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.
Megamouth Shark
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.
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