Legacy Livestock

Stopping to ponderthe fact that some reef animals can, and should, outlive their owners

by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph.D.

CORAL Magazine, Jan/Feb 2023

References

Botting, J. P., & Muir, L. A. (2018). Early sponge evolution: A review and phylogenetic framework. Palaeoworld, 27(1), 1–29. doi:10.1016…

Praxillura: A unique suspension feeding marine worm

Maldanid polychaete in the genus Praxillura create tubes characterized by several long, thin extensions at the end, with a clear substance suspended between these extensions. They catch particulate matter, which the worm will later retrieve and consume…and that’s just the start of it!

Look! Down in the Mud, It’s Snail, … No! It’s Clam, … No!! It’s Superbug … Bathynomus giganteus

But – REALLY, folks, when was the last time you had the opportunity to watch a video of football-sized isopods eating a dead gator…or a dead anything?

EXTINCTION!!! Memories of the Sunflower Sea Star

A new publication confirms the extirpation and possible extinction of the benthic ecosystem apex predator, the Sunflower Sea Star, Pycnopodia helianthoides, due the combined effects of abnormally warm sea water temperatures coupled with the effects of sea star wasting disease.

ESA is Working for Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles

A recently written article analyzes the significant success of the Endangered Species Act by noting the recovery of numerous populations of marine mammals and sea turtles.