall of the tidal waters
Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
Blue whales are baleen whales and are found worldwide. Blue whales in the Northern Hemisphere are generally smaller than those
Do sharks migrate?
By Blaise Jones Sharks are a highly migratory species. While there are a few exceptions, sharks do not stay in
What is a Lateral Line?
What is a Lateral Line? The lateral line is a series of pores along the sides of fish that connect
Is the Giant Squid and Colossal Squid the same?
By Shauna Bennett April 8, 2015 Below the thunders of the upper deep, Far, far beneath in the abysmal sea,
The weird fact that keeps lemon sharks safe
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Being easy to get
Are turtles important?
By Stacey Venzel For hundreds of years, turtles have played an important role in human culture. Our ancestors relied on
What is the worst shark attack of all time?
By Blaise Jones Sharks. Few things fascinate us more than these great creatures of the deep, and it’s easy to
What is Osmoregulation?
What is Osmoregulation? Osmoregulation is the ability to control the water balance in the body, including salinity and oxygen levels.
Longman’s Beaked Whale (Indopacetus pacificus)
Longman's beaked whales, sometimes known as "tropical bottlenose" or "Indo-Pacific beaked whales," are one of the rarest and least known
La Plata Dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) aka Franciscana
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Pontoporiidae GENUS: Pontoporia SPECIES: blainvillei TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): baleen FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or BRACKISH:
Which dolphin species is often confused with seals when first seen?
The only dolphin found in the Southern Ocean is the Hourglass Dolphin. One of the smallest dolphins, the Hourglass Dolphin
Which dolphin is so aggressive you won’t find it in captivity?
Technically a dolphin and not a whale, the Pygmy Killer Whale has a very misleading name which only underscores how
Green sea turtles grow to 3 feet but are just how many inches at birth?
Green sea turtles grow to 3 feet but are just how many inches at birth? Averaging less than 2 inches
Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella)
Fur seals are the smallest seals and closely related to dogs and sea lions, able to walk on all fours.
California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
California sea lions are members of the "eared seal" family, Otariidae. They are the most recognized pinniped species, because they
Hector’s Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon hectori)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Ziphiidae GENUS: Mesoplodon SPECIES: hectori TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
Straptoothed Whale (Mesoplodon layardii) aka Layard’s beaked whale
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Ziphiidae GENUS: Mesoplodon SPECIES: layardii TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
How a Hashtag Can Help Save Oceans: #NatureIsSpeaking
By Amy Duncan March 4, 2015; 6:18 p.m. Everyday 500 million tweets are sent worldwide. Instead of seeing today’s photo
In February 2017 what weird animal record was set at an Indian beach?
In February 2017 what weird animal record was set at an Indian beach? The largest arribada of olive ridley turtles
What is Ovovivparous?
What is ovovivparous? Ovovivparous is reproduction by gestation of eggs inside the mother’s body. Unlike mammals that have an umbilical cord,
How is bathymetric data used?
From NOAA Accurate bathymetry is the foundation for much of ocean science and policy. Bathymetric data, which includes information about
Weekly Michigan Fishing Report (June 22-29, 2017)
From the Michigan DNR: Southeast Lower Peninsula Lake Erie: A lot of undersize walleye have been caught. The bigger fish
Common Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica)
Common Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica) Identification: Green, olive, or brown carapace has irregular ("map like") markings and a low central
What are claspers?
What are claspers? Claspers are the male sexual organs located under the shark in the form of two flesh tubes
Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)
Killer whales most widely distributed marine mammals, found in all parts of the oceans; most abundant in colder waters, including
How many teeth does a shark have in its lifetime?
By Blaise Jones Sharks have some of the most amazing mouths in the animal kingdom. Powerful, versatile, and armed to
What is a narwhal tusk made of?
The tusk of a narwhal is actually a long tooth that has grown beyond the jawline, erupting from the head
What can be done to help turtles?
By Stacey Venzel Turtles lived on this earth long before us, so they are very good at adapting and healing.
What is oldest pet-owner relationship in history?
What is the oldest pet-and-owner relationship in history? In 2006 the longest pet-owner relationship in history came to an end
What is Sexual Dimorphism?
What is Sexual Dimorphism? Sexual Dimorphism is the physical difference between male and female individuals in the same species where
Why did four elephants stand on top of a tortoise?
Why did four elephants stand on top of a tortoise? Tribal myths, religions, and legends have featured turtles, tortoises, and
What is countershading?
What is countershading? Countershading is the exterior camouflage coloring of many animals where the top half of the animal is
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
Fin whales are the second-largest species of whale, with a maximum length of about 75 feet (22 m) in the Northern Hemisphere,
Do sea stars have eyes on their limbs?
By Angelica Romero Blancas While sea stars do have an eye at the end of each "arm" scientists are still
How good is a shark’s sense of smell?
By Blaise Jones Finding prey in the ocean is no easy task. The ocean is, in a word, big. Some
Commerson’s Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii)
  PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Delphinidae GENUS: Cephalorhynchus SPECIES: commersonii TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER
Which dolphin has the most teeth?
