Over 100 new species of fish found in the Tasman Sea

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the discovery of over 100 new species of fish in the Tasman Sea, as reported by researchers from Australia and New Zealand. It includes details about the research expedition, the unique characteristics of the newly discovered species, and some humorous commentary on the implications of certain reproductive behaviors observed in these fish.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Participants discuss the findings of over 100 new fish species and various invertebrates, highlighting unique adaptations such as fish with teeth-covered tongues and hinged teeth.
  • The Pacific spookfish's method of locating prey using its long snout is noted as a fascinating adaptation.
  • Dr. Mark Norman's description of a specific reproductive behavior in certain fish, where males bite and permanently attach to females, is shared, raising questions about the implications of such behavior.
  • Humorous remarks are made regarding the idea of humans experiencing a similar reproductive attachment, with participants expressing disbelief and amusement at the concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the intriguing nature of the discoveries but diverge into humorous commentary and personal reflections on the implications of the reproductive behaviors discussed. There is no consensus on the seriousness or relevance of these behaviors to human experiences.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a blend of scientific discovery and light-hearted banter, with some participants seeking clarification on the more serious aspects of the reproductive behavior described.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in marine biology, ichthyology, or those who enjoy humorous takes on scientific discoveries may find this discussion engaging.

Ivan Seeking
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Scientists from Australia and New Zealand have identified more than 100 new species of fish in the waters that divide the two countries.

The Tangaroa, a deep-sea research ship, probed the Tasman Sea for four weeks last year, snaring 500 species of fish and 1,300 species of invertebrates. The 24 researchers also found the fossilised tooth of a megalodon, an extinct shark that was twice the size of the great white shark.

The project, funded by Australia's National Oceans Office and New Zealand's Ministry of Fisheries, uncovered weird and wonderful sea dwellers, including fish with tongues covered in teeth and fish with hinged teeth that enable them to swallow large meals. Another creature, the Pacific spookfish, uses its long snout like a metal detector to search out the electrical impulses of prey concealed in the seabed.

Among the species hauled in from more than a mile beneath the waves was the dumbo octopus, which navigates through the water with the help of a pair of flaps. According to Dr Mark Norman, a senior curator at Museum Victoria, it looks like "the cartoon character Dumbo the flying elephant".[continued]

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/australasia/story.jsp?story=504102
 
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Now wait for the Japanese to build a net big enough and catch them all. Over 100 new flavors of sushi.
 
"During copulation, the male bites the female and hangs on. "He drinks her blood in return for giving her sperm," Dr Norman told The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. The flesh of the two fish then fuses together and they remain permanently connected. "It's like sexual vampirism," Dr Norman said. "We found females with up to six males attached."

Glad this doesn't happen to humans. Can you imagine every sex partner you've ever had permanently attached to you? :eek:
 
talk about being a kept man. :eek:
 
Evo said:
"During copulation, the male bites the female and hangs on. "He drinks her blood in return for giving her sperm," Dr Norman told The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. The flesh of the two fish then fuses together and they remain permanently connected. "It's like sexual vampirism," Dr Norman said. "We found females with up to six males attached."

Glad this doesn't happen to humans. Can you imagine every sex partner you've ever had permanently attached to you? :eek:
Jeez, one would be bad enough. More than one is unthinkable! :eek: :wink:
 
Evo said:
Can you imagine every sex partner you've ever had permanently attached to you? :eek:

Can you clarify this a little for me? I don't know what you mean? :rolleyes:
 
Ivan Seeking said:
Can you clarify this a little for me? I don't know what you mean? :rolleyes:
Heheh. :biggrin: Well, it would be a problem for *some* people. :biggrin: