#southern reef squid

[dailycephalopods]

Daily Cephalopod #92

[mutant-distraction]

Cliffyclix, photographer

The Squidron Southern Reef Squid, Sepioteuthis australis

[uncharismatic-fauna]

A Tip for the Blacktip Reef Shark

One of many species referred to as blacktip sharks, Carcharhinus melanopterus is a member of the requiem shark genus. It is a popular attraction at aquariums around the world, but in the wild they are found only on the coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific ocean, particularly around the coasts of eastern Africa, southern Asia, and Oceania. They prefer shallow, warm waters, although they can be found at depths of up to 75m (246 ft).

The blacktip reef shark is named for the tip of its dorsal fin, which is black. They are otherwise typical of sharks, with a torpedo-shaped body and wide, broad fins. Adults are brownish grey on top and lighter on the bottom, while juveniles are more yellow. Individuals can grow up to 1.8 m (6 ft) long, and there is no difference in size between males and females. However, the two sexes are easily distinguished by a pair of claspers located just beneath the male's pelvic fins.

Throughout their range, C. melanopterus may be encountered alone or in lose social groups, with little discrimination for sex or age. They generally stay in the same area, patrolling a range of less than 0.55 km2 (0.21 sq mi), the smallest of any shark species. They do most of their hunting at night, although they can be active early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Blacktip reef sharks regularly feed on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, octopi, cuttlefish, mantis shrimp, and smaller sharks and rays. However, smaller individuals may themselves fall prey to groupers, grey reef sharks, or tiger sharks. Due to their poor vision, some blacktip reef sharks may attack humans, but only as a case of mistaken identity; when approached directly, individuals are more likely to swim away than fight.

The mating season can vary widely across C. melanopterus' range. Around Oceania, populations mate only once a year between January and February, or November and March. Off the coast of East Africa females only reproduce every other year, and in the Indian Ocean they reproduce twice a year. When they are receptive, females spin in a slow, downward spiral while releasing pheromones to attract a mate. Once he finds her, the pair swim in sync for a period before he initiates mating. Afterwards, the female may gestate for anywhere from 7-11 months, depending on her region. Following this period, she gives birth to 2-5 live young, who are immedietly independent. Males typically take 4 years to reach maturity, while females take 7 years; both sexes can live up to 12 years in the wild.

Conservation status: The blacktip reef shark is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. It's primary threats are fishing, as individuals are killed either as by-catch or intentially for their fins, skin, and teeth. They are also threatened by habitat loss.

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Photos

Tim Calver

Alastair Freeman

Doug Finney

[fishenjoyer1]

Fish of the Day

Today's fish of the day is the Southern blue ring octopus!

The Southern blue ring octopus, also known by scientific name Hapalochlaena maculosa, is well known for how venomous they are, and the vivid colorations that warn of it! The Southern blue ring octopus is one of the four species of blue ring octopi on this earth, the Southern blue ring octopus in particular is the only lesser blue ring octopi, as opposed to the other greater octopi, which are smaller in size but have far larger blue rings when threatened. Despite the differences between the Southern blue ring and the other, greater blue ring, they all live in the same general area. With the entirety of their genus spread out across the Eastern Pacific and Indian oceans, the Southern blue ring is no different, living along the Southern coast of Australia. In this environment, the octopus lives and hides within the crevasses and cracks of the rocky Australian reef.

Camouflage is very important to blue ring octopi, and this is the same thing that allows them the bright colors to warn off predators. Like many other species of cephalopods, blue ring octopi take advantage of dermal chromatophore cells, which respond to stimuli to create different colors on the skin of the animal. When threatened, the octopus will make an average of 60 bright blue rings across its form, taking as little of a third of a second. This is done by the relaxing and tensing of muscles around the shape of the ring. In greater blue ring octopi this muscle contraction also has layers of iridophores light reflectors, allowing for the blue marks to be projected further in the water. These are the only warning of the great venom these animals contain, tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin which binds to voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing action signals from the brain to be transmitted to the body. This is because the body uses many cells which contain a certain voltage to them, and when sodium enters the cell in large amounts (as happens anytime you voluntarily move) when the voltage in the cell rises to the correct level, it triggers for the sodium channels to open in the cell next to it. This is how signals travel in the body, and how tetrodotoxin paralyzes by binding the chanels. We still don't fully understand how the poisoning works fully, as this toxin is stored in a small salivary gland in the octopus and is present in the bloodstream, this is either injected into the water or transmitted via bite. At this time there is no antivenom, but it is relatively easy to not be injured by this squid! So long as you leave them alone, they do not attack!

