Sea Otter
Otters are widely Distributed. They are found on all Continents except Australia and Antarctica. North American River Otters are found throughout the United States and Canada. Sea Otters Inhabit Coastal Areas and Islands of the Eastern and Western North Pacific Ocean. Alaska Sea Otters Inhabit the Coast of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and South along British Columbia and Washington. The range of the Russian or Asian Sea Otter extends from Northern Hokkaido, Japan to the Commander Islands in the Western North Pacific. California Sea Otters are found off the Coast of Central California; between Half Moon Bay and Pt. Conception. There is also a Small Experimental Population that Originated from Relocated Animals at San Miguel Island off the Coast of Santa Barbara. Historically, Sea Otters Occupied a Contiguous Range from Northern Japan, across the North Pacific, and down to Baja California, Mexico. They were Hunted nearly to Extinction, but Conservation Measures have allowed some Populations to recover.
Marine Otters live along the Pacific Coast of South America, Ranging from Northern Peru to Tierra Del Fuego. Neotropical Otters Range from Uruguay North to Central America and Mexico. Southern River Otters are found in Argentina and Chile. Giant Otters are found throughout almost all of South America.
Cape Clawless Otters Inhabit the Southern Two-Thirds of the African Continent. Congo Clawless Otters Inhabit Equatorial Africa, from Southeastern Nigeria to Gabon, down to Uganda and Burundi. Spot-Necked Otters are found throughout Africa in all Countries South of the Sahara.
Asian Small-Clawed Otters, Smooth Otters, and Hairy-Nosed Otters are all found in Southeast Asia, to the Malay Peninsula. Eurasian Otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia).
Otters are Usually found no more than a Few Hundred Meters from Water. Most Species are Entirely Dependent on Aquatic Habitats for Food. River otters (genus Lutra) Inhabit all Types of Inland Waterways, as well as Estuaries and Marine Coves. In Southern Chile the Marine Otter is found almost Exclusively along Exposed Rocky Seashores; farther North it may Inhabit Estuaries and Fresh Water. Giant Otters (genus Pteronura) are found Mainly in Slow-Moving Rivers and Creeks within Forests, Swamps, and Marshes. They prefer Waterways that have Gently Sloping Banks and good Cover. Clawless Otter (genus Aonyx) Habitats vary Greatly Among the Species and Between Individuals. Asian Small-Clawed Otters Occur in Fresh and Brackish Water Habitats including Rivers, Creeks, Estuaries, and Coastal Waters. Congo Clawless Otters Appear to Inhabit only Small, Torrential Mountain Streams in Heavy Rainforest Areas. They are thought to be more Terrestrial in Nature than other Otter Species. Cape Clawless Otters are found in Widely Varying Habitats, from Dense Rainforest to Open Coastal Plain and Semi-Arid Zones. Most seem to prefer quiet Ponds and Sluggish Streams. In Coastal Areas, they are known to Forage both at Sea and in Adjoining Streams and Marshes. Sea Otters (genus Enhydra) are found in Coastal Waters of the North Pacific, Rarely more than 1 km (0.6 mi.) from Shore. They are Capable of Spending their Entire Life at Sea, but sometimes Rest on Rocky Shores. The Alaska Otter has a Greater Tendency to Haul out (come to shore) than the California Otter. California Otters often Prefer Kelp Beds, probably because of the Protection and Food Resources they Provide.
With the Exception of Sea Otters, all Otters Spend a Great Deal of Time on Land, often Traveling Considerable Distances between Waterways. Most Otter Species have at Least One Permanent Burrow (den) by Water. The Burrow's Main Entrance may be under Water. It then Slopes upward to a Nest Chamber above the High-Water Level. River Otters Dig their own Burrows. Cape Clawless Otters do not Dig Burrows. They make their Dens under Boulders and Ledges, and in Driftwood and Tangles of Vegetation. Besides Burrows, Many River Otters Establish and use a Variety of Land "Facilities" for a Number of their Daily Activities.
Rolling Places are Bare Patches of Ground where Otters Roll and Groom.
Slides offer Quick Access to Water or other Facilities. Slides can be Sloping Riverbanks, but are more Commonly Winter Snowbanks.
Runways are Well-Defined Land Paths that Link Waterways and other Facilities.
Spraint Stations are Areas Designated by Otters for Routine, Systematic Defecation.
