Step back, I'm doing science!

These opalescent nudibranchs seem unfazed that the rust-colored bryozoan they are crawling over is an invasive species that’s taken up residence in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 

Watersipora subtorquata is a filter-feeding invertebrate that grows on hard surfaces like rocks, pier pilings, and ship hulls. It’s a problem along the West Coast, where it can harm native invertebrate species by smothering them or outcompeting them for space. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary researchers continue to study Watersipora to understand how it is impacting the health of the sanctuary.  

(Photo: Steve Lonhart/NOAA) 

Please stop what you are doing and look at these baby Lionfish! 

Remember:-

Lionfish in Atlantic = invasive = problem.

Lionfish in Pacific = native = not a problem.

—-

📷s by Steven Kovacs

Say hello to the Hawaiian squirrelfish! 🐿️🐠

Known as ‘ala‘ihi in Hawaiian, these bright fish are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning they’re found nowhere else in the world. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument have an exceptionally high rate of endemism. In some parts of the monument, over 50% of the population might only be found in this region! 

(Photo: James Watt/NOAA) 

Abyssinian Wolf - Canis simensis

Despite appearing more coyote or fox-like, and previously being thought to be anything from jackal to domestic dog mutation, molecular genetics now place the “Abyssinian wolf” (now commonly known as the Ethiopian Wolf) much closer to grey wolves than any other canid. They are the most critically endangered canine species that is still extant in the wild. 

In addition to being incredibly rare, Abyssinian wolves have a fairly distinct lineage from the grey wolves, and are highly specialized for their niche in the Ethiopian ecosystem. Their teeth are spaced significantly farther apart than other canids, to more effectively catch and eat small-to-medium-sized rodents. Each individual hunts by itself during the day, but they still retain the pack dynamic that many other carnivores have, at least while resting.

Interestingly, though once widespread, no known tribes use the Abyssinian wolf within their folklore, though Ethiopia now views the species as a national pride. This is in sharp contrast to the grey wolf, which is widely used in Native American and First Nations folklore, and many other sacred canid species.

Skeleton shrimp—aka caprellid amphipods—are abundant amuse bouches for countless critters. 

Alligators gobble rocks to stay underwater longer

Alligators dine on many strange delicacies: sharks, kumquats, and stones. Scientists have long thought that, like birds, gators swallow stones to help them digest their tough-to-process meals, or accidentally ingest them in the chaos of consuming a live, thrashing dinner. But a new study supports another use for a belly full of rocks—as a way to boost bottom time on dives.

The Dendronotus lacteus is a nudibranch similar to the Dendronotus frondosus - so similar, in fact, that it was believed to be the same species until scientists did DNA testing in 2015! This sea slug grows to be about 4cm long, and lives in the North Atlantic (around Ireland and Sweden).

N ever U nderestimate D edication to being I n the B uff R egularly and A ll the time N ever not nudibranchs C ombined are many many dozens of species  H appy birthday suit you beautiful sea slugs your naked gills are showing !

Purple anemone (Heteractis magnifica) and resident Common Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) in East Timor.

A friendly Wednesday reminder from our anemonefish fam to just keep swimming!

Each year, the coral colonies of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary take part in mass spawning events, releasing gametes that can drift on the current, settle elsewhere, and start new coral colonies. These spawning events can be a spectacular sight to see! 

Other marine creatures, like this brittle star also partake in the festivities by stealing away some gametes to eat. Since there are billions of these tiny gametes cascading underwater during this annual event, this sneaky brittle star gets a pass 😎. 

(Photo: Emma Hickerson/NOAA)