Groupers are obviously fearsome predators. They are enormous, with huge mouths and huge stomachs. They can also reach incredible burst speeds when lunging at prey. However, if they are unsuccessful in an ambush, the would-be prey item usually outruns its pursuer,...
We all dream of sunny beaches—lined with lush stands of palm trees, alive with the chatter of flamboyantly-feathered birds, and surrounded by warm, clear waters teeming with vibrant fishes. Whether we have actually been there or not, we are quite familiar with every...
Shallow-water coral reefs are presently under very serious threat from the effects of global warming. This threat has been building since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. However, if bold action is not taken soon, these rich, productive ecosystems will...
The Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology (CASMB) of Annamalai University is ramping up production of marine fish for the aquarium trade. Having had a good measure of success raising 10 varieties of clownfish, it has been expanding its operation to offer...
The horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a close relative to the ancient trilobites. It has changed little since it first appeared during the Ordovician Period, about 440 million years ago. To put things into perspective, it was almost as ancient to the first...
Every now and again, we stumble across some news release (perhaps here) that some expedition somewhere resulted in the discovery of some new species. Most of us are intrigued by these discoveries, and should be. At a time when we are exploring the surface of other...
Fisheries researchers at the Oceanic Institute in Hawaii have been working—not so successfully—for years to develop culture techniques for the commercially and ecologically important yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens). In an attempt to step back a bit and work with a...
Those aquarists who seek out unusual and infrequently imported species may be interested in some incoming livestock at one of North America’s only dealers in temperate marine aquarium animals. Coldwater Marine Aquatics of Damascus, Oregon offers a growing selection of...
For long, scientists have attempted to determine the structure of an unusual form of calcium carbonate known as vaterite. The main problem posed to researchers has been finding a reliable supply of the raw material. Vaterite is exceedingly difficult to synthesize in...
The dry season is near. The river waters are fast receding. Only small, stagnant ponds remain over what once was an extensive riverbed. The dry season commences. Ponds become puddles. Hundreds or thousands of small, colorful fish are hopelessly trapped in the...