A Home Range is the Portion of Land and Water that an Animal Frequently visits during its Daily and Seasonal Activities. All Otter Species Occupy a Home Range. Home Ranges Vary in Size with Species, Location, and Resource Distribution, and are Generally Larger for Males. Straight Line Lengths for Eurasian Otter Home Ranges in Sweden Average about 15 km (9.3 mi.) for Males and about 7 km (4.3 mi.) for Females. A male's Range often Overlaps that of One or more Females. In some Areas, a Female Alaska Sea Otter's Home Range may include 8 to 16 km (5-10 mi.) of Coastline.
Territories Differ from Home Ranges. Territories are Generally Smaller than Home Ranges. Otters Mark their Territories with Scent. Same-Sex Territories do not Overlap, and they are Patrolled and Defended by their Owners.
Many Otter Species undergo Seasonal Movements, but no Extensive Migrations.
Very little Information is Available on Worldwide Population Figures for Freshwater Otters. Most Otters have Widespread Distributions, but relatively Sparse Populations. Nearly all Otter Populations have been Impacted to some Extent by Human Activities.
There may be Fewer than 1,000 Marine Otters left throughout their Range.
The Alaskan Sea Otter Population Numbered More Than 100,000 in the 1980s. Since the 1990s, the Southwestern Stock of Alaskan Sea Otters has Experienced a Dramatic (up to 70% population) Decline, most likely Due to Increased Predation by Killer Whales. The Decline in more Typical Killer Whale Prey Species has Led some Killer Whales to Switch to Feeding on Sea Otters. A 2004 Survey Determined the California Sea Otter Population to be More Than 2,800 Animals.
Otters are widely Distributed. They are found on all Continents except Australia and Antarctica. North American River Otters are found throughout the United States and Canada. Sea Otters Inhabit Coastal Areas and Islands of the Eastern and Western North Pacific Ocean. Alaska Sea Otters Inhabit the Coast of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and South along British Columbia and Washington. The range of the Russian or Asian Sea Otter extends from Northern Hokkaido, Japan to the Commander Islands in the Western North Pacific. California Sea Otters are found off the Coast of Central California; between Half Moon Bay and Pt. Conception. There is also a Small Experimental Population that Originated from Relocated Animals at San Miguel Island off the Coast of Santa Barbara. Historically, Sea Otters Occupied a Contiguous Range from Northern Japan, across the North Pacific, and down to Baja California, Mexico. They were Hunted nearly to Extinction, but Conservation Measures have allowed some Populations to recover.
Marine Otters live along the Pacific Coast of South America, Ranging from Northern Peru to Tierra Del Fuego. Neotropical Otters Range from Uruguay North to Central America and Mexico. Southern River Otters are found in Argentina and Chile. Giant Otters are found throughout almost all of South America.
Cape Clawless Otters Inhabit the Southern Two-Thirds of the African Continent. Congo Clawless Otters Inhabit Equatorial Africa, from Southeastern Nigeria to Gabon, down to Uganda and Burundi. Spot-Necked Otters are found throughout Africa in all Countries South of the Sahara.
Asian Small-Clawed Otters, Smooth Otters, and Hairy-Nosed Otters are all found in Southeast Asia, to the Malay Peninsula. Eurasian Otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia).
Otters are Usually found no more than a Few Hundred Meters from Water. Most Species are Entirely Dependent on Aquatic Habitats for Food. River otters (genus Lutra) Inhabit all Types of Inland Waterways, as well as Estuaries and Marine Coves. In Southern Chile the Marine Otter is found almost Exclusively along Exposed Rocky Seashores; farther North it may Inhabit Estuaries and Fresh Water. Giant Otters (genus Pteronura) are found Mainly in Slow-Moving Rivers and Creeks within Forests, Swamps, and Marshes. They prefer Waterways that have Gently Sloping Banks and good Cover. Clawless Otter (genus Aonyx) Habitats vary Greatly Among the Species and Between Individuals. Asian Small-Clawed Otters Occur in Fresh and Brackish Water Habitats including Rivers, Creeks, Estuaries, and Coastal Waters. Congo Clawless Otters Appear to Inhabit only Small, Torrential Mountain Streams in Heavy Rainforest Areas. They are thought to be more Terrestrial in Nature than other Otter Species. Cape Clawless Otters are found in Widely Varying Habitats, from Dense Rainforest to Open Coastal Plain and Semi-Arid Zones. Most seem to prefer quiet Ponds and Sluggish Streams. In Coastal Areas, they are known to Forage both at Sea and in Adjoining Streams and Marshes. Sea Otters (genus Enhydra) are found in Coastal Waters of the North Pacific, Rarely more than 1 km (0.6 mi.) from Shore. They are Capable of Spending their Entire Life at Sea, but sometimes Rest on Rocky Shores. The Alaska Otter has a Greater Tendency to Haul out (come to shore) than the California Otter. California Otters often Prefer Kelp Beds, probably because of the Protection and Food Resources they Provide.
