Cownose Rays

Lobsters are benthic organisms because they on the ocean bottom (Townsend, 2012). These animals are on the bottom of the seabed and do not swim as much as organisms that never touch the seabed (Townsend, 2012). In this case, epifaunal is a word to characterize that lobsters live on the seabed (Townsend, 2012). Lobsters do not burry themselves into the seabed, but instead hind under rocks for protection from prey (Townsend, 2012). In addition, the mobility of lobsters was designed to catch prey and the mobility of a lobster is used for a survival technique that is heavily influenced based on feeding styles (Townsend, 2012). Furthermore, feeding styles increase growth in a lobster therefore molting and temperature of ocean are also important to study (Townsend, 2012). Studies are trying to find correlations that climate change can be linked to molting patterns, or with more carbon dioxide in the water lobsters carbon shells could be impacted (Townsend, 2012). Surprisingly, after over twenty years of studying many lobsters researcher Dr. Jelle Atema has come up with a detailed explanation for lobster mating behaviour where female lobster does not have a shell (University of Maine, 2016). On the other hand, Dr. Robert Steneck debates technology is best used to understand the lifestyle of a lobster (Gulf of Maine Research

The manta ray is one of the most intelligent fish in the sea. What makes that mind function so well is a system of blood vessels that envelop the manta’s braincase, keeping the brain warmer than the surrounding tissue. That big, warm brain fosters intelligence, intelligence fosters curiosity, and curiosity causes manta rays to interact with human beings in the water. Mantas look like stealth bombers of the sea, yet they move their remarkable bulk with utter grace, using massive triangular wings (actually pectoral fins) to move through the water with the effortless fluidity of an eagle in flight. Mantas are also prehistoric-looking: they have long protruding fins on either side of their heads to direct food to their oval-shaped mouths. When furled,

Tales about Atlantic manta rays say they sometimes tow boats with their horns. These intimidating, giant creatures can weigh up to 3,000 pounds with a 20 foot wingspan. These gentle marine animals are the least dangerous and the largest of the manta ray species. Unlike their cousins, they spend most of their life swimming and flapping their wing-like fins at great speeds. When near the surface, they occasionally leap into the air, which is interesting. They eat plankton funneling it into their mouths with their horn-like fins. Because of their dark gray or black color and horns, the Atlantic manta ray is also known as the “devil ray”.

They can find even more data by tracking the wrasse, tuskfish, and archer fishes interactions with their own species and with the environment. This topic is definitely an interest to me as well as the marine biologists. Previously, I knew that certain fish had unique abilities to get food but the technique of the archerfish has me surprised. They can shoot a strong burst of water or in a machine like fashion to bring down a bug from above water. This amazes me because they rely on a food source that does not even live in the water. “Archers may even aim just below their prey on a vertical surface to knock it straight down into the water” (page 68 paragraph

For many beach lovers, the ocean provokes thoughts of family vacations, palm trees, and boating but what about the vast environments that lay beneath the waves? While mankind has only explored a mere five percent of the world’s oceans and countless numbers of aquatic creatures remain undiscovered, Loggerhead Sea Turtles stand out as being well-recognized. The turtle’s massive size and beautiful shell grab people’s attention, yet it is probably safe to say that many have no further knowledge about the existence of Loggerheads. From traveling the world to facing threats from human activity, Loggerhead Turtles experience long and fulfilling lives.

In the deep, dark, spooky ocean lives a gut-wrenching and petrifying great white shark. This monster of the deep swims menacingly in search for its prey and devours its meal without leaving a single scrap of morsel. Then, there is the pilot fish, the great white’s dependable companion, who works as its dentist. The pilot fish will swim into the mouth of the shark and clean its enormous jaws from harmful parasites. In return, the great white shark will provide the pilot fish with food and protection from its predators.

Rimicaris exoculata has evolved to have specialized eye structure that directs them to the food source. Over generations, R. exoculata have evolved from their visual ancestors that had eyes into complete absences of eyes among the species inhabiting the deep-sea hydrothermal vents (6). However, R. exoculata have extremely modified eyes that are formed from a single dorsal organ (6). The black-body radiation from the eruption of the hydrothermal vents can be considered as the only source of light in the deep sea. R. exoculata are only able to detect the black-body radiation through their single dorsal organ. The previous study has stated that R. exoculate are not able to determine any physiological responses to light because the lights of submersible

Positioned at the top of their body lies an intricate system of antennae necessary for gather both food and oxygen (Emirate Dissections Lab, n.d.). To further understand, the first pair of antennae can most commonly be seen protruding the surface of the sand; while the second pair functions as their mouth parts (The Pacific Mole Crab, n.d.). Therefore when the sand crab burrows their body seaward they will point their first pair of antennae’s up in a V- shape allowing for their respiration system to perform. The strategic V-formation antennae’s funnels water down towards their gills enabling the sand crab to breathe.

