Freaky Fish Friday - Cuttlefish

Ngerchong Inside dive site (Palau)

Photo courtesy of Liz Tuttle

Often called the "chameleon of the sea" because of its ability to change the color of its skin at will, the cuttlefish is actually not a fish at all, but really a mollusk. Belonging to the class Cephalopoda (which means head-footed), they are the cousin of the squid, octopus, and nautilus.

The cuttlefish possesses a beak-like mouth...

The cuttlefish can range in size from 1 inch to 3 feet (and even bigger in the case of the giant Australian cuttlefish which may grow to the size of a small man). It possesses eight sucker-lined arms and two prehensile tentacles (which can be withdrawn into pouches under the eyes) and a sharp, beak-like mouth which allows it to cut open flesh like a pair of scissors, so it can use its tentacles to tear out meat. It hunts during daylight, feeding primarily on small fish, crustaceans and other mollusks.

It moves about by means of propulsion

It moves about in the water by way of a complex propulsion and bouyancy system (much like a submarine). "The cuttlefish propels itself using a series of spurts, drawing water into a compression chamber which it squeezes to jet the water out a funnel under the head. Direction changes can be made by swivelling the nozzle of this funnel, and narrowing the funnel controls speed. Like a submarine, the cuttlefish fills tiny compartments in its cuttlebone with gas to help maintain neutral buoyancy. This helps the cephalopod hover above the ocean floor, because although it has a sophisticated propulsion system its large cuttlebone does not allow it to be overly active, or quick in the water. " [1]

Staying neutral

Redrawn after Clarkson, E.,

Invertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution,

George Allen and Unwin, London,

1979 (Seventh impression 1984), p.167.

The cuttlefish is a bottom-dweller which often lies in ambush for smaller animals. For this way of life, it needs to keep itself at neutral buoyancy, so that it neither sinks nor rises...in order to be able to operate at varying depths and water densities, cuttlefish need to be able to adjust their overall density so as to always remain ‘neutral’ in the water. The cuttlefish does this by an ingenious mechanism. The bony shell actually has many narrow chambers. If these were all filled with gas, they would give a lift of up to 4% of the animal’s weight. However, they are only part-filled with gas—the darker areas shown are where it is part-filled with liquid. The cuttlefish is able to pump liquid in and out of that section as needed to keep the buoyancy ‘just right’. [1]  

The cuttlefish actually has 3 hearts

The cuttlefish actually has 3 hearts - one for each set of gills and one for the remaining body. Unlike our own blood which gets its red color from the pigment hemoglobin, the cuttlefish's heart pumps blue-green blood which uses hemocyanin pigment to carry oxygen. Its skin is comprised of 3 layers of color pigment cells called chromatophores. These cells are controlled by the nervous system which signals them to expand or contract at a remarkable speed allowing for the hypnotic transformation of the cuttlefish's coloration and pattern.

A strange fact about cuttlefish...

Close-up of a cuttlefish eye

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

"A strange fact about the cuttlefish is that it can adopt the female coloration along one side of the body as well as retain the male coloration on the other side. Male cuttlefish are extremely alert when it comes to the females, especially if she is laying the eggs. The male will guard aggressively over the female and this is when another approaching male will use his ability to have a dual look to access the female and trick the male." [2]

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[1] Weston, Paula, ‘Fascinating Cuttlefish', answersingenesis.org, March 1, 1997.

[2] Lad, Kashmira, ‘Cuttlefish Facts', buzzle.com. 

Let's Make the Term "Ugly American" a Thing of the Past

We've all heard the term before - "Ugly American" - but why were we ever labeled with such mean words?  Maybe it was because there were some unfortunate souls who didn't understand that you traveled the world to experience something other than what you were used to.  Unfortunately, that has left a dark mark that we as globe-trotting Americans need to erase today.  And you know what - it really doesn't take too much to do it.