The Long-Beaked Common Dolphin has more teeth than any other dolphin, with up to 67 pairs of teeth lining the
How long do turtles live?
On average, turtles can live to be about 80 years old. Life span varies from species to species, but some
What species suffered mass strandings in 2004 and 2008 due to sonar tests?
Sonar tests by ExxonMobil oil researchers as well as similar tests by the U.S. Navy were determined by an independent
Which animal lives the longest?
Based on research and recent proof from a century-old harpoon, scientists believe the bowhead whale can live to be more
Pacific White-Sided Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens)
Pacific white-sided dolphins have a robust body and a very short beak. They have an unusually large, curved dorsal fin
What makes notothenoid fish so weird?
  By Earl Filskov When drilling a hole almost 2,500 feet (740m) through the Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf – the world’s
Do turtles change colors?
By Stacey Venzel  Just like human babies have different needs from adults, turtles use varying color to help adapt to
What do turtles eat?
What do turtles eat? One of the most frequently-asked questions about turtles is: what do I feed my pet turtle?
How long does it take to make a nautical chart?
From NOAA The time needed to make a new nautical chart depends on how many pieces of the puzzle are
The viper fish uses bioluminescence to draw prey close enough to use its infamously large fangs to eat them. Notice how their teeth are so large they cannot fit inside their skull. (Photo credit: viper fish by AnimalJam.Wikia)
Predatory Deception: Bioluminescence, Camouflage Lure Prey to Dinner
By Amber Friend March 24, 2015, 9:01 a.m. Underwater predators use many tricky methods to lure potential prey close enough
Which dolphin employs “roto-tailing”?
The only dolphin known to display the unique trait called “roto-tailing” is the Striped Dolphin. Roto-tailing is when the animal
Kamohoalii: the Hawaiian shark god
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): In Hawaiian mythology, Kamohoalii,
What does a narwhal tusk do?
  While the exact purpose of the narwhal’s famous tusk or horn - which is actually a tooth that has
What animals hunt sharks?
Watch these orcas work together as a team to kill a tiger shark using tonic immobility.   By Blaise Jones
What can turtles eat other than turtle food?
In the wild, turtles are omnivores, meaning they will eat anything: meat, vegetables, and fruit. Specifically, the diet of turtles
What can people do to help sharks?
By Blaise Jones How can a single individual have any effect on something as huge as the ocean? The answer
Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni)
Bryde's (pronounced "broodus") whales are members of the baleen whale family and are considered one of the "great whales" or
Which dolphin is also called a “bhulan” or “susu”?
The endangered Indus River Dolphin is native to the Indus River in Pakistan, where it is known locally as “bhulan”
Subantarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis)
The subantarctic fur seal is a small, carnivorous marine mammal. This species is sexually dimorphic, with adult males being up
What seal uses an “inflatable nose” to threaten others?
When Northern Elephant Seal males reach puberty at about 7 years old, they develop a large inflatable nose, or “proboscis.”
Where do vaquitas live?
By Amber Friend Vaquitas can be found in the shallow, murky ocean waters of the northern Gulf of California. Vaquitas
What is the “smoothest” dolphin?
The scientific name Lissodelphis borealis is derived from the Greek word lissos (“smooth”) and the Latin word borealis (“northern”) and
Do fish sleep?
While most fish rest by reducing their activity and metabolism, fish "sleep" is different from that of land mammals. The
What is a nautical chart?
From NOAA Nautical charts are key to safe navigation. A nautical chart is one of the most fundamental tools available
Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata)
Pygmy killer whales are small members of the dolphin group. They can reach a length of 8.5 feet (2.6 m) and weight
Which northern dolphin routinely leaps more than 20 feet in the air?
Often seen making long leaps through the water at speeds up to 22 mph (35 kph), the Northern Right Whale
What is “skim feeding”?
A simple method of feeding by baleen whales that happens at or near the surface where the whale moves rapidly through the
Weirdest squid in the world
By Amber Friend Underwater predators use many tricky methods to lure potential prey close enough to attack and eat them.
What do Box Turtles eat?
What do Box Turtles eat? One of the most frequently-asked questions about turtles is: what do I feed my pet
Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)
Bowhead whales are mysticetes, which means they have "baleen" plates instead of teeth for filtering food out of the ocean.
What is the deepest lake in the world?
By Humphrey Bwayo Ever wondered how deep the deepest lake in the world is? The deepest lake in the world
Which beaked whale is the most studied because whalers gave the dead to researchers?
While marine biology enthusiasts will never praise a predatory industry like whaling, one unexpected positive result of their slaughters was
Who was Samuel Plimsoll?
  From NOAA Samuel Plimsoll (1824–1898) was a member of the British Parliament who was concerned with the loss of
What is ocean etiquette?
Promoting responsible encounters with marine wildlife and their natural habitats. Wildlife viewing is a popular recreation activity, but it is
What is only dolphin species found in Southern Ocean?
