Tropical Marine Ecology 2011: Mucous Sleeping Bags vs. Vampire Crustaceans

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Mucous Sleeping Bags vs. Vampire Crustaceans

Sleep tight; don't let the bed bugs bite. As you may have observed during night dives, for mucus-producing reef fish such as parrotfish and wrasse, that means snuggle up in your mucous cocoon to ward off the parasites.
Click here to read this article from DAN.

1 comment:

AnonymousMay 31, 2011 at 1:32 PM
Very interesting. Had always heard that the sacs were to prevent predation at night. This makes more sense!
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What We Do...

In Tropical Marine Ecology we will study the biodiversity of a coral reef ecosystem and the related habitats that support its complex structure. Observe the dynamics of age-old survival relationships of unique animals on the reef and the pressures of an emerging tourist destination on these delicate relationships. Swim and interact with dolphins at the largest dolphin encounter in the Caribbean. Comfortable boats will deliver us to the calm, sheltered coral reef lying just offshore, where you will be snorkeling among the reef fishes in warm water almost as clear as air. This course is a must for nature lovers and science teachers at all levels. Transform life science and social studies lessons with materials and experiences that will allow students to construct their own models of these complex but crucial ecosystems.