With all the coolest features of this animal covered, let's discuss the more mundane things. The diet of the Southern blue ring is made up of various curseceans and small fish, many of which they can hunt when the greater blue ring can not. This is because the Southern blue ring is the largest blue ring, with a whopping size of 5cm long mantle and 20cm arm-arm, a full 5-10cm larger than all other blue rings! Hunting is done by releasing the venom as a mist into the water, paralyzing prey before eating it. Their lifespan is incredibly short, lasting only 7 months on average, and mating only once in their lifetimes. The first 6 weeks of their lives will be spent growing rapidly, already nekton, as unlike most invertebrates blue rings have no planktonic stage. After these 6 weeks the blue rings can begin appearing when threatened, but the venomous trait is there from birth even without the rings presence. Mating will begin sometime with 3-5 months, and females will collect and store sperm from several partners, later choosing which male she will fertilize her eggs with. Then, there is a two month long period where she carries the eggs with her constantly, spending most of her time hiding, and moving only with 2 tentacles across the sea bed. Once these eggs hatch, the mother will pass away, leaving only her children behind to begin the cycle anew.

That's the Southern blue ring octopus, everybody! Have a wonderful day!

[herpsandbirds]

Southern Reef Squid, Sepioteuthis australis, family Loliginidae, south Australia

Photograph by Steve Jones

[pleistocene-pride]

The scalloped hammerhead also known as the bronze, kinky-headed, or southern hammerhead is a species of hammerhead shark in the family Sphyrnidae, which is native to temperature a tropical waters around the globe between latitudes 46°N and 36°S. They tend to inhabit coast lines, bays, mangrove swamps, and continental and insular shelves, from the surface to 1,600ft (500m) deep. They are a moderately social species which lives in pairs or shivers upwards of a hundred strong, typically spending there days close to shore and venturing further out to sea come night fall to hunt prey such as schooling boney fish, squid, octopi, rays, and smaller species of shark such as the blacktip reef shark. Reaching up to 14ft (4.3m) and 335 (152.4kg) in weight, the scalloped hammerhead is easily distinguished from other hammerhead sharks by the central indentation on the anterior margin of the head. There are also two indentations on either side of the central indentation, which gives the "scalloped" look. They have a very large first dorsal fin that is slightly hooked and a smaller second dorsal fin Scalloped hammerhead sharks are typically uniform grey, grayish brown, bronze, or olive with a white underside for countershading. The scalloped hammerhead is also noted for its large and complex brain, with high levels of cognitive capabilities and social intelligence. Mating occurs year round and after a 12 month pregnancy a mother scalloped hammerhead will migrate into shallow coastal bays and mangrove swamps to give birth to 12-41 live pups. Female scalloped hammerheads reach sexual maturity at larger sizes than males. Under ideal conditions a scalloped hammerhead may live up to 30 years.

[smmnh]

Brachiopods, Bryozoans and Gastropods of the Silurian Period 

During the Silurian Period, 430 million years ago, plants were conquering the terrestrial environment, while equatorial reef systems developed in the seas. The reefs were home to all kinds of invertebrates and among the most plentiful were brachiopods, bryozoans, and gastropods.

Brachiopods (brey'-kee-uh-pods) have shells that hinge together at the rear, open at the front for feeding, and close up tight for protection. 

Bryozoans (bray-uh-zoh’-uhnz) are small filter-feeding animals with hard exoskeletons. They live in colonies that take on different forms depending on the species; appearing rounded, antler-shaped, or tracing delicately across any hard surface, including other living animals in a manner resembling moss growing on rocks, which is how bryozoans get their name, derived from the Greek words byro (moss) and zoans (animals). 

Gastropods (gah'-struh-podz) have a body that is soft, unsegmented, and protected by a shell. They are related to snails, clams and squids. 

You can see this specimen on display at the Southern Minnesota Museum of Natural History in Blue Earth, Minnesota! Click here for more information!

[monizm]

southern reef squid by 📷 sascha_schulz (cc-by-nc)

[ruknowhere]

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Body and Soul II

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View print modeCharles Wright

1935 –

(for Coleman Hawkins)

The structure of landscape is infinitesimal,

Like the structure of music,

seamless, invisible.

Even the rain has larger sutures.

What holds the landscape together, and what holds music together,

Is faith, it appears—faith of the eye, faith of the ear.

Nothing like that in language,

However, clouds chugging from west to east like blossoms

Blown by the wind.

April, and anything's possible.

Here is the story of Hsuan Tsang.

A Buddhist monk, he went from Xian to southern India

And back—on horseback, on camel-back, on elephant-back, and on

foot.