  The only dolphin found in the Southern Ocean is the Hourglass Dolphin. One of the smallest dolphins, the Hourglass
What carnivore has the most highly-specialized teeth?
Crabeater Seal teeth are so unusual that many researchers consider them to be the most specialized teeth of any carnivore.
When surfacing for air, which discrete cetacean does NOT splash?
When surfacing for air, the Harbor Porpoise will not splash and make a visible display that could attract predators. Instead,
What is a narwhal tusk used for?
  While the exact purpose of the narwhal’s famous tusk or horn - which is actually a tooth that has
How many penguins can a polar bear eat?
By Valerie Clark You might think that cute little penguins are natural prey for polar bears in the arctic. Fortunately
True’s Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon mirus)
True's beaked whales have a relatively small to medium-sized body with a moderately short beak, as well as a rounded
What is the most endangered cetacean (whale or relative)?
Also called the Cochito, the Vaquita (Phocoenca sinus) is the world's most endangered cetacean with less than 100 individuals believed
What is the Viper Fish?
By Amber Friend Underwater predators use many tricky methods to lure potential prey close enough to attack and eat them.
Kamohoalii variations: Kalahiki or Unihipili
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Not all Hawaiian gods
How sharks “read” the ocean with superpowers
Sharks have more than a half dozen senses to understand their environment. Some of those senses are so foreign to
Which beaked whale is the only one with teeth in the upper jaw?
There are 22 beaked whales species and 21 of them only have teeth in the lower jaw. The only exception
What Antarctic predator “backlights” its prey?
The Weddell Seal is the only seal that lives permanently in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean along the
What is Supernormal Stimuli?
What is Supernormal Stimuli? Supernormal stimuli - An unusually excessive stimulation that activates primitive senses and creates an exaggerated response.
Which two whales squirt ink like squid for defense?
An unusual characteristic that distinguishes dwarf sperm whales and pygmy sperm whales from other cetacean species is the use of
What are High Seas Forecasts?
From NOAA NOAA's High Seas Forecasts are weather forecasts and data transmitted around the world in real- and near-real-time. Seafaring
Word “mako” came from Maori
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Both the longfin and
North Pacific Right Whale (Eubalaena japonica)
Right whales are large baleen whales. Adults are generally 45-55 feet (13.7-16.7 m) in length and can weigh up to 70 tons (140,000 lbs;
How are tidal waves formed?
By Jeannette Bedard With each ebb and flow the shoreline changes. Rocks and sand are exposed only to be hidden
What do turtles eat?
In the wild, turtles are omnivores, meaning they will eat anything: meat, vegetables, and fruit. Specifically, the diet of turtles
Hector’s Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Delphinidae GENUS: Cephalorhynchus SPECIES: hectori TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
What is Teleost?
What is Teleost? Teleost is the largest group of bony fish that have fins and swim bladders. ###
Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi)
The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. Part of the "true seal" family
Are sharks cold-blooded or warm-blooded?
By Blaise Jones Sharks have a reputation as “cold-blooded killers” and despite how negative that term is, it’s not entirely
What is Ram Filtration?
What is Ram Filtration? Ram Filtration is the respiration method used by filter-feeding sharks that swim forward with their mouth wide
What is the Caudal Fin?
What is the Caudal Fin? The caudal fin is the large bifurcated tail fin on sharks and other fish. ###
Michigan Weekly Fishing Report (June 29-July 6, 2017)
From the Michigan DNR Southeast Lower Peninsula Lake Erie:  After strong winds and a few slow days anglers were starting
False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens)
False killer whales are large members of the dolphin family. Females reach lengths of 15 feet (4.5 m), while males are almost
How long is turtle gestation?
By Stacey Venzel As with most traits among turtles, the amount of time females can hold eggs inside their bodies
Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
The Mediterranean monk seal is a phocid or "true" seal, and is the rarest and most endangered of all pinnipeds.
Which sea turtle grows 6000 times its size in a lifetime?
Which sea turtle grows 6,000 times its size in a lifetime? Loggerhead turtles will grow approximately 6,000 times their size
Are we living in a sixth extinction?
By Ker Than, Stanford University An unprecedented pattern of extinction in the oceans today that selectively targets large-bodied animals over
Do sea stars regenerate body parts?
By Angelica Romero Blancas Regeneration is one of the most famous abilities that sea stars possess. They can lose a
Do sharks need to keep swimming to breathe?
By Blaise Jones Like most large marine organisms, sharks breathe through their gills. Gills are specialized organs that allow for
What poaching arrest record was set in Mexico City?
What arrest record for animals was set in Mexico City? One of the biggest threats to turtles are poachers stealing
Spotted Seal (Phoca largha)
Spotted seals are members of the "true seal" family, Phocidae. They have a round head, narrow snout, small body, and
What is a “false crawl”?
What is a "false crawl"? Sometimes sea turtles change their minds after swimming ashore and decide to return to the
What aquatic animals are named for mythological sea creatures?
