Friday Deep-Sea Picture (03/02/07)

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From MBARI: When MBARI researchers explore the seafloor below 1,000 meters, the most common fishes they see are rattail fish such as this Coryphaenoides acrolepis, which was photographed in Monterey Canyon. Rattails are are very curious and will come to investigate any disturbance on or around the seafloor. Presumably this helps them find food in the darkness of the deep sea. Rattail fish are caught and sold under the more palatable name, "grenadier." However, the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program recommends that consumers do not purchase or eat grenadier because the fish grow very slowly and may not reproduce until they are 30 or 40 years old.

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... while the giant squid, thought to be a mythological creature, was documented by Japanese researchers [ in 2004 ].

Sigh... How long have carcasses been washing up on beaches?

Oh bloody Thor! The previous comment was meant to be for the Irovy Bill Woodpecker vs. Giant Squid posting. Apologies for clicking on the wrong link.