With the Exception of Sea Otters, all Otters Spend a Great Deal of Time on Land, often Traveling Considerable Distances between Waterways. Most Otter Species have at Least One Permanent Burrow (den) by Water. The Burrow's Main Entrance may be under Water. It then Slopes upward to a Nest Chamber above the High-Water Level. River Otters Dig their own Burrows. Cape Clawless Otters do not Dig Burrows. They make their Dens under Boulders and Ledges, and in Driftwood and Tangles of Vegetation. Besides Burrows, Many River Otters Establish and use a Variety of Land "Facilities" for a Number of their Daily Activities.
Rolling Places are Bare Patches of Ground where Otters Roll and Groom.
Slides offer Quick Access to Water or other Facilities. Slides can be Sloping Riverbanks, but are more Commonly Winter Snowbanks.
Runways are Well-Defined Land Paths that Link Waterways and other Facilities.
Spraint Stations are Areas Designated by Otters for Routine, Systematic Defecation.
A Home Range is the Portion of Land and Water that an Animal Frequently visits during its Daily and Seasonal Activities. All Otter Species Occupy a Home Range. Home Ranges Vary in Size with Species, Location, and Resource Distribution, and are Generally Larger for Males. Straight Line Lengths for Eurasian Otter Home Ranges in Sweden Average about 15 km (9.3 mi.) for Males and about 7 km (4.3 mi.) for Females. A male's Range often Overlaps that of One or more Females. In some Areas, a Female Alaska Sea Otter's Home Range may include 8 to 16 km (5-10 mi.) of Coastline.
Territories Differ from Home Ranges. Territories are Generally Smaller than Home Ranges. Otters Mark their Territories with Scent. Same-Sex Territories do not Overlap, and they are Patrolled and Defended by their Owners.
Many Otter Species undergo Seasonal Movements, but no Extensive Migrations.
Very little Information is Available on Worldwide Population Figures for Freshwater Otters. Most Otters have Widespread Distributions, but relatively Sparse Populations. Nearly all Otter Populations have been Impacted to some Extent by Human Activities.
There may be Fewer than 1,000 Marine Otters left throughout their Range.
The Alaskan Sea Otter Population Numbered More Than 100,000 in the 1980s. Since the 1990s, the Southwestern Stock of Alaskan Sea Otters has Experienced a Dramatic (up to 70% population) Decline, most likely Due to Increased Predation by Killer Whales. The Decline in more Typical Killer Whale Prey Species has Led some Killer Whales to Switch to Feeding on Sea Otters. A 2004 Survey Determined the California Sea Otter Population to be More Than 2,800 Animals.
King Crab
King Crabs, also called Stone Crabs, are a Superfamily of Crab-Like Decapod Crustaceans Chiefly found in Cold Seas. Because of their Large Size and the Taste of their Meat, many Species are widely Caught and Sold as Food, the most Common being the Red King Crab,
King Crabs are Generally thought to be Derived from Hermit Crab-Like Ancestors, which may Explain the Asymmetry still found in the Adult Forms. Although some Doubt still Exists about this Theory, King Crabs are the most widely Quoted Example of Carcinisation among the Decapoda. The Evidence for this Explanation comes from the Asymmetry of the King Crab's Abdomen, which is thought to Reflect the Asymmetry of Hermit Crabs, which must Fit into a Spiral Shell. Although Formerly Classified among the Hermit Crabs in the Superfamily Paguroidea, King Crabs are now Placed in a Separate Superfamily,
King Crabs, also called Stone Crabs, are a Superfamily of Crab-Like Decapod Crustaceans Chiefly found in Cold Seas. Because of their Large Size and the Taste of their Meat, many Species are widely Caught and Sold as Food, the most Common being the Red King Crab,
King Crabs are Generally thought to be Derived from Hermit Crab-Like Ancestors, which may Explain the Asymmetry still found in the Adult Forms. Although some Doubt still Exists about this Theory, King Crabs are the most widely Quoted Example of Carcinisation among the Decapoda. The Evidence for this Explanation comes from the Asymmetry of the King Crab's Abdomen, which is thought to Reflect the Asymmetry of Hermit Crabs, which must Fit into a Spiral Shell. Although Formerly Classified among the Hermit Crabs in the Superfamily Paguroidea, King Crabs are now Placed in a Separate Superfamily,
Friday Fun Fact
Armadillos have four babies at a time and they're always all the same sex. And they're the only animal besides humans that can get leprosy.
