Monday, February 11, 2008

Ocean Sunfish





The ocean sunfish, Mola mola, or common mola is the heaviest bony fish in the world, with an average weight of about 2,200 pounds. The species is native to tropical and temperate waters around the globe.

Asian or Cantor's Giant Softshell Turtle



Cantor's giant soft-shelled turtles can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh more than 100 pounds. The turtle spends 95 percent of its life buried and motionless, with only its eyes and mouth protruding from the sand. The turtle is regarded as endangered. Until recently, it was last seen in Cambodia in 2003. A 2007 survey of one area of the Mekong River in Cambodia found the turtle in abundance along a short 30-mile stretch of the river.

Olm



The olm or Proteus is a blind amphibian endemic to the subterranean waters of caves of the Dinaric karst of southern Europe. This animal is most notable for its adaptations to a life of complete darkness in its underground habitat. The olm's eyes are undeveloped, leaving it blind, while its other senses, particularly those of smell and hearing, are acutely developed. It also lacks any pigmentation in its skin.

Cape or Giant Rain Frog



Found in South Africa.

Megamouth Shark



The megamouth shark, Megachasma pelagios, is an extremely rare and unusual species of deepwater shark. Discovered in 1976, only a few have ever been seen, with 39 specimens known to have been caught or sighted as of 2007 and three recordings on film.

Bald or White Uakari




Found in swampy areas in some parts of South America.

Chinese Giant Salamander





They are the largest living amphibians known today growing around three feet long. They hunt mainly at night, and as they have poor eyesight, use sensory nodes on their head and body to detect minute changes in water pressure, allowing them to detect their prey. In United States, Hellbender Salamanders grow around two feet long.