The three manatee species (Amazonian manatee, West African manatee, West Indian manatee) and the dugong are the four species that make
Do any fish live in Antarctica?
By Earl Filskov When drilling a hole almost 2,500 feet (740m) through the Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf – the world’s largest
Whale sharks and tuna team up on prey
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Whale sharks and tuna
What does an oceanographer do?
An oceanographer studies the ocean. Oceanography covers a wide range of topics, including marine life and ecosystems, ocean circulation, plate tectonics
Which cetacean is often confused for a Sei whale?
Though both whales are rorqual whales, the Sei whale grows to 60 feet (18 m) and 100,000 pounds (45,000 kg)
What is a seiche?
A seiche is a standing wave oscillating in a body of water. If you have observed water sloshing back and
What is the whale delicacy “maktaq”?
A delicacy for the Inuit natives in Canada and Greenland is maktaq (also muktuk, maktaaq), which is narwal skin that
Strangest shark bite in history
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): The strangest shark bite
Why is shark skin so rough?
By Blaise Jones Shark skin is often described as feeling like sandpaper, but in actuality it’d be more appropriate to
Which is the fastest whale?
Able to reach speeds of 35 mph (56 kmh), both the Sei Whale and the Fin Whale can claim to
What natural predators do turtles have?
It can be mean being green! Turtles, terrapins, and tortoises face a wide variety of enemies every day, especially in
Which species is a “tooth-walking sea horse”?
Found in the Arctic Ocean and neighboring habitats, the walrus is the only member of the family Odobenidae in the
Which whale is named for a Norwegian whaler who made a big mistake?
Sometimes a mistake is never forgotten and such is the legend of how the name for the minke whales began.
Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are the largest of the odontocetes (toothed whales) and the most sexually dimorphic cetaceans, with males
Does a turtle have a skeleton?
Yes, turtles have bones. The shell is made up of a carapace and plastron, which the ribs are attached to
Which sea turtle has the longest migration?
Which sea turtle has the longest migration? One of the longest migrations in the world belongs to the Pacific loggerhead
How can you tell a male shark from a female?
By Blaise Jones Determining the sex of an animal you are unfamiliar with can be a difficult task. More so
Notothenioid fish under Antarctic use have developed some unusual ways to avoid freezing. (Photo credit: Icefish larvae by Uwe Kils is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 photo resized)
Meet the Notothenioid Fish: Antarctic Icefish Uses Antifreeze in Blood to Survive
By Shauna Bennett March 25, 2015, 4:23 p.m. Near Antarctica, the seawaters are congested with ice. And so are the
What are the traits of the 10 shark orders?
By Blaise Jones There are 10 orders of shark: saw sharks, angel sharks, dogfish, bramble sharks, cow sharks, frilled sharks,
Bizarre “Shark Arm Murder” mystery
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): At the Coogee Aquarium
Michigan fishing report (July 27-August 2)
  Good fishing continues around the state.  Some areas are reporting excellent catch rates for trout, salmon, walleye and bass.
What is “sperm storage”?
By Stacey Venzel Female reptiles are known to safeguard sperm for long periods of time with turtle sperm storage documented
What is the difference between a “bale” and “creep”?
What is the difference between a "bale" and a "creep"? A group of turtles is called a "bale" and a
What is a Colossal Squid?
By Shauna Bennett April 8, 2015 Below the thunders of the upper deep, Far, far beneath in the abysmal sea,
Crabeater Seal (Lobodon carcinophagus)
Crabeater seals are the most numerous of the world's seals.  There are millions of crabeater seals.  After the pups are
Do any sharks live in rivers, streams or lakes?
By Blaise Jones Sharks are incredibly ecologically-flexible animals. They can be found in every sea in the world, ranging from
Coral outcrop on Flynn Reef at The Great Barrier Reef. Photo credit: Toby Hudson.
What are the biggest threats to reefs?
By Emma Corradini Though coral reefs protect an estimated 25 percent of all marine life, these habitats are constantly under threat
Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea)
  The Australian Sea-lion has a blunt snout, with small tightly rolled external ears. Males have dark blackish to chocolate
What is Mother Nature’s all-purpose plastic?
By Scott A. Rowan Keratin is a fibrous protein that is the basic structural component of hair, horns, claws, fingernails,
What is the difference between a nautical mile and a knot?
From NOAA A nautical mile measures distance and a knot measures speed. A nautical mile is based on the circumference
Iceland’s poisonous seafood delicacy
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Hákarl is a national
What are Pectoral Fins?
What are Pectoral Fins? Pectoral Fins are the pair of fins that extend from the chest on either side of sharks
A swell shark egg, often referred to as a mermaid's purse. The growing shark pup inside can be seen through the thin outer shell. This photo was taken in the Northern Channel Islands in 2011. Photo credit: Vagabondvince310.
Do sharks lay eggs or give birth to live pups?
