Live Transparent Fish Filmed
Posted on 3 December 2009 by Stenberg-Tendys W.L. in Uncategorized
The ocean that covers the major part of our planet, has more mysteries than we have ever dreamed of.
The discovery and filming earlier this year, of a live Pacific barreleye fish has excited marine biologists around the world.
This Pacific barreleye fish, with a transparent head, was found live off the coast of California central coast. It is the first species of its kind to be found with its soft transparent dome intact.
Scientists have known of the existence of the fish since 1939, but never found a live specimen before. Previous specimens had been caught in fishermen’s nets.
Bareleyes are sometimes known as spookfish, though its scientific name is ‘Macropinna Microstoma’. They are six inches long, an unusual looking deep sea osmeriform fish, found in the tropical to temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
These fish have the ability to direct their very sensitive eyes upward, as well as forward, as it scans the ocean looking for food, or predators. Its toothless mouth is small and ends in a pointed snout, giving it the appearance of an aeroplane’s cockpit.
At the other end of the scale a giant shovelnose ray was captured off the coast of Queensland, before being released again into the wild.
Giant Shovel Nose Ray - Australia
Giant Freshwater Sting Ray = Thailand
A National Geographic scientific expedition captured and re-released a giant freshwater sting ray weighing 900 pounds, in Thailand. It is believed to be the largest known freshwater fish in the world.
These fish were once believed to be critically endangered in Thailand. They are found in just a few rivers in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. They measure approximately 7feet long by 7feet wide, with a stinger that is 10 feet long.