LEAVING A GOOD IMPRESSION STARTS BEFORE LEAVING HOME

Chuukese Love Stick

I’ve learned through my own experience that leaving a good impression starts before leaving home.  In my thirst for travel I am always doing research.  That includes learning all sorts of stuff about the place I want to travel to next so that I am able to appreciate it more when I am there.  For instance, tribal traditions are always cool to explore.  Did you know the Chuukese have a “love stick”?  Called a nipwepweiaa, it was a gift of adoration from a young man to the woman he admired.  The Chuukese "love stick" is now something from days gone by, but it makes for a cool souvenir to bring home and share the story with friends.  Had I not learned about this before I visited Chuuk, I might not have appreciated this piece of wood before me and admired the work that went into making it when I purchased it from a local vendor.  My knowledge of what the work of art was made a good impression on the vendor selling it to me and opened a door to good relations.

LEARN A FEW KEY WORDS AND PHRASES BEFORE YOU GO

Another good icebreaker that generally leaves a good impression is to learn a few key words and phrases.  You can never go wrong with learning please and thank you, as well as hello and goodbye.  Of course, the ever important “where is the bathroom?” or “could I have the check please?” always come in handy too.

LEARN THE RULES OF PROPER CULTURAL ETIQUETTE

Meke celebration in Fiji

And let’s not forget proper cultural etiquette.  It’s always best to research local customs so as not to offend the locals or embarrass yourself.  For instance, when visiting Fijian villages it is proper etiquette for a lady to make sure her shoulders are covered.  Or in Yap, as tradition dictates, you should carry a leaf from a croton plant to indicate that you are a stranger just visiting the village.

TRY THE LOCAL CUISINE

Fruit Bat in Coconut Cream Soup

Whether or not you are a foodie, it is always good manners to taste the local cuisine, especially when it is offered to you.  Ok, so something strange with eyes is staring back at you from your bowl of soup, just close your eyes, take a taste, and quickly swallow.  Your host may admire your bravery, or they may just laugh at you because they are just playing with you and didn't think you would really eat it.  Either way it is a win and an icebreaker towards a new friendship.

LET'S PUT OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

So let's all make sure to put our best foot forward the next time we venture abroad to dispel the use of that terrible misnomer "Ugly American".  It really is fun to learn a little about a place before you go.  If I haven't done my job by providing you with enough destination information here in my blog or on my website, then by all means, please google it.  I know you know there is a wealth of information online these days.  What are your tips for making a world full of friends as you travel about?  I'd love to hear from you.

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CONTACT LIZ TO PLAN YOUR CUSTOM VACATION NOW

Freaky Fish Friday - Blue Dragon (Glaucus atlanticus)

The first time I saw a picture of this little guy I thought it had to be a photoshop thing; some little creature made up by some talented artist. It made me want to delve deeper, and you know what I found - It really does exist!

Believe it or not...it's pelagic

Believe it or not, this little sea slug or nudibranch, is pelagic (lives in the open water). It is often found floating upside down on the surface of the ocean in temperate and tropical waters in such regions as the east and south coasts of South Africa, Mozambique, European waters, the east coast of Australia, and the islands of Hawaii. They also have been spotted in the waters of Bermuda.

When fully grown it's a whopping 3-4cm...

Its average size when fully grown is a whopping 3-4cm. The blue dragon's floating abilities are due to a gas-filled sac located in its stomach. Because of its location, this sac causes the slug to float upside down exposing its blue-white foot to the surface of the water, leaving the silver-gray dorsal surface facing downward into the water. This is an example of counter shading, where the coloration helps to protect the organism from it predators both below and above. These slugs spend most of their lives drifting along, directed by currents and winds. They are generally not observed by humans except on those occasions when strong onshore winds bring masses of them (often called the "blue fleet") to beaches, causing much pain for swimmers and beach-goers.

Blue Dragons are cannibalistic

Common names for this beautiful slug are blue dragon, blue glaucus, blue sea slug, blue ocean slug, and sea swallow. G. atlanticus is carnivorous and preys on other, larger pelagic organisms such as the venomous Portuguese Man o' War, the by-the-wind sailor, the blue button, and the violet snail. They have also been known to become cannibalistic.

