A true oddity of the sea, the red-lipped batfish has evolved adaptations perfect for a life on the seafloor. Its pectoral and pelvic fins have evolved into 'legs' that allow it to waddle along the bottom.

Mantis shrimp eyes are absolute marvels of evolution! They are able to see a spectrum beyond human vision. While we have only three types of colour-receptive cones (red, green and blue), mantis shrimp have SIXTEEN colour-receptive cones! They are able to see colours we don't even know exist. 🤯

On this week's World Of Sharks podcast episode, Isla Hodgson is joined by Dr Yannis Papastamatiou. They get to talking about his work using cutting-edge technology to explore how sharks move, forage, and interact with one another.

Listen here: saveourseas.com/worldofshark...

A new global study has revealed the staggering toll of exploitation on manta and devil rays (mobulids), with over 264,000 individuals caught and killed every year. Mobulid rays are now among the most threatened of all sharks and rays.

Juvenile emperor red snappers are often found sheltering among the spines of radiant sea urchins. The venomous spines of the urchin offer cover from predators for these young fish in the more vulnerable stage of their life until they’re large enough to venture into deeper waters to live as adults.

Perhaps not the nudibranch you're used to: this Melibe viridis, filmed in Indonesia, has a rather peculiar mouth. It has an oral veil, an expandable hood used for hunting. Using their veil as a fish net, they scour the seafloor and seagrass blades for small crustaceans.

New Study Reveals Persistent Illegal Trade in Protected Sharks with Calls to Strengthen World’s Wildlife-Trade Treaty to Prevent Extinctions.

@wcs.org
@fiu.bsky.social

🎥: Byron Dilkes
🎥: Open Planet Studios | Silverback Films

Climate change is driving coral reefs beyond their tipping point, pushing these vulnerable systems harder than they can push back. And there's a domino effect - marine species like turtles risk losing their habitat and food sources, swinging life on the reef into imbalance.

🎥: Rainer von Brandis

A conservation victory for green sea turtles was announced: a downgrade of the conservation status from Endangered to Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

🎥: Open Planet Studios | Silverback Films & Riverbank Studios
🎥: Jade Schultz
🎥: Moose
🎥: Sebastian Staines

Found along the seafloor of every ocean in the world, sea urchins are not the simple, stationary pin-cushions that some people believe them to be. They have specialised adaptations which include many tiny tube feet, tentacles, that sprout amongst their sharp spines.

Unblinking eyes, prominent nostrils and a gaping mouth - giant moray eels are not easily missed on reefs. Opening and closing their mouths pumps water across their gills, and their powerful jaws hide a mouth lined with rows of inward-pointing teeth.

On this week's #WoS podcast episode, we journey into the darkness with deep-sea legend Dr @britfinucci. A far from barren landscape, we meet the small-but-ferocious prickly dogfish, the luminous lanternsharks, and the ancient and toothy frilled sharks.

Listen here: saveourseas.com/worldofshark...

The oceanic manta ray is listed as Endangered, threatened by pressures such as overfishing and habitat loss. Studying their movements, behaviour, and habitats is vital to understanding how best to protect them, to ensure these giants continue to exist.

🎥: Byron Dilkes

This ragged-tooth shark has a hitchhiker caught between its teeth, but not for long. These sharks possess a conveyor belt of teeth, arranged in rows that steadily shift forward as new ones grow behind them. It’s a brilliant adaptation with a lifetime supply of fresh, razor-sharp replacements.