Armadillos have four babies at a time and they're always all the same sex. And they're the only animal besides humans that can get leprosy.
Axolotl
The Axolotl is a Species of Salamander that fails to Undergo full Metamorphosis, retaining Qualities from the Larvae Stage into their Adult Phase. The Species is generally found in Mexico, and is Named after an Aztec Term that means "Water Doll". Axolotl’s are Characterized by Five Colors: Mottled Black/Green, White, Gold, Black, and Albino. They have Long Tails, a Fin from the back of the Head to the Tail, Four Lizard-like Legs, Feathery Gills, and the Ability to Regenerate Limbs. People tend to keep Axolotl’s as Pets.
The Mexican Axolotl (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) Salamander has the Rare Trait of Retaining its Larval Features throughout its Adult Life. This Condition, Called Neoteny, means it keeps its Tadpole-like Dorsal Fin, which runs almost the Length of its Body, and its Feathery External Gills, which Protrude from the Back of its Wide Head.
Found Exclusively in the Lake Complex of Xochimilco (pronounced SO-chee-MILL-koh) near Mexico City, Axolotls differ from most other Salamanders; in that they live Permanently in Water. In Extremely rare Cases, an Axolotl will progress to Maturity and Emerge from the Water, but by and Large, they are content to stay on the bottom of Xochimilco’s Lakes and Canals.
Close Relatives of the Tiger Salamander, Axolotls can be Quite Large, reaching up to One Foot (30 centimeters) in Length, although the Average Size is closer to Half that. They are Typically Black or Mottled Brown, but Albino and White Varieties are somewhat common, particularly among Captive Specimens.
Axolotls are Long-Lived, surviving up to 15 Years on a Diet of Mollusks, Worms, Insect Larvae, Crustaceans, and some Fish. Accustomed to being a Top Predator in its Habitat, this Species has begun to Suffer from the Introduction of Large Fish into its Lake Habitat. Natural threats include Predatory Birds such as Herons.
Populations are in Decline as the Demands of Nearby Mexico City have led to the Draining and Contamination of much of the Waters of the XXchimilco Lake Complex. They are also Popular in the Aquarium Trade, and Roasted Axolotl is Considered a Delicacy in Mexico, further shrinking their Numbers. They are Considered a Critically Endangered Species.
The Axolotl is a Species of Salamander that fails to Undergo full Metamorphosis, retaining Qualities from the Larvae Stage into their Adult Phase. The Species is generally found in Mexico, and is Named after an Aztec Term that means "Water Doll". Axolotl’s are Characterized by Five Colors: Mottled Black/Green, White, Gold, Black, and Albino. They have Long Tails, a Fin from the back of the Head to the Tail, Four Lizard-like Legs, Feathery Gills, and the Ability to Regenerate Limbs. People tend to keep Axolotl’s as Pets.
The Mexican Axolotl (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) Salamander has the Rare Trait of Retaining its Larval Features throughout its Adult Life. This Condition, Called Neoteny, means it keeps its Tadpole-like Dorsal Fin, which runs almost the Length of its Body, and its Feathery External Gills, which Protrude from the Back of its Wide Head.
Found Exclusively in the Lake Complex of Xochimilco (pronounced SO-chee-MILL-koh) near Mexico City, Axolotls differ from most other Salamanders; in that they live Permanently in Water. In Extremely rare Cases, an Axolotl will progress to Maturity and Emerge from the Water, but by and Large, they are content to stay on the bottom of Xochimilco’s Lakes and Canals.
