Fish
Look at all these fish!
So many different colours, so many species....
But we'll leave all that lovely-dovey for other websites/books. Here we will explore some of the most deadly fish, some of the coolest fish ever.
And the ScienceDorks have to say, they come up with some clever tactics...
So many different colours, so many species....
But we'll leave all that lovely-dovey for other websites/books. Here we will explore some of the most deadly fish, some of the coolest fish ever.
And the ScienceDorks have to say, they come up with some clever tactics...
What Makes A Fish?
Simple.
To classify as a fish, you need:
To classify as a fish, you need:
- Gills
- Fins
- Be cold-blooded
- Live in water
The Angler Fish
This is a cool fish. It looks like it comes out of some science fiction movie! But it's real.
Here's a photo...
Here's a photo...
Gross, eh? Using the dangled glowing light bulb, it attracts fish, so, unsuspecting, they swim into the angler fish's mouth!
An angler fish's mouth is big enough to eat fish TWICE it's size!
Their skin is thin, and can be peeled of with a touch with a human hand. But then, if they're thin, they're flexible, and so allows them to manage their massive meals.
However, the most bizarre thing about this ugly creature is the way it mates. Here's how it works: when the male is mature, it can't eat, as it's digestive system stops working. After this, the male has to find something: a female. If the male doesn't, he'll starve and die. If the male finds one, guided by the female's sexual scent, the weird mating show begins.
WARNING: IF YOU FIND THIS NEXT BIT CONFUSING, THAT'S BECAUSE IT IS. OKAY? READ ON...
The male is 10 times smaller than the female, so he can, using his teeth hook on to her. The male releases an enzyme, which digests the skin of his mouth, and her body. Then, they FUSE TOGETHER. The male ends up as some sperm-producing gonads, totally dependent on the female for food.
Confused?
Let's move on.
An angler fish's mouth is big enough to eat fish TWICE it's size!
Their skin is thin, and can be peeled of with a touch with a human hand. But then, if they're thin, they're flexible, and so allows them to manage their massive meals.
However, the most bizarre thing about this ugly creature is the way it mates. Here's how it works: when the male is mature, it can't eat, as it's digestive system stops working. After this, the male has to find something: a female. If the male doesn't, he'll starve and die. If the male finds one, guided by the female's sexual scent, the weird mating show begins.
WARNING: IF YOU FIND THIS NEXT BIT CONFUSING, THAT'S BECAUSE IT IS. OKAY? READ ON...
The male is 10 times smaller than the female, so he can, using his teeth hook on to her. The male releases an enzyme, which digests the skin of his mouth, and her body. Then, they FUSE TOGETHER. The male ends up as some sperm-producing gonads, totally dependent on the female for food.
Confused?
Let's move on.
The Stonefish
It looks like stone, but does N0T feel like a stone. The stonefish.
This, amazingly, is one of the most poisonous fish ever! Most are marine (living in the sea), but some like to hang out in rivers. So, when a human steps on it, thinking it's a stone, the stone-fish releases its venom. Ouch!
If the sting is left untreated, the victim could die. The pain has been described as the 'worst pain in the world'. In fact, here's what one sufferer said...
This, amazingly, is one of the most poisonous fish ever! Most are marine (living in the sea), but some like to hang out in rivers. So, when a human steps on it, thinking it's a stone, the stone-fish releases its venom. Ouch!
If the sting is left untreated, the victim could die. The pain has been described as the 'worst pain in the world'. In fact, here's what one sufferer said...
I got spiked on the finger by a Stonefish in Australia - never mind a bee sting. Imagine having each knuckle, then the wrist, elbow and shoulder being hit in turn with a sledgehammer over the course of about an hour. Then about an hour later imagine taking a real kicking to both kidneys for about 45 minutes so that you couldn’t stand or straighten up. I was late 20s, pretty fit physically and this was the tiniest of nicks. Got sensation back in my finger after a few days but had recurrent kidney pains periodically for several years afterwards."
So do you think it looks like a stone?
Pufferfish
Pufferfish are famous for blowing up like a ball. But how do they DO IT?!
Simple.
It just ingests huge amounts of water into its super-stretchy stomach, causing it to blow up into a massive ball. This usually is enough to make the predator lose their appetite. To add to the effect, some use spikes.
Despite this cunning tactic, some predators manage to grab the pufferfish before it blows up. But this isn't a good idea. No way. These fish contain a substance called tetrodotoxin, making them horrible to taste, and can even kill most fish!
In fact, there is enough toxin in this feisty fish to kill 120 people! Eeek!
Simple.
It just ingests huge amounts of water into its super-stretchy stomach, causing it to blow up into a massive ball. This usually is enough to make the predator lose their appetite. To add to the effect, some use spikes.
Despite this cunning tactic, some predators manage to grab the pufferfish before it blows up. But this isn't a good idea. No way. These fish contain a substance called tetrodotoxin, making them horrible to taste, and can even kill most fish!
In fact, there is enough toxin in this feisty fish to kill 120 people! Eeek!
Sailfish
The fastest fish in the world is... well, the sailfish.
Although it isn't in the same league as a cheetah, it's still mega fast, reaching speeds of 68 miles (110km) per hour.
Although it isn't in the same league as a cheetah, it's still mega fast, reaching speeds of 68 miles (110km) per hour.
Archerfish
Okay... I don't want you get overexcited here... but this is...
A natural water pistol!
I know. Cool, eh?
But before you get too wound up from the suspense, I'll tell you more...
This fish shoots water out of it's mouth, like a fish water pistol, with breathtaking accuracy. They use this to bring down prey from leaves or flying, up to 2 meters above the water! Then they gobble it down when they hit the water. Bet you're glad that you're not a fly! What's more, they even change the power of their shots for different types of prey!
A new study shows that archerfish fires the water at the end of the stream faster than the front. Therefore, the back of the stream catches up with the front, making it stronger at impact.
But before you get too wound up from the suspense, I'll tell you more...
This fish shoots water out of it's mouth, like a fish water pistol, with breathtaking accuracy. They use this to bring down prey from leaves or flying, up to 2 meters above the water! Then they gobble it down when they hit the water. Bet you're glad that you're not a fly! What's more, they even change the power of their shots for different types of prey!
A new study shows that archerfish fires the water at the end of the stream faster than the front. Therefore, the back of the stream catches up with the front, making it stronger at impact.
Blobfish
Take a deep breath... because you're about to see... THE UGLIEST ANIMAL EVER! (Dun dun DUUUUN!) Here it is!
Ughh! GROSS!
Actually, this was voted as the world's ugliest animal! The 'Ugly Animal Preservation Society' even uses it as a mascot!
Actually, this was voted as the world's ugliest animal! The 'Ugly Animal Preservation Society' even uses it as a mascot!