Dolphins are commonly seen in aquariums, sea parks, TV shows, and movies, the bottlenose dolphin is a wildly recognizable cetacean (marine mammal). In the wild, bottlenose dolphins inhabit the temperate and tropical oceans around the world with coastal populations entering into bays, estuaries, and river mouths. Like the name “bottlenose” suggests, this species of dolphin has a short, stubby beak. Its sleek, conical body varies in color from a light to slate

No other marine animal in the ocean has come to be as feared, or perhaps as well known to man, as the class of cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes) called, sharks; primarily, the species of shark known as, the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). The overall body systems and behaviors of this fish are how it has become so well adapted to its oceanic environment, that it is today considered amongst the top predators of this planet. Alongside this incredible fish, is a more recent specimen to the oceanic scene and a completely different class of animals, mammalians. The marine mammals (cetaceans) in question are better known by their common name, dolphins; specifically, the bottle nosed dolphins (Tursiops truncates), which are regarded as highly intelligent animals and are fairly well along in the evolutionary chain; considering their short history. By looking at the behavioral patterns and morphologies of these cetaceans, one can see how such a mixed group of animals such as, the mammalians class have been able to adapt so well to oceanic environments, and even come to thrive, in comparison to the cartilaginous fish that has ruled the waters for millions of years longer.

alfredi and M. birostris, and a putative third species, Manta sp. cf. birostris. M. birostris is found around the world in tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate waters. They are most common near productive coastlines with regular upwelling, offshore pinnacles and seamounts, and oceanic island groups (Marshall et al., 2009, p.10), and they are considered to be the most widespread of the manta species. M. alfredi is often sighted inshore around coral and rocky reefs, as well as along coastlines with consistent upwelling, tropical island groups, atolls, and bays. Unlike M. birostris, these rays only occupy tropical waters (Marshall et al., 2009, p.18). While the other two species are found around the globe, Manta sp. cf. birostris seems to be found exclusively in the Atlantic Ocean and Carribean. However, like M. birostris and M. alfredi, this putative third species is sighted along productive coastlines and island groups (Marshall et al., 2009, p. 24). All three species feed on plankton (Ari,

Covering behaviour can be defined by the use of both the urchin’s podia and spines to select and lift items from within their environment onto their aboral surface (Richner et al., 2000). While many hypotheses such as stabilisation in the face of wave action, defense against predation, and camouflage have emerged to explain this behaviour, many counter examples exist (Dumont et al., 2007; Sigg et al., 2007). The most supported hypothesis is that the behaviour is a protective response when exposed to sunlight, where UVA and UVA+B resulted in the more frequent covering (Sigg et al., 2007). Sea urchins can be found to avoid sunlight, hiding during the daylight hours and feeding at night, although those that do venture out to graze during the day are more often seen covered (Sigg et al., 2007). Covered sea urchins have been found to use many types of objects from algae, pebbles and shells, to plastic, coins and glass fragments (Richner et al., 2000). Covering behaviour observed to be more prominent during the summer months, and the closer the sea urchins find themselves to the waters surface (Sigg et al., 2007). While UV radiation from the sun is most intense in shallow intertidal waters, it can reach depths of up to 20m, lessening in intensity with depth (Verling et al., 2002). UV radiation has been found to be harmful to many organisms, resulting in developmental problems, as well as death in many plankton species (Sigg et al., 2007). These factors may be the reason that sea urchins choose to cover their aboral surface, as a means of protection against harmful UV

The Haustrum scobina (or more commonly Oyster Borer) are green curved sea snail looking organisms found on the rocky shore. In our data it was most common from the mid to lower littoral ranges ranging from 40m to 90m. The peak of H. scobina was at 70m from the high tide mark (the same as C. officinalis), with the width encompassing 20 oyster borers.

L. Scobina also known as the Oyster Borer are active predators in the Rocky Shore carnivores. They were found in the mid and low tide zones of Sirens Rock, on rocks and in crevices which provides them with protection from predators. They were most abundant in the mid tide zone of the rocky shore but mostly dense in the low tide zone as they like to prey on C. columna . The size of an individual L. Scobina is linked to the distribution because the larger individuals (older) have increased ability to withstand desiccation. We were able to identify L. Scobina because of its structural adaptations. They are a small whelk with a grooved and ribbed spotted shell, which specialises in drilling holes in oyster shells. They also have a hard operculum

The shallow pristine site, Meteor Bay is generally protected from wave action, but there are regular storm events throughout the year. Absence of oceanic water currents leaves wave action as the major source of mixing and water movement. A possible advantage for C. reniformis specimens to acquire larger sized oscules might be described with the need of catching desired food particles in a water movement zone affected by wave action. Continuous oscillation of particles in a wave action could make it harder to catch desired particles for a