Close Relatives of the Tiger Salamander, Axolotls can be Quite Large, reaching up to One Foot (30 centimeters) in Length, although the Average Size is closer to Half that. They are Typically Black or Mottled Brown, but Albino and White Varieties are somewhat common, particularly among Captive Specimens.
Axolotls are Long-Lived, surviving up to 15 Years on a Diet of Mollusks, Worms, Insect Larvae, Crustaceans, and some Fish. Accustomed to being a Top Predator in its Habitat, this Species has begun to Suffer from the Introduction of Large Fish into its Lake Habitat. Natural threats include Predatory Birds such as Herons.
Populations are in Decline as the Demands of Nearby Mexico City have led to the Draining and Contamination of much of the Waters of the XXchimilco Lake Complex. They are also Popular in the Aquarium Trade, and Roasted Axolotl is Considered a Delicacy in Mexico, further shrinking their Numbers. They are Considered a Critically Endangered Species.
Giant Squid
There is, perhaps, no other creature in the Deep Sea as Famous and as Misunderstood as the Giant Squid. The Elusive Giant Squid, known to Science as Architeuthis dux, is one of the World's Largest Animals. It is known to reach a Length of up to 60 Feet. It is one of the Largest known Invertebrates in the World and one of the Largest Creatures in the Sea. Many believe that the terrible Kraken of Ancient Myth may have been based, at least in part on this real life Monster.
The Giant Squid is a Mollusk and is a Member of the Cephalopod Class, which includes the Octopus and other Squids. Very little is known about these Mysterious Creatures because until recently, none had been seen alive in the Wild. Most of what we know about them comes from the Bodies of Dead Squid that have washed Ashore or been pulled up in Fishermen's Nets. A breakthrough ocurred in September of 2004 when Researchers from Japan managed to Photograph a live Squid in the Wild. In 2006, the same Team was able to Obtain the first
ever Video Footage of a Live Giant Squid. This and other recent Evidence suggests that these Creatures may be more Plentiful than previously thought.
Like its other Squid Cousins, the Giant Squid's Body is composed of a Mantle, Eight Arms, and Two Longer Tentacles. The Mantle, or Main Body, of the Squid is typically around Six and a Half Feet (2 meters) in Length. The Arms and Tentacles account for most of the Animal's Length. The inside Surfaces of the Arms and Tentacles are lined with Hundreds of Suction Cups, ranging in Size from about One to Two Inches in Diameter. Each Suction Cup is surrounded by Sharp, Serrated Edges that help the Squid hold on to its Prey. The upper part of the Mantle has Two small Fins that are used to help Maneuver the Animal in the Water, although its Main source of Locomotion is Jet Propulsion. The Squid can move through the Water at High Speeds by taking Water into its Mantle Cavity and then Expelling it with Great Force.
The Giant Squid has a Complex Nervous System and a Highly Developed Brain. They are thought to be Highly Intelligent, and may be one of the Smartest Invertbrates in the Ocean. Their Eyes are among the Largest in the World, Second only to their Larger Cousin, the Colossal Squid. These Giant Eyes are actually the Size of an Average Dinner Plate, nearly One Foot in Diameter. Large Eyes are an Important Adaptation that helps the Squid Locate Food in the Darkness of the Deep Ocean. The Squid probably cannot See in Color, but their Specialized Eyes are though to be Finely Tuned for Distinguishing Differences in Light
levels.
The Giant Squid is the Second Largest Mollusc in the World and is also the Second Largest Invertebrate. The Colossal Squid is the largest. The Female Giant Squid is much Larger than the Male. Females average about 43 Feet (13 meters) in Length. The much Smaller Males are believed to Grow to about 33 Feet (10 meters). There have been Claims of Specimens of up to 66 Feet (20 meters), but none have been officially Documented.