Ten thousand miles it took him, from 629 to 645,

Mountains and deserts,

In search of the Truth,

the heart of the heart of Reality,

The Law that would help him escape it,

And all its attendant and inescapable suffering.

And he found it.

These days, I look at things, not through them,

And sit down low, as far away from the sky as I can get.

The reef of the weeping cherry flourishes coral,

The neighbor's back porch light bulbs glow like anemones.

Squid-eyed Venus floats forth overhead.

This is the half hour, half-light, half-dark,

when everything starts to shine out,

And aphorisms skulk in the trees,

Their wings folded, their heads bowed.

Every true poem is a spark,

and aspires to the condition of the original fire

Arising out of the emptiness.

It is that same emptiness it wants to reignite.

It is that same engendering it wants to be re-engendered by.

Shooting stars.

April's identical,

celestial, wordless, burning down.

Its light is the light we commune by.

Its destination's our own, its hope is the hope we live with.

Wang Wei, on the other hand,

Before he was 30 years old bought his famous estate on the Wang River

Just east of the east end of the Southern Mountains,

and lived there,

Off and on, for the rest of his life.

He never travelled the landscape, but stayed inside it,

A part of nature himself, he thought.

And who would say no

To someone so bound up in solitude,

in failure, he thought, and suffering.

Afternoon sky the color of Cream of Wheat, a small

Dollop of butter hazily at the western edge.

Getting too old and lazy to write poems,

I watch the snowfall

From the apple trees.

Landscape, as Wang Wei says, softens the sharp edges of isolation.

Excerpted from A Short History of the Shadow by Charles Wright. Copyright © 2002 by Charles Wright.

https://poets.org/poem/body-and-soul-ii?fbclid=IwAR3wNFRx-BMgZuHClFP3cmntOIe7LVvTHGCLIHt7ux2_V6ggmo7udWWzIdk

[rashmi-rattan]

Con Dao Island: A Hidden Gem in Vietnam

Nestled off the southern coast of Vietnam, Con Dao Island is a breathtaking paradise that often goes unnoticed by mainstream tourism. A part of the Con Dao archipelago, this island boasts pristine beaches, rich history, and diverse marine life, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an untouched slice of paradise. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, there are countless things to do in Con Dao, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.

Discover the Rich History

Con Dao Island’s history is as compelling as its natural beauty. During the French colonial era and the Vietnam War, the island served as a prison, where thousands of Vietnamese patriots were incarcerated. Today, you can visit the Con Dao Museum and several preserved prison sites to learn about this dark chapter in Vietnam’s history. The most famous of these is Phu Hai Prison, where you can see the infamous "Tiger Cages" and gain insight into the harsh conditions endured by prisoners.

Explore Pristine Beaches

For those looking to relax, Con Dao offers some of the most stunning beaches in Vietnam. Dam Trau Beach, located near the airport, is a favorite among visitors for its golden sands and clear waters. The beach is framed by lush forests and dramatic cliffs, providing a picturesque backdrop for swimming, sunbathing, or simply lounging in a hammock. An Hai Beach, closer to the town center, is another popular spot known for its calm waters and serene atmosphere.

Snorkeling and Diving Adventures

Marine enthusiasts will find Con Dao to be a haven for snorkeling and diving. The crystal-clear waters around the island are home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and a variety of colorful fish. Dive operators on the island offer excursions to some of the best dive sites, such as Bay Canh Island and Tai Island, where you can explore underwater caves and swim alongside magnificent sea creatures.

National Park Treks

Con Dao is not just about beaches; the island is also covered in lush tropical forests, much of which is protected within the Con Dao National Park. The park offers a range of hiking trails that lead through dense jungle, up to scenic viewpoints, and down to hidden beaches. One of the most rewarding hikes is the trek to the top of So Ray, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the archipelago. Along the way, you might spot wildlife such as macaques, monitor lizards, and an array of bird species.

Turtle Watching

One of the unique things to do in Con Dao is turtle watching. The island is an important nesting site for green sea turtles, and from May to October, you can witness these majestic creatures coming ashore to lay their eggs. Bay Canh Island is a key nesting site, and several tours offer the chance to observe this incredible natural event. Turtle watching not only provides a memorable experience but also supports conservation efforts aimed at protecting these endangered animals.