By Hannah Roddy Sharks are fascinating creatures, especially when it comes to discussing their reproduction and development. Sharks are divided
What is “seaspeak”?
From NOAA Seaspeak is the official language of navigators the world over. Have you ever wondered how crews on ships
VIRGIN BIRTH IN ANIMALS: automictic parthenogenesis
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Virgin birth? No big
Which turtle eats more than half a ton of sponges each year?
Which turtle eats more than a half ton of sponges each year? The average hawksbill turtle in the Caribbean eats
Which whale went from “simus” to “sima” in 1998?
In 1998 authorities officially changed the scientific name of the Dwarf Sperm Whale from Kogia simus to Kogia sima. Known
Why did the otter bite the turtle?
Why did the otter bite the turtle? Because otters are natural predators of turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. It can be mean
What is the Caudal Peduncle?
What is the Caudal Peduncle? The caudal peduncle is the tapered region of the shark where the tail is attached to
Which regions of the world are home to turtles?
By Stacey Venzel When it comes to water, turtles have a number of aquatic homes to choose from. Habitat preference
What seal has the most southern habitat? Where?
The Weddell Seal has the most southern habitat of any seal in the world, living on and near the shores
WANTED: Marine Biology Consultant
  Love education as much as you do marine animals? Have a college degree in education or biology, marine biology
How do I get NOAA nautical charts?
From NOAA Head to the NOAA Coast Survey website for the latest charting products. NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is
How do turtles communicate?
By Stacey Venzel Even though turtles do not have vocal chords, they still communicate with sound. But sound is not
All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator by Blaise Jones
World’s most up-to-date shark source debuts with “All About Sharks”
The third book in the line of edu-tainment titles from The Super Fins will hit stores officially on Nov. 1
only one thing keeps sharks from spinning like bullet in water
Only one thing keeps sharks from spinning like a bullet in water and that is their fins. Every fin on
What is a group of bass called?
What is a group of bass called? Shoal. A group of bass is called a shoal. Groups of different fish
When is a Squid NOT a Squid? When it’s a vampire!
By Earl Filskov March 5, 2015, 12:25 p.m. Menacingly, it slowly moves through the darkness of the ocean, at depths
Which dolphin’s scientific name means “sky blue” and “white”?
The scientific name Stenella coeruleoalba for the Striped Dolphin comes from the Latin words “caeruleus” (“sky blue”) and “albus” (“white”),
Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus)
Northern fur seals are members of the "eared seal" family (Otariidae). They have a stocky body, small head, and a
Why do ships use “port” and “starboard” instead of “left” and “right”?
Unlike left and right, "port" and "starboard" refer to fixed locations on a vessel. Since port and starboard never change,
What is Heterocercal?
What is Heterocercal? Heterocercal describes a caudal (tail) fin with different-sized lobes. ###
Which whale is known for the many callosities that cover its head?
The plural form of callus, callosities are thick and hardened patches that give the North Atlantic Right Whale its distinctive
How are turtles born?
By Stacey Venzel Every turtle hatches from an egg. Each group of eggs is called a clutch, and each clutch
What is world’s most endangered marine mammal?
  By Amber Friend History is not something that we just read about in books; it's happening around us everyday
Which turtle species has the fastest nesting turnaround time?
Which turtle species has the fastest nesting turnaround time? The hawksbill turtle can complete an entire nesting cycle in just
NOAA recommends $9M in coastal habitat restoration
From NOAA $9 Million in Funding for Coastal Habitat Restoration Projects to Benefit Fish This year, we are recommending $9
Are turtles found in lakes, oceans, rivers or ponds?
By Stacey Venzel When it comes to water, turtles have a number of aquatic homes to choose from. Habitat preference
Did prehistoric shrimp rule ancient oceans?
By Earl Filskov April 17, 2015 Butterflies, cockroaches, spiders, horseshoe crabs and lobsters are known as arthropods, and they are
Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) aka South Asian River Dolphin, Blind River Dolphin
  PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Platanistidae GENUS: Platanista SPECIES: gangetica TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER
Northern Right Whale Dolphin (Lissodelphis borealis)
Northern right whale dolphins are members of the delphinid family and the subfamily Lissodelphinae. They are approximately 6.5-10 ft (2-3 m) in
What species was first named “FitzRoy’s Dolphin” by Charles Darwin?
In 1831 Charles Darwin was invited by Capt. Robert FitzRoy (1805-1865) to be the naturalist on the H.M.S. Beagle’s voyage
What makes notothenoid fish so weird?
  By Earl Filskov When drilling a hole almost 2,500 feet (740m) through the Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf – the world’s
Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone platynota)
Taxonomy Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Testudinidae Genus: Geochelone Species: platynota Description The Burmese star tortoise is a striking medium-sized
Are there any sharks without countershading?
By Blaise Jones Countershading is a very important part of what make sharks such efficient predators. However, not every shark
What is a “blackfish”?
The term "blackfish" is a general reference phrase referring to one of several species of cetaceans or fish. Due to
Which sea lion is named for a German naturalist and surgeon?
