Over 100 new species of fish found in the Tasman Sea

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In summary, scientists from Australia and New Zealand discovered over 100 new species of fish and invertebrates in the Tasman Sea during a four-week research expedition on the Tangaroa. The project, funded by both countries, also found a fossilized megalodon tooth and unique creatures such as fish with hinged teeth and a spookfish with a long snout for hunting prey. Among the discoveries was the dumbo octopus, which navigates with flaps and resembles the cartoon character Dumbo. However, one particularly strange finding was a species of fish where the male bites and drinks the female's blood during mating, resulting in a permanent attachment of up to six males to one female. Thankfully, this does not happen in humans
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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 [Broken]
 
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  • #2
Now wait for the Japanese to build a net big enough and catch them all. Over 100 new flavors of sushi.
 
  • #3
"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:
 
  • #4
talk about being a kept man. :eek:
 
  • #5
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:
 
  • #6
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:
 
  • #7
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:
 

1. What is the significance of finding over 100 new species of fish in the Tasman Sea?

The discovery of over 100 new species of fish in the Tasman Sea is significant because it adds to our understanding of marine biodiversity in this region. It also highlights the need for continued conservation efforts in order to protect and preserve these newly discovered species.

2. How were these new species of fish discovered?

These new species of fish were discovered through a combination of scientific research, DNA analysis, and visual observations by marine biologists and researchers. Some were also identified through specimens collected by fishermen and other marine enthusiasts.

3. What makes the Tasman Sea a hot spot for new fish species?

The Tasman Sea is a diverse and dynamic marine environment, with a complex ecosystem that provides a variety of habitats for marine life. Its location, between Australia and New Zealand, also makes it a convergence zone for different marine species, increasing the likelihood of new discoveries.

4. How will the discovery of these new fish species impact conservation efforts?

The discovery of these new fish species highlights the need for increased conservation efforts in the Tasman Sea. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving marine habitats in the region in order to maintain biodiversity and prevent the loss of these new species.

5. Are there any potential threats to these new species of fish?

Yes, there are potential threats to these new species of fish, as with any marine species. Human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change can all have negative impacts on these newly discovered fish species. It is important for conservation efforts to address these threats in order to protect and preserve these species for future generations.

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