It's immune to the venom of a Portuguese Man o' War

The blue dragon is immune to the venomous nematocysts of the Portuguese Man o' War, and when consuming this animal, appears to select and store the most venomous nematocysts in specialized sacs called cnidosacs on the tip of its feather-like fingers. Because it is able to store up this venom for future use, ironically it can produce a more powerful and deadly sting than the man 'o war upon which it feeds.

Blue Dragons are hermaphrodites...

Blue dragons are hermaphrodites (have both male and female reproductive organs). After mating, both animals produce 4-6 egg strings within an hour that float freely in the water or are placed on the remains of prey. These busy little slugs can produce from 3300-8900 eggs per day.

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References:

1.   Glaucus atlanticus Forster, 1777. World Register of Marine Species, accessed 3 April 2010.

2.  "Marine Species Identification Portal : Glaucus atlanticus". Species-identification.org. http://species-identification.org/species.php?species_group=pelagic_molluscs&id=189. Retrieved 2011-11-21.

3. Rudman, W. B. (6 November 1998). "Glaucus atlanticus Forster, 1777". Sea Slug Forum. http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=glauatla. Retrieved 26 February 2011.

4.  Debelius, H.; Kuiter, R. H. (2007). Nudibranchs of the world. IKAN-Unterwasserarchiv. ISBN 978-3-939767-06-0.

5.   http://seaslugsofhawaii.com/species/Glaucus-atlanticus-a.html

6.   http://www.thecephalopodpage.org/marineinvertebratezoology/glaucusatlanticus.html

Cozumel - A Caribbean Jewel (Part 2)

So, of course, my upcoming trip to Cozumel is focused on diving – what else?  I had a lot of requests from my dive club to take a trip to this island because of its reputation for top-notch drift diving.  In fact, Cozumel has been one of the hot spots for dive vacations ever since Jacques Cousteau declared its reefs a natural wonderland.  The currents that carry divers along Cozumel’s dramatic drop-offs have made some of its dive sites a must-have in many divers’ logbooks.

PROTECTING OUR OCEAN'S REEFS

Thanks to an ever-increasing awareness that we need to protect our precious reefs, Coral Reefs National Marine Park, or Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel as it is known in Mexico, was declared a national marine park in 1996.  Just under 30,000 acres of sea and coast line, this park runs along the coast south of downtown San Miguel and around Punta Sur - the southern tip of the island. It covers both rocky and sandy beaches, mangroves, and palm groves that support important biological communities.  The park was created to protect, conserve, and restore these natural resources which play important roles in is this fragile ecosystem.

Within this reserve you will be amazed by the beauty of 26 types of corals and enjoy diving among 500 different fish species, including those native only to the island, such as the Splendid Toadfish. And hanks to this island's wonderful marine life protection programs, there has been a significant increase in the population of loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles which can be seen quite frequently by divers.

An Overview of Cozumel's Diving

Cozumel has a variety of dive sites for all skill levels, from shallow dives featuring abundant coral and tropical fish, to more challenging wall dives.  A mecca for drift diving, Cozumel’s currents can range from mild to strong depending on the season and dive site.  A short boat ride will get you to most dive sites, but beach diving is also available from a number of access points.  The majority of boat diving is what is called "live" boat diving. This is where the boat does not anchor, but drifts along behind the divers.  If you are not already drift diver  certified, it might be a good time to get your next certification.

Depth for most dive sites ranges from 30 to 90 feet.  Visibility can be anywhere from 80 to 100 feet. Water temperatures average 77°F in the winter to 85°F in summer.  Air temperatures usually range between 70°F and 85°F. The dive season is just about any time of year, although the rainy season runs from May to September, and the middle of autumn is considered hurricane season.  December through March is generally the busiest time of the year for tourism, so you might want to check out April through August for lower rates. 

WHAT ELSE IS THERE BESIDES REEF DIVING?

In addition to excellent reef diving, Cozumel offers divers the opportunity for wreck diving as well.  The ARM General Felipe Xicoténcatl (C53) was sunk in 1999 as an artificial reef and dive attraction.  She was sunk upright, resting on the seabed in 82 feet of water, just offshore from Chankanaab Park near Tormentos Reef.  And just a ferry ride away you can experience fascinating underground river systems (cenotes) amongst the limestone formations of the Yucatan peninsula.

