(Source: mielenvikainen)

astronomy-to-zoology:

Tethys fimbria

….is a species of nudibranch found throughout the Mediterranean sea and eastern Atlantic. T.fimbria is a hunter and combs the ocean floor for small crustaceans, scooping them up in its large hood. Although they are often found in the sand, these nudibranchs are also accomplished swimmers  and can often be seen swimming in the water column.

Phylogeny

Animalia-Mollusca-Gastropoda-Dendronotida-Tritonioidea-Tethydidae-Tethys-fimbria

Image Source(s)

the-milk-eyed-mender:

theanimalblog:

Green Sea Turtle Being Cleaned. Photos by Peter Liu Photography

*green sea turtle being showered with kisses by her colorful admirers

astronomy-to-zoology:

A deep sea Sea Angel species swimming through the abyss.

video source

eriksurpless:

Hey guys, super windy night here in Austin, Tx! Just finally got my internet back in time to upload this to the site! You can get prints of it here on my Society 6 page. Hope you enjoy!

The ancient Nautilus. Probably one of the coolest looking critters to jet around in the sea. I’ve also learned while researching this piece, that the coloration of their shells actually helps in camouflaging them in the open ocean(i.e. Dark on top and light when viewed from below). And when you think about it, it’s a brilliant sort of time-delayed camouflage since it’s always growing?! Nature is so f@#king cool!!!

chuckling-charlie:

rhamphotheca:

Pacific flying squid (Todarodes pacificus) leap out of the water and take flight in the northwest Pacific Ocean, 600 km east of Tokyo. The mollusc propels itself out of the ocean by shooting a jet of water at high pressure, before opening its fins to glide at up to 11.2 metres per second, and then fly more than 30 m (100 feet)…

(read more: Telegraph UK)

Picture: AFP PHOTO / HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY / KOUTA MURAMATSU

OH NO THEY’RE ADORABLE

sciencecenter:

Scientists discover sea slug with “disposable penis”

If you haven’t put much thought into the genitalia of sea slugs, maybe now’s the time to start.

A sea slug that is able to detach, re-grow and then re-use its penis has surprised scientists. Japanese researchers observed the bizarre mating behaviour in a species called Chromodoris reticulata, which is found in the Pacific Ocean. They believe this is the first creature known that can repeatedly copulate with what they describe as a “disposable penis”. […]

The Japanese team observed sea slugs that they had collected from shallow coral reefs around Japan. They saw the animals mate 31 times. The act took between a few seconds and a few minutes, after which the creatures would push away and shed their penises, leaving them on the floor of the tank. 

However, the researchers were surprised to discover that just 24-hours later, the sea slugs had regenerated their male organs and were able to mate again. Closer examination of the animals’ anatomy revealed that the sea slugs had a large part of their penis coiled up in a spiral inside their bodies, which they would then use to replenish their missing part.

astronomy-to-zoology:

Genus Limaria (File clams)

is a genus of saltwater clams found worldwide. Most members of this genus have thin and opaque shells, which are overstuffed with the clams mouth and tentacles which are used to catch food.

Phylogeny

Animalia-Mollusca-Bivalvia-Pteriomorphia-Limoida-Limidae-Limaria

Image Source(s)