Visit Historical Sites

In addition to the prison complexes, Con Dao is home to several other historical sites worth exploring. Hang Duong Cemetery is a solemn and significant place where many Vietnamese revolutionaries are buried. A visit here is a poignant reminder of the island’s historical importance and the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country’s independence. The Van Son Pagoda, perched on a hill overlooking the sea, offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into the island’s spiritual side.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

No visit to Con Dao is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. The island’s seafood is renowned for its freshness, and you can enjoy a variety of dishes featuring fish, squid, shrimp, and more. Local markets and beachside restaurants serve up delicious meals that showcase the flavors of the sea, often accompanied by tropical fruits and vegetables grown on the island. Don’t miss the chance to try "mắm nêm," a traditional fermented fish sauce that adds a unique kick to many dishes.

Eco-Friendly Activities

As a relatively untouched destination, Con Dao is a perfect place for eco-friendly activities. Kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to explore the island’s coastline without leaving a carbon footprint. The calm, clear waters are ideal for these activities, offering a different perspective of Con Dao’s natural beauty. For a more leisurely experience, take a boat tour around the archipelago to discover secluded bays, hidden beaches, and the diverse marine ecosystem.

Conclusion

Con Dao Island is a destination that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, or eco-tourist, there are countless things to do in Con Dao that cater to a variety of interests. Its pristine environment and relatively low tourist numbers make it a perfect escape for those looking to experience Vietnam’s untouched charm. Plan your trip to Con Dao and uncover the many treasures this island paradise has to offer.

[avnnetwork]

Savoring Balinese Cuisine: Seminyak's Top Eateries

Bali, an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches, and coral reefs, is also celebrated for its rich culinary heritage. Seminyak, a beach resort area at the southern end of Bali, has emerged as a vibrant epicenter for gourmet enthusiasts and food explorers. The culinary scene in Seminyak is a harmonious blend of traditional Balinese flavors and international influences, offering a unique gastronomic experience to its visitors. The diversity of its food landscape reflects not only the traditional Balinese cooking methods and ingredients but also the modern, creative spins added by local and international chefs.

When discussing gourmet experiences in Seminyak, the conversation invariably includes the phrase "Seminyak dinner." This seemingly simple dish has been transformed in the hands of local chefs, who infuse it with a variety of local spices and flavors. From the traditional Babi Guling (suckling pig) sandwich, which is a Balinese specialty, to more modern interpretations featuring locally sourced vegetables and seafood, the sandwich offerings in Seminyak illustrate the culinary creativity of the region. These sandwiches, often served with a side of fresh sambal or local fruits, provide a quick yet immersive way to taste the local cuisine.

However, the culinary journey in Seminyak is not limited to sandwiches. The area is renowned for its Warungs – small family-owned restaurants – where one can savor authentic Balinese dishes like Nasi Campur (mixed rice), Sate Lilit (Balinese satay), and Lawar (a traditional mix

made of vegetables, coconut, and minced meat or fish, often mixed with rich herbs and spices). These dishes are not just meals; they are a reflection of the island's culture and traditions. Eating in a warung, often characterized by its open-air setting and simple decor, offers an authentic experience of Balinese life and hospitality.

Seafood also plays a pivotal role in Seminyak's culinary tapestry. Given the town's coastal location, local eateries pride themselves on serving the freshest catch of the day, cooked with an array of herbs and spices unique to the island. Dishes such as Ikan Bakar (grilled fish), Udang Goreng (fried shrimp), and Cumi-Cumi Saus Padang (squid in Padang sauce) are not just meals but culinary adventures. These dishes showcase the island's ability to balance flavors – sweet, sour, spicy, and savory – in a harmonious blend that delights the palate.

Furthermore, Seminyak's culinary scene is not just about traditional Balinese food. It's a melting pot of international cuisines, influenced by the myriad of cultures that converge in Bali. From Mediterranean to Japanese, and from Indian to American, there's a global gastronomic experience waiting at every corner. This fusion of flavors is not just a testament to the international tourists that flock to Bali but also to the adaptability and creativity of Balinese chefs who have embraced these global influences while staying true to their culinary roots.

Desserts in Seminyak are as diverse and intriguing as its main courses. Traditional Balinese sweets like Dadar Gulung (a green pancake rolled with coconut and palm sugar) and Klepon (sweet rice cake balls filled with palm sugar) are widely available and provide a sweet end to any meal. However, international desserts have also found a home in Seminyak, with local ingredients adding a unique twist to classic treats.

The beverage culture in Seminyak complements its culinary diversity. From local Balinese coffee, known for its strong and rich flavor, to a variety of tropical fruit juices and smoothies, there is always something to quench one's thirst. For those seeking something stronger, Seminyak's bars and lounges offer a range of local and international spirits and cocktails, often featuring local fruits and herbs.

