Can you spot the hidden predator in this week’s Halloween-themed Photography Friday? Scorpionfish are ambush predators. They are usually found near the bottom, remaining very still. Their cryptic coloration allows them to attack unsuspecting prey including crustaceans and other fish. This also allows them to hide from snorkelers or divers, so be careful! Scorpionfish are known for the … Continue reading
Author Archives: snhackerott
Marine Monster Mash: Lionfish
In honor of Halloween, we would like to highlight some marine “monsters.” These monsters are the most frightening type of all. They are taking over new regions, rapidly increasing in numbers, and eating everything in their paths. These species are… marine invaders. Lionfish Lionfish are predatory fish, meaning they eat other fish, that are native to … Continue reading
Photography Friday: the Manta Ray
For UNdertheC’s first “Photography Friday” I’d like to highlight the beautiful and mysterious manta ray that was featured in a recent TED talk available here. Manta rays are gentle giants of the ocean. Mantas can grow to have 23 ft wingspans and weigh up to 4,440 lbs! Although it is a common misconception, they do … Continue reading
Free Willy?
A few thoughts from last night’s showing of Blackfish on CNN As a young girl, I remember being amazed by the whale shows of SeaWorld. I begged my parents until they took me to swim with dolphins. I dreamed of being a trainer and having the opportunity to interact with these amazing animals ever day. I … Continue reading
Top 5 Things I Learned at Science Online Oceans 2013
Connect Outreach and Science As scientists, we need to start thinking of research and outreach as interconnected goals. The old paradigm within the scientific community has been “Do good work and it will speak for itself.” How about a new paradigm? Let’s try to change it to “Do good work and tell people about it.” … Continue reading