3 fish species are really one
I saw this in my local paper today, and thought everyone here might enjoy this as well.
Scientists solve riddle of 3-are-1 fish species
Unfortunately, I couldn't find any pictures of these fish specifically, but I found pictures of other whalefish over here.
Summary:
-Cetomimidae, a type of whalefish, had been discovered in the 19th century. However, only adult females could be found. These females live thousands of feet below the surface, and because of this they have large mouths and teeth in their gills that serve as an extra mouth.
-Mirapinnidae, or tapetails, were found in the 1950's and 1960's, but could only be found as juveniles. They are called tapetails because they grow long streamers, though the purpose of these streamers is unknown. These fish live within 600ft of the surface, where food is plentiful.
-Megalomycteridae, or big-nose fish, were also identified in the 1950's and 1960's, but could only be found as adult males. These fish don't eat at all, as their jaws are fused together. They also have a large nose for sensing smells in the dark water
-Though their skeletons indicated they were related, they looked so different that no one could believe they were the same species.
But wait! What's this? The three are one in the same, as confirmed by DNA!! I believe Mother Nature is laughing her ass off while thinking 'Silly mortals!' :D
Now all three will collectively be called Cetomimidae.
And the quote of the day:
"This thing was basically a set of testes looking for the female," Johnson said. (speaking about the Mirapinnidae.)
Scientists solve riddle of 3-are-1 fish species
Unfortunately, I couldn't find any pictures of these fish specifically, but I found pictures of other whalefish over here.
Summary:
-Cetomimidae, a type of whalefish, had been discovered in the 19th century. However, only adult females could be found. These females live thousands of feet below the surface, and because of this they have large mouths and teeth in their gills that serve as an extra mouth.
-Mirapinnidae, or tapetails, were found in the 1950's and 1960's, but could only be found as juveniles. They are called tapetails because they grow long streamers, though the purpose of these streamers is unknown. These fish live within 600ft of the surface, where food is plentiful.
-Megalomycteridae, or big-nose fish, were also identified in the 1950's and 1960's, but could only be found as adult males. These fish don't eat at all, as their jaws are fused together. They also have a large nose for sensing smells in the dark water
-Though their skeletons indicated they were related, they looked so different that no one could believe they were the same species.
But wait! What's this? The three are one in the same, as confirmed by DNA!! I believe Mother Nature is laughing her ass off while thinking 'Silly mortals!' :D
Now all three will collectively be called Cetomimidae.
And the quote of the day:
"This thing was basically a set of testes looking for the female," Johnson said. (speaking about the Mirapinnidae.)