In conclusion, the food scene in Seminyak is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, textures, and experiences. It offers not just a meal but a journey through the island's culture and history. Each dish tells a story of the island's past and present, of the local farmers and fishermen, and of the chefs who bring these ingredients to life. For food enthusiasts and culinary explorers, Seminyak is more than just a destination; it's an adventure into the heart of Balinese culture and cuisine. The region's commitment to preserving traditional cooking methods while embracing modern influences results in a dynamic and ever-evolving culinary landscape.

This dynamic nature of Seminyak's cuisine also speaks to the broader themes of cultural exchange and adaptation. As chefs and food artisans blend local ingredients with international techniques and flavors, they create a culinary dialogue that transcends borders. This fusion not only enhances the gastronomic experience but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures and their cuisines.

Moreover, Seminyak's food scene is reflective of broader trends in sustainable and ethical eating. Many eateries focus on locally sourced, organic ingredients, supporting the local economy and reducing the environmental impact of food production and consumption. This commitment to sustainability is not just a nod to global culinary trends but a reflection of the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony with people, nature, and the spiritual.

In the realm of culinary education and gastronomic tourism, Seminyak serves as a model for other destinations. Cooking classes and food tours are popular among visitors, offering hands-on experiences that delve into the art of Balinese cooking. These interactions not only enrich the visitor's experience but also contribute to the preservation and dissemination of traditional culinary practices.

Finally, it's important to note the role of innovation and experimentation in Seminyak's culinary evolution. Chefs and food entrepreneurs are constantly exploring new ideas and concepts, pushing the boundaries of traditional Balinese cuisine. This spirit of innovation ensures that the culinary scene in Seminyak remains dynamic and exciting, continually offering new experiences to locals and visitors alike.

In essence, the culinary landscape of Seminyak is a microcosm of Bali itself - diverse, vibrant, and deeply connected to its cultural roots. For anyone looking to experience the essence of Balinese culture, a journey through the eateries of Seminyak is an essential and enriching experience. It's a journey that tantalizes the taste buds, ignites the senses, and offers a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry that is Balinese cuisine. Visit https://foodparadise.network/seminyak-best-restaurants-cafes/

[fuckyeahaquaria]

Southern Bobtail Squid |  Euprymna tasmanica

Bobtail squid have bioluminescent bacteria within their bodies. These glowing bacteria are then used as camouflage by the bobtail squid to mimic the moonlight at night and to eliminate their own shadows, thereby protecting against predators in what is a great example of a symbiotic relationship. What might be even more impressive is that the bobtail squid can actually control the brightness of the glow caused by the bioluminescent bacteria within them. They have special light organs inside of their mantles that act as filters for the light, allowing them to adjust their glow to match the moonlight.

[freshhazelnut]

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2021

Speleothems cast long shadows at Cenote dos Pisos in Quintana Roo state, Mexico.

Photographer: Martin Broen Winner of Exploration Photographer of the Year Awards

Southern calamari squid at night in Bushrangers Bay, New South Wales, Australia.

Photographer: Matty Smith; 3rd place of Exploration Photographer of the Year Awards

A green turtle, surrounded by glass fish, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia.

Photographer: Aimee Jan , Winner of Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards

A hawksbill turtle hatchling, just 3.5cm long and a few minutes old, takes its first swim from Lissenung Island, Papua New Guinea.

Photographer: Matty Smith, Third Place of Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards

A dead moray eel hooked by an abandoned fishing line off Bodrum, Turkey.

Photographer: Kerim Sabuncuoğlu, Winner of Conservation Photographer of the Year Awards

A seahorse clings to a face mask, Stratoni, Greece.

Photographer: Nicholas Samaras; Highly Commended , as Part of Conservation Photographer of the Year Awards

A lone blacktip reef shark’s dorsal fin is aligned with the setting sun in Mo’orea, French Polynesia.

Photographer: Renee Capozzola, Winner of Female Fifty Fathoms Award

A manta ray feeds in the calm waters of Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Second:

Photographer: Aimee Jan, Second Place of Female Fifty Fathoms Awards

[notsolittlemerman]

Mer-civilizations: The Pacific Pt. 2 (ft. the Antarctic) [2/5]

After writing about Pacific merpeople in a fictional universe where merpeople exist (click here), I decided to continue with the other oceans, including the Atlantic.

So here's part 2 of "Merpeople of the Pacific":

There are five oceans on Earth: the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, and the Southern/Antarctic Ocean.

The Southern/Antarctic Ocean does not have any civilizations of merpeople present as it is too cold and desolate. If there are any merpeople in it, they would be explorers from other oceans.