Considered to be a pioneer in the history of Alaska, Siberia and Russia, German explorer and scientist Georg Wilhelm Steller
Do turtles have good eyesight?
By Stacey Venzel Of the five senses, sight is the strongest in turtles. Most turtles navigate and forage using visual
Which popular marine mammal hunts prey by “fish whacking”?
The popular television show “Flipper” (1964-67) made the Bottlenose Dolphin one of the world’s most popular cetacean, but the show
Which whale was not seen alive until 2003?
It wasn’t until a live sighting in 2003 proved that the Longman’s Beaked Whale was still alive after only skulls
Do sharks hunt alone?
By Blaise Jones For the most part sharks are lone hunters, only interacting with other members of their species in
What is a bight?
A bight is a long, gradual bend or recess in the shoreline that forms a large, open bay. Bights are
Sea otters in the wild. Photo credit: Dave Bezaire & Susi Havens-Bezaire.
TOP SECRET SUCCESS STORY: conspiracy saved sea otters
By Stacey Venzel The unheralded discovery of a colony of California sea otters in 1915 and the surprising way biologists
Albert the Orca Explains Echolocation to The Super Fins
Albert the Orca Explains Echolocation to The Super Fins Illustrated by Jim Siergey Written by Scott A. Rowan Whales and
Humpback Whale (Megeptera novaeangliae)
Humpback whales are well known for their long "pectoral" fins, which can be up to 15 feet (4.6 m) in length. Their
What is a Rostrum?
What is a Rostrum? Rostrum is the most forward tip of the head or “nose” of the shark. ###
SeaWorld loses $80M in 2014, Miami Dolphins partnership
By Scott Rowan March 3, 2015, 7:58 a.m. It isn’t as simple as one family member aiding another, but the
Ribbon Seal (Phoca fasciata)
The ribbon seal is one of nine species of ice seals inhabiting the Arctic and is the only species in
Painted Terrapin (Batagur borneoensis)
Taxonomy Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Geoemydidae Genus: Batagur Species: borneoensis Description Female painted terrapins are much larger than males.
What is NASA doing in the Great Barrier Reef?
From NASA A NASA airborne mission designed to transform our understanding of Earth's valuable and ecologically sensitive coral reefs has
Which is only sea turtle that does not live in the ocean?
Which sea turtle is the only one that does NOT live in in the ocean? The flatback turtle is the
What marine mammal is a “puffing pig”?
Sometimes called "puffers," the Harbor Porpoise draws its name from the Latin word for pig (porcus). Reaching approximately 5 feet
Black Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus eutropia) aka Chilean dolphin
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Delphinidae GENUS: cephalorhynchus SPECIES: eutropia TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris)
Cuvier's beaked whales, sometimes called "goose-beaked whales," are members of the beaked whale family (Ziphiidae). They can reach lengths of
Order: Carnivora (Ursidae, Mustelidae, Otariidae, Phocidae, Odobenidae)
There are five families of marine mammals within the Order Carnivora that can be divided into two groups: pinnipeds ("flipper-footed")
Diver over walls at Pavlopetri © BBC/Jon Henderson
Pavlopetri: Submarine City of Wonder
By Maria Fernanda Pereira Ywazaki March 31, 2015 In 1967 English archeologist Nicholas Flemming discovered the oldest known submerged city:
Are sharks good for the environment?
By Blaise Jones Sharks are apex predators; they sit atop of the food chain with no other animals regularly preying
What is K Selection?
What is K Selection? One of two reproduction strategies for species, compared to its opposite, R Selection. A K Selection
South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens)
The South American Sea Lion is the most abundant marine mammal occurring along the southern part of South America (Cappozzo
Which sea turtle dives half a mile for food?
Which sea turtle dives more than half a mile down for food? Leatherback turtles routinely dive to more than half
Do turtles lay their eggs in same location every time?
By Stacey Venzel While a human giving birth to quintuplets makes headlines, turtles should really be the ones on the
Do tortoises swim?
Do tortoises swim? What about terrapins? Do all turtles and their relatives swim? Stacey Venzel, author of Today's Dinosaurs: A
How can you tell a boy from a girl turtle?
By Stacey Venzel Mammals rely on X and Y chromosomes to determine the sex of an embryo. Most turtle species
What animal is named for the leaves of an herbal supplement?
Ginkgo biloba and other ginkgo-related supplements are taken from the ginkgo tree, a native of Asia, whose fan-shaped leaves look
Do all turtles swim?
By Stacey Venzel Of the three Testudines categories, only terrapins and turtles swim; tortoises do not. Adaptations like flippers and
Which animal’s scientific name refers to the Cape of Good Hope?
The scientific name of the Long-Beaked Common Dolphin - Delphinus capensis - refers to the Cape of Good Hope in
Mexican conservationists battle to save rare two-headed turtle
By Stacey Venzel In Mexico, the government protects sea turtles with militia members patrolling the coast to thwart wildlife infractions.
