Bioluminescence in the Angler Fish

Has anyone seen Finding Nemo? I sure hope you have. If not, I highly suggest that you do. It is a fantastic movie and has quite a bit of Marine Science involved that is actually accurate. In one scene, Marlin (Nemo's dad) and Dori have fallen into this deep, benthic trench. They all of the sudden see a little twinkling light and begin to chase it. They soon find out that it is merely the bioluminescence of a fish that wanted to eat them. This fish was based on the Angler Fish and the Hatchet Fish. The Angler Fish has a small lure on its dorsal side which lights up. Bacteria that are located in this spot are what create the light. The light attracts prey close enough where it can catch it. In these dark areas of the ocean, organisms need all the help they can get. Bioluminescence is just one little trick they have evolved.

Atlantic Sailfish

The Atlantic Sailfish was the marine organism of the day in class today. It is known for the swordlike mouth and for the huge dorsal fin that looks like a sail. A couple interesting facts are that the Atlantic Sailfish is one of the fastest fish in the sea. They do not have teeth so that swordlike beak is used to stun prey. Once the prey are stunned, they swoop the prey into their mouth. The Sailfish also changes color when it is excited. This is actually a great adaptation because this change confuses prey and allows for the fish to hunt more effectively.

The Blue Planet Series

I have recently purchased the Blue Planet Series which is very similar to Planet Earth. The only difference is that it is based all on water. It reviews all of the different zones of the ocean and discusses a plethora of marine species. This is perhaps one of the most amazing sources I have ever come across...especially visual ones.