Contrary to human myths, merpeople in all oceans cannot talk to fish or animals simply because most of them aren't sentient like humans and mers. They do, however, train sharks and marine mammals to follow verbal commands similar to dogs. They eat fish and seafood and use their bones, leather, etc. for resources. They'd also be capable of catching fish easier than humans since they can swim deeper towards schools and use gigantic nets.

Merpeople would have genitalia and would be similar to marine mammals: they'd have genital slits which covers the genitalia and anus; and mermen would have retractable penises.

Merpeople would also wear clothes. They'd use either leather from marine mammals or sharks, or use seaweed fibers to create fabrics, or even fabrics and leather from land animals or plants. Clothes would mostly be fitted to avoid unnecessary drag when swimming.

Natural dyes in the ocean are mostly from octopus/squid ink (sepia brown), rock snails (Tyrian purple), and minerals like lapis lazuli (ultramarine). These pigments would be less expensive to merpeople, including Tyrian purple.

Wood would be very expensive to mers the same way pearls are to humans. They'd either come from trading with humans or growing trees in artificial habitats. Royalty and rich merpeople would wear lots of wooden jewelry and live in wooden castles similar to the shiro in Japan. Often, they could be gold-plated to look more gorgeous. (I had this idea from Blade Runner 2049 where wood becomes expensive in the future)

With most of the population of both species being half-mer and half-human, humans could breathe underwater similar to how mers can breathe air.

However, Pacific merpeople (pure or half-human) cannot naturally transform to humans when on land or if they dry their bodies. Instead, they'd learn to straighten their tails and use their arms to stand up and climb, like snakes. Many would simply crawl on land, while some make use of vehicles like carts or carriages, or animals like rhinoceroses or elephants to travel on land. They'd also have to wear plenty of clothes or use shades to prevent them from overheating.

Tentacled merpeople would exist too and most of them are in the Pacific. But unlike cephalopods, their tentacles would have cartilaginous skeletons which means they're both rigid and flexible but not as flexible as octopuses or squids. This also gives them an advantage in "walking" on land. They wouldn't have children with either humans or finned merpeople due to their different anatomies (but that won't stop them from marrying and adopting children instead).

There would also be instances of merpeople clearing out coral reefs and kelp forests for underwater land the same way humans clear forests, but they'll keep it at a minimum to allow them to replenish.

Voyaging merpeople formerly ride whales to travel but shifted to using semi-submerged sailboats (mostly adopted from Polynesian voyaging) which are faster. They'd also be experts in astronomy and use it to navigate.

Merpeople would typically reside in continental shelves and alongside islands where the ocean floor is elevated enough to be lit by sunlight (epipelagic and mesopelagic zones). Sometimes, they'll also reside in continental slopes where sunlight is diminished (bathypelagic zone).

There would be no merpeople casually living in ocean basins or trenches where no sunlight is present, unless they're explorers (or "abyss divers" as they'd call them). But even travelling in them would be dangerous since water pressure is higher and oxygen is lower, kinda like humans climbing Everest.

Stay tuned for the next oceans!

Index:

Pacific merpeople (Pt. 1)

Indic merpeople

Arctic merpeople

Atlantic merpeople

[jhoudiey]

Crowley and Yoru are on vacation, and as expected Crow Dad has come equipped with the best fish puns he can muster.

Full story under the cut: word count- 1990. pun count- 14

“Yoru! It is time to get up! We’re leaving right away!” Crowley had burst into Yoru’s room wearing the most hideous shirt she had ever seen,  bright yellow with what seemed to be apples and crows on it. 

“Dad… it is SO early. Don’t you have to see the rest of the students off before we leave anyway? Go do that and then I’ll get up, it is WAY too early” Yoru groaned from the mess of her bed, putting her pillow over her head to try and fall back asleep.

“Hmm. I suppose 6am was too early.. If you aren’t ready by the time everyone is gone I’m leaving without you!” She waved from beneath the covers, Crowley nearly skipping as he left her room. Yoru was pretty sure she heard him singing “vacation, vacation, going on vacation” under his breath to himself. 

***

They arrived at the Southern Seas around noon, the sun was high in the sky, a gentle breeze rolling off the water. 

“Ahhh! This is just what I needed after all my hard work on campus!” Crowley spun in circles on the beach, arms spread wide with a childish grin on his face. 

“Look Yoru! It’s sun and sand, as far as the eye can… sea!” He grinned at her

“Oh no. Please tell me you don’t plan on doing this the whole trip” She groaned, almost regretting her decision to come along. 

“Ahhhh cheer up , my sweet daughter! This trip is going to be… fintastic!” He bounded off, headed towards the hotel to drop off their bags and check in. 