THREAT LEVEL: vulnerable animals
The following animals are considered VULNERABLE by the International Union for Conservation and Natural Resources (IUCN): -TSF-
Stejneger’s Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon stejnegeri)
Stejneger's beaked whales, sometimes known as the "Bering Sea beaked whale" or the "Saber-toothed whale," are little known members of
Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus)
Risso's dolphins, sometimes called "gray dolphins," have a robust body with a narrow tailstock. These medium sized cetaceans can reach
Long-Finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala melas)
Long-finned pilot whales are one of the largest members of the dolphin family. Males can reach lengths of about 25 feet
What dolphin is believed to be reincarnated people sent to save those drowning?
One of the few dolphins in the world able to swim in both freshwater and saltwater, the Irrawaddy Dolphin can
Which species is largest of the beaked whales?
Also called the Giant Bottlenose Whale, the Baird’s Beaked Whale (Berardius bairdii)  is the largest of all the beaked whales
NASA helps whales sharks research
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): NASA has become a
Antarctic Minke Whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis)
    The Antarctic Minke Whale is more robust than the other large rorquals (large baleen whales). The rostrum of
Brown Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus) aka South African Fur Seal or Australian Fur Seal
Afro-Australian Fur Seals are the largest of all Fur Seals. Mean asymptotic mass and length of males is 229 kg
Illustration depicting the overturning circulation of the global ocean. Throughout the Atlantic Ocean, the circulation carries warm waters (red arrows) northward near the surface and cold deep waters (blue arrows) southward. Image credit: NASA/JPL
What is a Sverdrup?
As revealed in our explanation about the Gulf Stream, the Sverdrup is used to measure a massive volume of water.
Why do sharks swim at surface with their dorsal fin exposed?
By Blaise Jones Few images are as iconic and terrifying as that of a shark’s dorsal fin knifing across the
Peale’s Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Delphinidae GENUS: Lagenorhynchus SPECIES: australis TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
Chances of a shark attack
Excerpt from All About Sharks: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Misunderstood Predator (Nov. 2017): Worried about a shark
Which mammal lives the longest?
Based on research and recent proof from a century-old harpoon, scientists believe the bowhead whale can live to be more
How far does sound travel in the ocean?
The distance that sound travels in the ocean varies greatly, depending primarily upon water temperature and pressure. While sound moves
How smart are sharks?
By Blaise Jones Time and time again it has been said that sharks are unfairly labeled as mindless eating machines.
Which whale “summers” in Alaska or New England and “winters” in the Caribbean?
Regularly migrating from Alaska to Hawaii and back again in the Pacific Ocean (and New England to Dominican Republic and
Can a coral reef recover from bleaching and other stressful events?
  If local threats are reduced, coral reefs have a greater chance of surviving a larger climate event, such as
Known as a mermaid's purse, the egg sac of oviparous sharks allows the pup to develop. Note the long, curly tendrils that help the egg attach to seaweed and remain out of harm's way until birth. This is the egg of a lesser spotted dogfish from Wales. Credit: Tom Oates, 2009.
What is a Mermaid’s Purse?
By Scott Rowan Sharks have two ways to birth that vary from species to species: live birth (vivaparous) or laying
What is the only vegetarian sea turtle?
Which sea turtle is only one that is a vegetarian? Green turtles are the only aquatic Testudines that eat only plants.
What is a carapace?
By Scott A. Rowan A carapace is a dorsal (top) shell or exoskeleton that often protects vital organs in many
Texas freshwater fishing report (July 26-Aug 1)
Texas freshwater fishing report (July 26 - August 1) ALAN HENRYWater clear on the main lake, stained up the river;
What is bioflourescence?
In late September, marine biologist David Gruber revealed the world's first recording of a reptile displaying bioflourescent behavior. The hawksbill sea
Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea)
The olive ridley is considered the most abundant sea turtle in the world, with an estimated 800,000 nesting females annually.
New Zealand Sea Lion (Phocarctos hookeri)
Hooker’s sea lions, also known as New Zealand sea lions, are one of only five species of sea lions in
How large do bull sharks grow?
By Earl Filskov There are currently 368 known species of sharks in the world. Only 20 out of the 368
Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx)
Adult male Leopard Seals are 2.8 to 3.3 m long and weigh up to 300 kg. Adult females are 2.9
Do turtles glow in the dark?
Do turtles glow in the dark? Yes! Well, at least some do. In July 2015, marine biologist and ocean explorer Dr.
What cetacean is a “squidhound”?
Canadian fishermen call the White-Beaked Dolphin a “squidhound” because squid is one of its favorite foods. They also feed upon
Which aggressive squid is an infamous cannibal?
By Earl Filskov   First discovered in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile in 1835 by French naturalist
The official poster for Earth Hour 2015. (Photo credit: Earth Hour poster by EarthHour.orgis licensed under CC BY-AS 2.0.)
