A new #anglerfish species in the Gulf of Mexico with weird #mating habits. - http://clapway.com/2015/08/06/terrifying-but-tiny-new-species-of-anglerfish-found-in-gulf-of-mexico-234/

A new species of deep-sea fish has been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico. The new anglerfish was discovered as researchers were studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill from 2010.

The New Species of Anglerfish found in the Gulf of Mexico

Researchers from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and the University of Washington have teamed up to describe a new species of anglerfish discovered in the deep, dark depths of the northern Gulf of Mexico.

The researchers described the new species through the use of the three specimens they found. All three specimens were female and are considered type specimens. Because of their prestigious status as type specimens, their new home will be in the world’s largest collection of deep-sea anglerfish at the Ichthyology Collection at the University of Washington.

Dr. Tracey Sutton of NSU’s Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography and Dr. Theodore Pietsch of Washington have had their findings published by The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) in the journal Copeia.

The Scary Features and Strange Feeding Preferences of the New Species

The anglerfish found in the deep waters are a new species of Ceratioid anglerfish. The anglerfish got its name from the appendage that dangles from the top of its head.

The appendage is believed to have evolved from a dorsal fin. Attached to the end of the appendage is a light of sorts. Over time, the anglerfish have acquired the ability to produce bioluminescence, which is helpful when they live over 1,000 meters down in the dark midnight of the deep ocean. The little dangly bit essentially acts as a fishing pole for unsuspecting prey who become mesmerized by the tiny light before the anglerfish gobbles them up.

The anglerfish look scary with their sharp teeth jutting from their jaws, their enticing way to captivate their victims for their dinners, and the fact they can withstand over on ton of pressure per square inch at the depths they live.

However, we have nothing to fear. The three female specimens found only ranged from between one to four inches long. So terrifying, yet so tiny. And that’s not the weirdest part about the new species.

Mating Habits of the New Deepwater Fish Species

The new anglerfish species is rather different from its cousins in the same family. Usually, the fish are stout and round, but the three females found were actually quite small with the largest at just around 4 inches. It wasn’t unusual that only females were found. Male anglerfish are much more elusive and also quite a bit smaller than their female counterparts.

What is unusual is why the male anglerfish are a bit harder to find: they bite into the female’s side and effectively become a parasite. They appear as lumps on the female’s bodies, but it’s for a good purpose!

Once attached, the male effectively decomposes, leaving only remnants of himself to be used as an attached reproductive organ. When the time is right, the female can use the sacrificial fish to reproduce.

While ugly and strange in terms of feeding preferences and sexual habits, this new species of anglerfish adds to the diversity of fish species known in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Keep that water level right with HidrateMe:

https://youtu.be/mwnF1BfXqlA

 

Terrifying, But Tiny New Species of Anglerfish Found in Gulf of Mexico

Yet another thing to #LookOutFor in #ClimateChange matters. - http://clapway.com/2015/07/29/climate-change-u-s-coastal-cities-to-flood-frequently-says-triple-threat-study-245/

The variously employed catchphrase “triple threat” is finding new use as a means to describe the multifarious threats of global climate change for 40% of the United States’ population. These three antagonisms are heavy rainfall, storm surges and a general, pernicious rise in sea level along American coastlines. In a study recently published by the journal Nature Climate Change, these coming catastrophes are expected to cause “compound flooding” laying waste to low-lying, highly populated urban spaces encircling the nation.

NEW CORRELATION FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

It’s true that many previous studies have analyzed the correlation between the increase in flood rates and overall sea-level rise, this new study is first to investigate the causal links between primary and secondary effects of climate change in the US.

“When storm surge and heavy precipitation co-occur, the potential for flooding in low-lying coastal areas is often much greater than from either, in isolation,” the published study warns. But, as can be expected, “long-term sea level rise is the main driver for accelerated flooding.”

HISTORICAL CLIMATE CHANGE REVEALS BREAK FROM NATURE’S

The scientists responsible for this study compared recent findings to more dated data, sifting through the dredges of historical ecology to track tide levels and hurricanes. By recognizing the elements involved in simultaneous (or compound) disasters occurred, they found that a significant connection exists between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coastlines. The kicker here is that this is precisely where today’s compound flooding is increasing in frequency.

