Shore Buddies webblog
Wisdom Wednesday | Picasso Triggerfish
“While the fish in this photo appears to be sitting there allowing me to take his photo it was quite the contrary. He came up at me from the sandy bottom with such intent and speed that I couldn't believe I managed to get him in the frame, let alone having him and is grumpy face in focus!” Picasso Triggerfish vocalizes using a "grunting" sound.
Wisdom Wednesday | Rockfish
Some rockfish can live to be 100 years or older. Most Rockfish grow very slowly and don’t reproduce until they are at least 10 years old. Believe it or not, rockfish are aged accurately by analyzing the bones in their ears! Some species of rockfish are very territorial and may stay at a ‘home site’ for years. Rockfish often extend their dorsal spines and lean towards an approaching threat. If this defensive posture fails to discourage an approaching threat, most rockfish will then head for nearby cover. Rockfish have air bladders which allow them to float motionless in the water column. This helps them to sneak up on prey very quietly to strike.
Wisdom Wednesday | Red Coney
Wisdom Wednesday | Leopard Sharks
Living up to about 30 years, leopard sharks can be found in shallow muddy waters, particularly Northern California. Often times they are preyed upon by larger sharks, like the Great White, but they themselves eat relatively small animals like worms, crabs, octopus, and fish. Branching off from a species of houndshark in the Triakidae family, adult leopard sharks can grow up to 6 feet long, but typically average at about 5 feet.
Wisdom Wednesday | Penguins
We all know that penguins can’t fly, but did you know that they have adapted their wings to be better at swimming in the water? Their black and white coloring helps them to camouflage while they are darting through the seas. From below their white bellies appear to be nothing else than the sun reflecting on the water, and from above their black feathers blend in with the ocean.
Wisdom Wednesday | Parrotfish
One might think the parrotfish gets its' name from its bright colored scales, but did you know it is actually because of its' fused teeth which resemble that of a parrot beak? Additionally, the color of their scales is determined by their sex, status, or maturity.
Wisdom Wednesday | Batfish
Did you know that batfish are actually not strong swimmers? Even with their long anal and dorsal fins, scientists know batfish to be a “sleeper species” because they play a vital role in the upkeep of coral reefs but can only do so under certain conditions.
Wisdom Wednesday | Sea Turtles
Land turtles and sea turtles are very different. For example, sea turtles can’t hide in their shells from predators as land ones do. They also have boat-rudder-like legs to help them steer in the water as they swim.
Gulf of Mexico
For those who don’t know, The Gulf of Mexico is part of the Atlantic Ocean and is largely surrounded by the North American continent. This particular body of water, along with all that encompasses our ocean is critical for our survival along with all our other friends who make up the sea.
Finn and Sammy’s Preach to Keep Our Oceans Clean
While we are surely gloriously riding the wave of sweet summertime, it is no surprise to us that we are experiencing some unintended consequences in our oceans which are all a bit too familiar.
Wisdom Wednesday | Manta Rays
Unlike their cousin, the stingray, manta rays are completely harmless with their tiny teeth and dormant tail. Additionally, they have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish, making them arguably one of the smartest in the sea!
Weekly Newsletter | Finn the Dolphin
It is Finn the dolphin here this week, coming to you live from our bright blue sea. I haven’t checked in with you all lately, but lately in my life I have been enjoying the heat of summer. The extra hot air has made the ocean of ours extra refreshing. I’ve been playing with all my other aquatic brothers and sisters, however, we have been running into some problems out in the blue.