Magnetic cells give fish built-in sense of compass direction
We all know that migrating birds and particularly pigeons have a keen sense of direction imparted onto them by a magnetic sense, and now new research has discovered similar super-nav powers in fish. Like the homing pigeons of the sea, the homing abilities of salmon and trout are well known but the mechanism for their extraordinary homecoming journey Read More
Buoy harnesses ocean waves to create energy
Ocean Power Technology (OPT) recently finished construction of the company’s largest device to harness the power of ocean waves to deliver up to 150 kW of energy just from the natural movement of the seas. The PB150 PowerBuoy was build in Scotland and is slated to be deployed forr open-water trials about 33 nautical Read More
Robotic fish almost as good as the real thing
Robotic fish are nothing new. Researchers have studied and developed different robotic fish that mimic the real thing and provide valuable data to scientists. Often it is manking reaping the benefits of these robotic fish as they glean data and information we can tap into but one scientist is looking to close the loop and Read More
S-shaped seahorses give them greater reach
We’ve never really given much thought as to why seahorses swim upright or why they have S-shaped bodies but that hasn’t stopped curious researchers from teasing out some possible answers. Unlike the streamlined and tubular pipefish, the venerable seahorse is has a curved body shape which allows it to get a greater reach to capture Read More
Sea urchin research could help create self-sharpening knives
New research shows how sea urchins are able to keep their teeth always sharp despite gnawing away at rock and other hard surfaces in their never-ending search for food. The new discovery could help researchers and inventors create self-honing knives that always have a sharp edge.By studying the teeth of the California purple sea urchin, Read More
Mucus Cocoon protects some reef fish from nocturnal parasites
It is well known that parrotfish and some wrasse species produce a night time sleeping bag from mucus but until recently there was no evidence to really support the assumptions and theories. Most nature books and references have echoed the common belief that the mucus cocoon protects the sleeping fish by masking it’s smell from Read More
CARN brings hobbyists, the industry and researchers together to promote coral knowledge
The Coral Aquarist Research Network (CARN) is a young program launched in the UK to combine the efforts and knowledge of three unique groups of stakeholders, all in the name of coral. Hobbyists, industry representatives and researchers each share a common interest but seldom have the opportunity to share their knowledge outside their respective peer Read More
Male cleaner fish “punish” greedy females
When it comes to messing around with the meal ticket, it seems male fish are apt to punish greedy females who take more than they should putting the entire group’s food source in jeopardy. Cleaner fish, who get their meals from eating parasites off of other fish and sea-dwelling animals in “cleaning stations” set up Read More
Plantimal: Green Sea Slug part animal, part plant
Green is the way to go and researchers at the University of South Florida recently discovered a green sea slug that has evolved over time to produce its own chlorophyll making it the first animal to actually produce the substance like a plant. Acording to USF’s Sidney K. Pierce, the sea slug Elysia chlorotica has Read More
Get schooled on invertebrates with Ron Shimek, Reef Stewardship Foundation
Ron Shimek, author and one of the decent marine biologists in the hobby especially when it comes to invertebrates, is offering you the chance to learn more about inverts through the Reef Stewardship Foundation’s online course starting this January. The 10-week course titled “Invertebrate embryology and larval biology for reef aquarists” will definitely take you Read More