Many Researchers believe the Giant Squid to be a very Aggressive Animal. During World War II, Stories from the Survivors of Sunken Ships tell of Shipmates being Eaten by these Creatures in the Dark of Night. There have even been Reports of Giant Squid Reaching out of the Water and Pulling Men off of Small Boats. None of these Reports have been Officially Verified, but they do Paint a Picture of a Powerful Predator. The Squid's Eight long Tentacles have Strong Suction Cups, which they use to hold on to their Prey. A Sharp, Powerful Beak finishes off their Helpless Victim with Eerie Efficiency. They are thought to Feed on Deep Sea Fish and other Species of Squid. It is believed that they are Solitary Hunters, preferring to Hunt Alone in the Dark Waters of the Deep Ocean. As Large and Powerful as these Creatures are, they are not at the Top of the Food Chain. The Giant Squid has at least one Natural Enemy. It happens to be a Favorite Meal of the Sperm Whale. The Squid are Commonly Found in the Stomachs of Dead Whales. Many of these Whales even bear Scars from the Squid's Suction-Cupped Tentacles. The Main Defense Mechanism of the Squid is a Dark, Black Ink, which can be used to Create a Smoke Screen. This Ink can Temporarily Confuse Predators, allowing the Squid Precious Time to Attempt their Escape.
Very little is known about the Reproductive Behavior of the Giant Squid. It is Believed that they reach Maturity at the Age of Three Years and that the Males Mature at a Smaller Size than the Females. The Females Lay a Large Number of Eggs. Juveniles have been Observed in the Surface Waters off the Coast of New Zealand. Several Aquariums are Attempting to Capture and Maintain Juvenile Specimens in an Attempt to Learn more about this Mysterious Creature.
Giant Squid are found Throughout all of the World's Oceans. They are usually found at Depths of between 1,000 Feet (300 meters) and about 2,000 Feet (600 meters), although there are Documented Reports of Specimens found as Deep as 3,800 Feet (1175 meters). They are usually found near Continental and Island Slopes from the North Atlantic Ocean near Newfoundland, Norway, and the British Isles, and the South Atlantic near Southern Africa. They are also found in the North Pacific Ocean near Japan, and the Southwestern Pacific near Australia and New Zealand. Giant Squid are rare in Polar and Tropical Regions.
There is, perhaps, no other creature in the Deep Sea as Famous and as Misunderstood as the Giant Squid. The Elusive Giant Squid, known to Science as Architeuthis dux, is one of the World's Largest Animals. It is known to reach a Length of up to 60 Feet. It is one of the Largest known Invertebrates in the World and one of the Largest Creatures in the Sea. Many believe that the terrible Kraken of Ancient Myth may have been based, at least in part on this real life Monster.
The Giant Squid is a Mollusk and is a Member of the Cephalopod Class, which includes the Octopus and other Squids. Very little is known about these Mysterious Creatures because until recently, none had been seen alive in the Wild. Most of what we know about them comes from the Bodies of Dead Squid that have washed Ashore or been pulled up in Fishermen's Nets. A breakthrough ocurred in September of 2004 when Researchers from Japan managed to Photograph a live Squid in the Wild. In 2006, the same Team was able to Obtain the first
ever Video Footage of a Live Giant Squid. This and other recent Evidence suggests that these Creatures may be more Plentiful than previously thought.
Like its other Squid Cousins, the Giant Squid's Body is composed of a Mantle, Eight Arms, and Two Longer Tentacles. The Mantle, or Main Body, of the Squid is typically around Six and a Half Feet (2 meters) in Length. The Arms and Tentacles account for most of the Animal's Length. The inside Surfaces of the Arms and Tentacles are lined with Hundreds of Suction Cups, ranging in Size from about One to Two Inches in Diameter. Each Suction Cup is surrounded by Sharp, Serrated Edges that help the Squid hold on to its Prey. The upper part of the Mantle has Two small Fins that are used to help Maneuver the Animal in the Water, although its Main source of Locomotion is Jet Propulsion. The Squid can move through the Water at High Speeds by taking Water into its Mantle Cavity and then Expelling it with Great Force.
The Giant Squid has a Complex Nervous System and a Highly Developed Brain. They are thought to be Highly Intelligent, and may be one of the Smartest Invertbrates in the Ocean. Their Eyes are among the Largest in the World, Second only to their Larger Cousin, the Colossal Squid. These Giant Eyes are actually the Size of an Average Dinner Plate, nearly One Foot in Diameter. Large Eyes are an Important Adaptation that helps the Squid Locate Food in the Darkness of the Deep Ocean. The Squid probably cannot See in Color, but their Specialized Eyes are though to be Finely Tuned for Distinguishing Differences in Light
levels.