“Euuugggghhhhhhhhhhhh” She begrudgingly followed, knowing there was going to be an onslaught of puns she didn’t plan for at every turn. 

***

“Today we will be diving and exploring the seafloor. I expect that everyone here is a confident swimmer, and has read the pamphlet on what to do in an emergency?”

“Yes Sir!” The group answered, Yoru shuffled nervously

“Psst, Dad...DAD… I can barely swim, why did you sign us up for this?” She’d gotten herself a pair of neon green flippers to help her get through the water, but hadn’t practiced with them much and she was not nearly as confident as the Diving Instructor wanted everyone to be.

“Yoru, my sweet child! I would never let anything happen to you, of course I accounted for you not swimming well! Here!” He handed her a small button that said “You betta believe you can do it!” with a picture of a betta fish giving a fishy thumbs up. 

“I…. dad….. Why. Why are you like this?” She stared at him, not for the first time wondering how she’d survived this long with a dad like Crowley.

“Oh, I forgot to mention, I put a spell on the button, it’ll help. Lets go!” He charged off into the water, wearing a pair of yellow flippers and a completely pointless matching snorkel. The diving instructor had given everyone a potion to be able to breathe underwater for an hour, so Yoru assumed the snorkel was just because Crowley was excited to complete the “swimmer” look. 

She sighed and followed him into the water, wishing that both walking in sand and walking with flippers was easier. She wasn’t sure how this button was supposed to work, but she figured if she could fight a giant squid underwater, she’d be fine looking at corals and anemones. Either the button was actually useful, or swimming in the sea was easier than she expected, as she was able to propel herself easily and spent a while just floating through the water. She could spend the whole vacation like this, the sea was really serene after all. She’d definitely have to ask Azul if she could visit the Coral Sea with them in the spring, though she suspected they’d all make fun of her for the need for flippers. 

“YORU HELLLPPP!!” Crowley was swimming frantically towards her, a sea turtle close behind, furiously snapping its beak. “It’s going to eat me!” 

“That looks like a personal problem” Yoru laughed, poking and prodding the various plants on the reefs, laughing when they shriveled at her touch. Between the sea creatures and her dad having a run in with seemingly every animal under water that could bite him, it was an excellent day. 

***

“I’m never going into the sea ever again” Crowley whined over dinner, cradling his bitten arms. “From now on, I’m staying in a haddock on the beach, drinking as much Coconut juice as I can get!” He grinned at her, sipping on a drink with a giant slice of pineapple sticking out of the side.

“.....” Yoru stared back, wishing that the turtle had just swallowed him whole “You can’t bait me into responding to that”

“Can’t I?” He grinned at her

“What?…. I…. no….” She realized her mistake far too late, she’d unconsciously answered his pun with a worse pun. “UUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH I’m going to bed!” She stomped away from the table leaving him alone.

“I am just so funny” Crowley chuckled to himself, far too pleased with himself for a man that got himself bitten half a dozen times by a sea turtle. 

The following days were similar to the first, Crowley spent his time napping in hammocks around the island, and Yoru spent her time at the bottom of the sea poking things. She’d looked up if any plants in these waters would be helpful for potion making, and had a list of things to try and find. The potion the diving instructor could provide only lasted an hour, but she was able to make one that kept her breathing until she rose to the surface. 

“Wow, I didn’t realize I’d get so wrinkly being in water all the time” She said, looking down at her pruned hands “Is this normal?” 

“Dolphinately normal, I read about it, in a book!” Crowley grinned at her, laughing to himself

“.........I think I’m going to drown myself now. Excuse me” she turned and headed back to the water

“Yoru! Hey! You shouldn’t joke about krilling yourself like that, you’ll make me worry!” He howled with laughter, rocking back and forth in the hammock. “I am just so so funny, I keep kraken myself up!” 

“UUGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” Yoru groaned, slowly sinking into the sea. 

Journal Entry- Vacation Day 1

We were at the beach for all of 4 seconds before dad started making puns. He must have looked up fish jokes before we came because no way his arsenal is this diverse. I was worried the sun was going to cause some problems with my legs but so far so good.

Day 2

All I want for Christmas is an end to these puns. Where is he finding all of them anyway? Someone help me. This is worse than when I ripped my wings off. 

Day 4

I think the food here is bad for me, I haven’t had an appetite for a while now. Dad says dinner every night is de”fish”ous, but I can’t seem to taste anything. Again. Fuck.