NOT A DIVER?  DON'T WORRY...

And even if you don’t dive, put on a mask & snorkel, and from Cozumel’s soft white sand beaches jump into clear blue waters to feel like you are swimming around in your own tropical fish tank.

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Freaky Fish Friday - Wobbegong (Orectolobidae)

The word wobbegong is believed to come from an Australian Aboriginal word meaning "shaggy beard", referring to the growths around the mouth of the unusual-looking shark of the western Pacific.

Wobbegong...a carpet shark

Wobbegong is the common name given to the 12 species of carpet sharks in the family Orectolobidae. They are found in shallow temperate and tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean and eastern Indian Ocean, chiefly around Australia and Indonesia, although one species (the Japanese wobbegong, Orectolobus japonicus) occurs as far north as Japan. 

Wobbegongs are ambush predators

Wobbegongs are bottom-dwelling sharks and spend much of their time resting on the sea floor. Wobbegongs are well camouflaged with a symmetrical pattern of bold markings which resembles a carpet, hence the name "carpet shark". The camouflage is improved by the presence of small whisker-like lobes^[1] surrounding the wobbegong's jaw, which it uses to entice and catch fish. Wobbegongs are ambush predators. They use their relative invisibility to hide among rocks and catch smaller fish which swim too close. Most species have a maximum length of 4 feet or less, but the largest, the spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus) and banded wobbegong (O. halei), reach about nearly 10 feet in length.

They're only dangerous when provoked

Wobbegongs are generally not dangerous unless they are provoked. They have been known to bite people who accidentally step on them in shallow water. To avoid being bitten, divers should avoid contact. Scuba divers or snorkelers must never poke or touch them, or block their escape route. Wobbegongs are very flexible and can easily bite a hand that is holding onto their tail.^[2]  They have many small but sharp teeth. Their bite can be severe, even through a wetsuit.  Wobbegongs have been known to hang on once they have inflicted their bite and can be very difficult to remove.^[3] 

Spotted wobbegong, Orectolobus maculatus,

showing the camouflage pattern and skin flaps typical of wobbegongs.

Facts About Wobbegong Sharks

• They are so flat in their shape that they look like the part of the sea floor.
• They move slowly in water.
• Diet: lobster, crab & octopus
• They normally are not dangerous, but there have been 23 confirmed attacks.
• Normally, it is not an aggressive creature.
• Attacks only when provoked.
• The females of these species can deliver around 37 young at a time.

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^[1]^ "Wobbegongs - five species encountered in Queensland". Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries. 2009-03-02.  http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/28_12484_ENA_HTML.htm. Retrieved 2009-06-14.

^[2]^ Kuiter, Rudie (1999). Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia (amended ed.). New Holland Publishers (Aust.) Pty Ltd. p. 12. ISBN 1-86436-091-7.

^[3]^ "Shark sinks its teeth in for the long haul". The Sydney Morning Herald. 2004-02-12.  http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/02/11/1076388440368.html. Retrieved 2006-06-14.

Cozumel - A Caribbean Jewel (Part 1)

So this spring I am gearing up for another adventure.  This time I am leading my dive club to the island of Cozumel, Mexico.  So let’s get set to go, and have some fun doing that by learning a little about Cozumel before we jet off to this beautiful destination.

ISLAND OF THE SWALLOWS

Nestled in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, just off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, is an island situated atop the second largest barrier reef in the world.  The word Cozumel means the "Island of the Swallows" in Mayan, and back in the days before Spanish occupation, Mayan women would make pilgrimages to this island at least once in their lifetime in order to pay homage to Ixchel - the goddess of fertility.  Cozumel grew to be one of three important Mayan ceremonial centers - the others being Izama and Chichen-Itza.  Archeologists have found more than 40 sites around the island, and today still uncover small dolls that were used as offerings in fertility ceremonies.  The fascinating ruins of the Mayan civilization are just one reason to visit Cozumel, but there is so much more.

Jacques Cousteau declared in his first
documentary Cozumel to be one of the
most beautiful scuba diving areas of
the world.