The Giant Squid is the Second Largest Mollusc in the World and is also the Second Largest Invertebrate. The Colossal Squid is the largest. The Female Giant Squid is much Larger than the Male. Females average about 43 Feet (13 meters) in Length. The much Smaller Males are believed to Grow to about 33 Feet (10 meters). There have been Claims of Specimens of up to 66 Feet (20 meters), but none have been officially Documented.
Many Researchers believe the Giant Squid to be a very Aggressive Animal. During World War II, Stories from the Survivors of Sunken Ships tell of Shipmates being Eaten by these Creatures in the Dark of Night. There have even been Reports of Giant Squid Reaching out of the Water and Pulling Men off of Small Boats. None of these Reports have been Officially Verified, but they do Paint a Picture of a Powerful Predator. The Squid's Eight long Tentacles have Strong Suction Cups, which they use to hold on to their Prey. A Sharp, Powerful Beak finishes off their Helpless Victim with Eerie Efficiency. They are thought to Feed on Deep Sea Fish and other Species of Squid. It is believed that they are Solitary Hunters, preferring to Hunt Alone in the Dark Waters of the Deep Ocean. As Large and Powerful as these Creatures are, they are not at the Top of the Food Chain. The Giant Squid has at least one Natural Enemy. It happens to be a Favorite Meal of the Sperm Whale. The Squid are Commonly Found in the Stomachs of Dead Whales. Many of these Whales even bear Scars from the Squid's Suction-Cupped Tentacles. The Main Defense Mechanism of the Squid is a Dark, Black Ink, which can be used to Create a Smoke Screen. This Ink can Temporarily Confuse Predators, allowing the Squid Precious Time to Attempt their Escape.
Very little is known about the Reproductive Behavior of the Giant Squid. It is Believed that they reach Maturity at the Age of Three Years and that the Males Mature at a Smaller Size than the Females. The Females Lay a Large Number of Eggs. Juveniles have been Observed in the Surface Waters off the Coast of New Zealand. Several Aquariums are Attempting to Capture and Maintain Juvenile Specimens in an Attempt to Learn more about this Mysterious Creature.
Giant Squid are found Throughout all of the World's Oceans. They are usually found at Depths of between 1,000 Feet (300 meters) and about 2,000 Feet (600 meters), although there are Documented Reports of Specimens found as Deep as 3,800 Feet (1175 meters). They are usually found near Continental and Island Slopes from the North Atlantic Ocean near Newfoundland, Norway, and the British Isles, and the South Atlantic near Southern Africa. They are also found in the North Pacific Ocean near Japan, and the Southwestern Pacific near Australia and New Zealand. Giant Squid are rare in Polar and Tropical Regions.
Friday Fun Fact!
It was discovered on a Space Mission that a Frog can throw up. The Frog throws up its Stomach first, so the Stomach is dangling out of its Mouth. Then the Frog uses its Forearms to dig out all of the Stomachs contents and then swallows the Stomach back down again.
It was discovered on a Space Mission that a Frog can throw up. The Frog throws up its Stomach first, so the Stomach is dangling out of its Mouth. Then the Frog uses its Forearms to dig out all of the Stomachs contents and then swallows the Stomach back down again.
Friday Fun Fact!
Did you know that Mountain Goats can Walk almost straight up Cliffs due to a Supple Pad on each Cloven Hoof that have extremely soft Centers? When the Goat puts its Foot down, each Pad works like a Powerful Suction Cup, enabling the Wild Goat to appear to defy Gravity.
Did you know that Mountain Goats can Walk almost straight up Cliffs due to a Supple Pad on each Cloven Hoof that have extremely soft Centers? When the Goat puts its Foot down, each Pad works like a Powerful Suction Cup, enabling the Wild Goat to appear to defy Gravity.
Yeti Lobster
The Kiwa Hirsuta, more Commonly known as the Yeti Lobster, was Discovered in March 2005 in the South Pacific Ocean. The Crustacean is covered in Silky Blond Setae that resembles Fur and is thought to be Blind because of the lack of Pigment in its Eyes. The Hairy Pincers are used to Detoxify the Poisonous Minerals in the Water where it Lives.
The Kiwa Hirsuta, more Commonly known as the Yeti Lobster, was Discovered in March 2005 in the South Pacific Ocean. The Crustacean is covered in Silky Blond Setae that resembles Fur and is thought to be Blind because of the lack of Pigment in its Eyes. The Hairy Pincers are used to Detoxify the Poisonous Minerals in the Water where it Lives.