Earth Hour 2015: People Around the World Unite to Protect the Planet
By Amber Friend March 23, 2015; 12:28 p.m. On March 28, 2015, at 8:30 pm local time people around the
Why The Super Fins Supports John Hargrove
By Scott Rowan March 31, 2015 When I started The Super Fins, one of the first stipulations that I insisted our
Andrew’s Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon bowdoini)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Ziphiidae GENUS: Mesoplodon SPECIES: bowdoini TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
What is Oophagy (or “ovophagy”)?
What is Oophagy? Oophagy (also called “ovophagy”) is one of two forms of intrauterine cannibalism where pups eat the eggs
How smart are turtles?
By Stacey Venzel Defining the intelligence of a turtle can be subjective as it is difficult to quantify their IQ.
Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)
Southern right whales are large "baleen" whales. Adults are generally between 45 and 55 feet (12.5-15.5 m) in length and can
How sharks and trees age alike
Yes, sharks and trees age alike. In fact, turtles age in a similar way, too. Determining the age of a
How do bull sharks swim in freshwater?
By Earl Filskov There are currently 368 known species of sharks in the world. Only 20 out of the 368
Dusky Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Delphinidae GENUS: Lagenorhynchus SPECIES: obscurus TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
What does a geodesist do?
Geodesists measure and monitor the Earth to determine the exact coordinates of any point. Using a wide variety of tools,
Who is Akupara?
Who is Akupara? Tribal myths, religions, and legends have featured turtles, tortoises, and terrapins since long before the written word.
Narwhal (Monodon monoceros)
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Cetacea FAMILY: Monodontidae GENUS: Monodon SPECIES: monoceros TOOTHED or TOOTHLESS (BALEEN): Toothed FRESHWATER, SALTERWATER or
How does climate change affect coral reefs?
The varied effects of climate change are changing the ocean; these changes dramatically affect coral reef ecosystems. Climate change is
Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Harbor porpoises have a small, robust body with a short, blunt beak. Females are slightly larger than males. They have
Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)
  Walruses, whose latin name translates as “tooth-walking sea horse”, are found in the Northern Hemisphere along the perimeter of
Perrysburg Messenger Journal talks with Stacey Venzel about “Today’s Dinosaurs”
To learn more, please go to the official page for Today’s Dinosaurs: A Complete Guide to Turtles, Terrapins, and Tortoises
What is the Coriolis Effect?
  The Coriolis Effect, in combination with an area of high pressure, causes the prevailing winds—the trade winds—to move from
What is difference between hibernation, aestivation, and brumation?
What is the difference between hibernation, aestivation, and brumation? Though they are similar and often confused with each other, there
West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)
The West Indian manatee is currently divided into two subspecies: the Florida and Antillean manatees. Florida manatees (T. m. latirostris) are
What is Bioluminescence?
What is Bioluminescence? Bioluminescence - an animal’s ability to generate light without an external light source, the entire process happens
Which whale is named for a painter?
One of the elusive beaked whales, the Sowerby’s beaked whale is named for James Sowerby (1757-1822), an artist primarily known
Which tortoise has six legs?
Which tortoise has six legs? One of the most rare testudines in the world is the "six-legged" Burmese mountain tortoise. The
How many kinds of sharks are there?
By Blaise Jones With new shark species being discovered all the time, the exact number of shark species can vary,
Short-Finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus)
Short-finned pilot whales are larger members of the dolphin group reaching average lengths of 12 feet (3.7 m) for females and 18 feet
What is the loudest animal?
This is a trick question of sorts with two animals sharing the title depending on your perspective. The sperm whale
Do sharks have scales?
By Blaise Jones Sharks do have scales, though they are very different from the scales of bony fish. While it
What is PORTS? (Physical Oceanographic Real Time System)
PORTS® stands for Physical Oceanographic Real Time System. NOAA PORTS® is an information system that measures and disseminates the oceanographic
How many species of shark exist?
By Earl Filskov There are currently 368 known species of sharks in the world. Only 20 out of the 368
The Yangtze River dolphin (also called the baiji) is believed to be extinct.
Ghost in the river: Is the Yangtze River dolphin Extinct?
By Brian Gruters Compared to its chipper, bottlenose cousins, the baiji, or Yangtze River dolphin, was not one to pose
What is Ocean Acidification?
Ocean acidification refers to a reduction in the pH of the ocean over an extended period of time, caused primarily
How many species of penguin are there?
By Valerie Clark There are 18 species of penguins, and they are all found in the southern hemisphere. Some experts
What is “bow riding”?
Bow riding is when marine mammals swim near the front part (the bow) of a ship. Dolphins and porpoises are
How do sharks find their prey?
By Blaise Jones While sharks are often compared to torpedoes, they’re really more like guided missiles. Beneath their tough exterior
Can I sell turtles I find?
No, probably not. Each state has laws governing the purchase and selling of wild animals, but most states require individuals
What dolphin does not have any teeth in the upper jaw?
With only 4-14 teeth in the lower jaw and usually none in the upper jaw, the Risso’s Dolphin has one