Part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, Cozumel lies just 12 miles off the mainland across from Playa del Carmen.  A laid-back, easy-going island, most of its population lives in the town of San Miguel on the western shore.  Cozumel was just a quiet little fishing community until it caught the attention of the famous ocean explorer and pioneer of marine conservation, Jacques Cousteau, who declared in his first documentary Cozumel to be one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas of the world.

THERE ARE THREE MAJOR REEFS ENCIRCLING COZUMEL

There are three major reefs that circle Cozumel -- Palancar, Santa Rosa and El Cedral.  Palancar, on the southern side of the island, is what captured Cousteau’s attention in 1960.  The geography of the island protects these reefs from the open ocean and provides an ideal situation for dive sites.  The reefs are easily accessible, with coral plateaus starting in less than 30 feet of water.  The most popular sites are located on the west coast, just south of San Miguel.  The warm water averages temperatures between 75°F in winter to 85°F in summer.

The government of Mexico established the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park in 1996 to protect this treasure.  It is prohibited to touch or remove any marine life within the confines of the park.  These waters are filled with color from the wide array of marine life and corals.  Don’t forget to be on the lookout for such favorites as sea turtles.

THERE'S MORE TO COZUMEL THAN JUST ITS WATERS

White-Nosed Coati

Cozumel is heralded as the original Caribbean destination in Mexico and is a top port of call for cruise ships.  Despite this, Cozumel remains an island that has an easy-going attitude with a laid-back personality and pleasant Mexican hospitality.  Surprisingly enough, this island is only 3% developed and still has vast stretches of pristine jungle and uninhabited shoreline.  It is home to a number of endemic species including birds like the Cozumel Thrasher, Cozumel Great Curassow, and Cozumel Vireo, and mammals such as the Cozumel Island Racoon and the Cozumel Island Coati.  Other species not native to the island include the American Crocodile and the Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana.

Want some great information and handy tips to help make your next vacation flow more smoothly?  Then sign up here to receive my FREE content-packed e-Book "Know Before You Go" filled with great tips for a hassle-free & safe adventure.

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Freaky Fish Friday - Rosy-Lipped Batfish (ogcocephalus porrectus)

This odd looking fish looks like it is ready for its "maybe it's Maybelline" close-up for smear-proof lipstick, but a beautiful model it is not. It definitely needs a shave. Today I present you with the Rosy-lipped Batfish (scientific name: ogcocephalus porrectus).

Maybe it's Maybelline...

Found in the waters of Cocos Island off the coast of Costa Rica, this bottom-dwelling fish can be found at depths ranging from 90 to 450 feet. Seen from above, it has been said to resemble more of a "frog fish roadkill" than a bat. Full-grown it is about the size of your open hand, nearly flat on top, and spreads its pectoral fins out to its sides. A slow and clumsy character, the rosy-lipped batfish uses its pectoral and pelvic fins like legs to crawl on the ocean floor rather than swim. Ichthyologist and batfish expert John McCosker says they prefer to “sit upright, like old tail-dragging airplanes.”

Is this batfish a unicorn?

It has a leathery skin that feels like sand paper and large spiny knobs covering its back. To add to its bizarre appearance, this fish has a unicorn-like horn protruding from its head. According to McCosker, this rostrum (a Latin word meaning "beak") is "firm - sort of like chicken gristle, and it protects a thin, retractable appendage that the batfish deploys to lure small edible fishes".

Rosy-lipped batfish are voracious eaters...

Rosy-lipped batfish are voracious, carnivorous eaters who prefer a diet consisting mainly of small fish, shrimps, mollusks and crabs. An interesting x-ray of a close relative to the rosy-lipped batfish shows just what they enjoy eating. Another close relative is the red-lipped batfish, also called the Galapagos batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini), so aptly named for its choice of residence.

Ogcocephalus corniger is found in the waters of the southeastern
United States and the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Why this drag-queen-looking fish looks like it does, I don't know if anyone really knows. I didn't find any answers in my research. But does the rosy-lipped batfish remind you of anyone in your family?

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