NEW YORK CITY’S CLIMATE CHANGE WILL QUICKEN, TOO

E.g., New York City’s risk of flooding from compounded ecological risks has more than doubled in the last 60 years. “If sea levels continued to rise, this would certainly have an effect on storm surges, and storm surges have an effect on compound flooding,” said Thomas Wahl, member of the University of South Florida and lead author of the study.

IT GETS WORSE (AGAIN)

Unfortunately, even if we dodge the bullet of serious sea levels’ rising, severe storms and massive floods will become more frequent, hailing the imminent arrival of major natural disasters in the most populated US cities on the coast, where almost 40% of Americans reside. What’s worse, if sea levels rise more than 20 feet, as per the study’s worst-case scenario, the aftermath will be spectacular. And in this case, that is not a good thing.

A CENTURY OF CHANGE, A SENSE OF COMING DAYS

Since the days of ecological records’ beginnings in 1880, temperatures worldwide have actually increased by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the past century has seen the global average sea level increase by seven whole inches. This is expected to continue and accelerate over the next few decades because Antarctica’s floating ice shelves keep melting. These ice shelves are our only vanguard to glaciers and ice sheets threatening to enter our oceans.

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Sun Lifelight gives you the energy boost needed for any souls trapped indoors:

Climate Change: U.S. Coastal Cities to Flood Frequently, Says "Triple Threat" Study

Some of the best aquariums to visit -- in honor of Shark Week. - http://clapway.com/2015/07/07/top-3-best-aquariums-to-visit/

With Shark Week starting this week, I figured the best way to pay homage would be to make my list of top 3 best aquariums to visit! Zoos and Aquariums are always a favorite site when visiting a city. While they aren’t exactly showcasing the animals in their natural habitat, it’s still a good way to get a closer look at animals you might not normally come into contact with, ever. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about them and how they are when in their natural habitat. These are my top 3 best aquariums to visit when you’re on your travels!:

1. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas – New Orleans, Louisiana

Not only is this amazing state full of it’s own culture; it has the best aquariums with some great exhibits to help teach you about animals and their habitats. You can get a Backstage Penguin Pass and meet the furry little guys. The penguins in their care are endangered African penguins and you can learn how the aquarium takes care of them. You can also get a birds-eye-view of the Amazon rainforest and meet various exotic species of fish, including the infamous piranha. The coolest exhibit I think this aquarium has to offer is the quarter-scale underwater oil rig you can visit is the Gulf of Mexico exhibit. You can see all the marine life that has made the rig their home, along with sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.

2. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

At this aquarium, you have the opportunity to see an 8-foot long Green Morey Eel up close and personal. You can see a Sand Tiger Shark, the largest shark in the aquarium, or you can watch as the Green Sea Turtles glide through the water on his way around his home. You can also see a Nurse Shark, which gets its name from the nursing sound they make while feeding. This best part about this aquarium is the “slumber party” event they offer. Find out if sharks actually sleep at night after a day full of adventure, including a scavenger hunt and dive show, or join the Penguin PJ Party, and see what the birds do when it’s bed time.

3. Texas State Aquarium – Corpus Christi, Texas

See dolphins in the bay from this aquarium’s dolphin underwater room, and visit the Flower Gardens exhibit that replicates an actual coral reef located in the aquarium’s back yard, the Gulf of Mexico! Otter Creek is the cutest exhibit at this aquarium, not to mention educational. See how these furry little guys live and interact with one another. You even have the opportunity at this aquarium to pet a stingray or a shark, and learn about how you can help protect them in their natural environments. This is one of the best aquariums in Texas by far.

There are various aquariums and zoos all over the world that provide you with the opportunity to learn so much about the animals we share this Earth with. The best aquariums typically offer various activities and events to better educate the public on the natural habitats of the wildlife in the area. Don’t forget to watch Shark Week this week!

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Make yourself a smoothie with for your Shark Week marathoning. Check out our review on Clapway Trends:

Top 3 Best Aquariums To Visit