Day 7

I took a day off from swimming to try and find souvenirs. Finding things for Idia and Ortho was easy, but what do you get for merfolk when you’re visiting the sea? I wonder if they’d believe I just… forgot. I figured out what was causing my taste buds to not work and was able to fix it. Sleep a few more hours of the day now, but I have to admit, the food here is defishous. 

****

“Yoru! It’s time to wake up! Salmon said that there is going to be a live band at the marina tonight to ring in the new year!” Crowley said, shaking her leg to try and get her out of bed

“Just a few more minutes” she groaned, trying to bury herself into the covers

“Nope! That’s what you said two hours ago! It’s time! There’s still sole many things to see and do before tonight!” 

“Fine fine, stop carping me, I’m getting up” She rolled off the side of the bed and fell to the floor, accepting her fate. 

As it turned out, the day's activities were exploring a nearby ruin that she hadn’t realized was there. It was rumored to be haunted, and Crowley wanted to go see if he could talk to the ghosts or see if there was anything worth “borrowing” to bring back to Night Raven College.

“This is cool” she said poking around in an abandoned tomb in the ruins “Why didn’t you tell me about this?”

“Hmmmm? I did! 4 days ago, I do suspect that you may be… tuna-ing me out when I talk” he looked at her, his eyes full of mock sadness. 

“Gee I wonder why that is” she rolled her eyes. “We’re not even near the water today though, shouldn’t you be making rock puns or something?”

“..there was no book on rock puns” he muttered under his breath, hoping she wouldn’t hear him. 

They left the ruins at sundown, pockets a little more full than they had been when they entered. 

“I think I’ve got to turn in, I’m really tired all of a sudden. I can’t seem to keep my eyes open” Yoru said, rubbing her eyes to try and wake herself up. 

“You are looking a little pale, maybe if you’re that tired you should just head back home, there’s not much left to do here and you look like you could use the rest” He said it without looking at her, in fact, he looked everywhere BUT at her

“...You just want me to bring the things we just stole back to NRC before anyone realizes we took them, don’t you” she looked at him flatly, he refused to return her gaze.

“Well...that wouldn’t be the worst idea.. To be honest, I don’t know what most of these things do and they might be too dangerous to keep in the hotel” He smiled and put his hands on her shoulders “So it would be very helpful for you to bring them to my office before going to bed!” She laughed and nodded. 

***

She’d always thought that NRC was nicer at night, there was no one in the halls so she could go where she pleased. She took her time walking through the empty hallways looking at the portraits on the walls, she felt like a ghost. It was only her and her pocket full of stolen artifacts they’d have to get Professor Yule to examine when he got back, no one else. She was hit with a wave of dizziness as she was placing the last artifact onto Crowley's desk and quickly withdrew her hand. She wasn’t sure if it was because of some unknown curse or just that she hadn’t eaten all day. The cafeteria wouldn’t be open, it was almost 10pm on New Years Eve, but she’d hoped that Mostro Lounge would be. Surely Azul stayed open to serve the other unfortunate souls who stayed on campus over break. 

She meandered slowly towards the lounge, fighting the dizziness that would not abate despite her stopping and trying to center herself every few meters. She felt like it had taken her an hour to finally arrive at the doors to Mostro Lounge, but it had hardly been 15 minutes. 

“Why.. won’t the door open?” She muttered to herself, leaning against it “is it a pull? It must be” She dragged her hands over the glassy doors searching for a way to open it.

“What? Where’s the handle? I can hear people inside, so it’s gotta be open..” She pushed on the door again, leaning her head against the stained glass to stop it from spinning. “Azul I think your door is broken” she muttered under her breath trying to steady herself. Her knees buckled from beneath her, she didn’t feel herself hit the floor.

[gumnut-logic]

You may have seen me babbling about Edithburgh. It is a place on the Yorke Peninsula that we visit regularly (next going in November...so looking forward to it...absolute beachfront, I adore it). it is about 320kms by road, but only about 50kms from Adelaide straight across St Vincent’s Gulf.

I like to watch dive videos to see what is under the ocean locally, a place I can’t go and I came across this guy. He is an American and he visited my backyard (a little bit like an older Gordy :D) and has done a really good job of filming and sharing some of the creatures he came across under the jetty I have stood on so many times.

I have been everywhere in this video (except in the depths of the water) and thought I would share it with you.

You may have heard of the Great Barrier Reef, but have you heard of the Great Southern Reef that is in my backyard? Meet the gorgeous bobtail squid and pyjama squid :D They are just amazing. I want to get out my paintbrushes to paint their astonishing colours (and I have in the past).

Spend sixteen minutes in my aquatic backyard.

Nutty

(who can’t swim but is fascinated by the world underwater...where’s a Gordy to show me how?)