Landlocked Mermaid

December is a time to look back and reflect on the year. So, I am taking the opportunity to look back on all the critters featured on #MCotM this year! February: Giant Clam They live in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, found in tropical waters and reefs like the Great Barrier Reef. They like warm waters, no deeper than 20m (66ft), so it is nice and light for them. This is because they have a symbiotic relationship with algae, who rely on photosynthesis for food. Giant clams are the biggest species of clam, growing up to 120cm (47") and weighing up to 200kg (440lbs). It is believed they can live up to 100 years. They are, unfortunately, being hunted to extinction by humans - for profit and food. It is the only species of clam which cannot completely close its shell. March: Nautilus The nautilus is a type of cephalopod, which is the same family as squid and octopus. They have been around since there were dinosaurs on the planet, making them something of a ...

Marine Creature of the Month African Penguin Aka, flip flop thieves! Kingdom: Animalia Class: Aves Conservation Status: Endangered (EN) WHERE DO THEY LIVE? Well, Africa. Duh. Namely, they live along the South African coasts, on some of the surrounding islands, and Namibia. There are a couple of colonies on the mainland, such as Boulder's Bay in Simon's Town which is where the above picture was taken. Traditionally, the colonies would have gathered on the smaller islands because there was less risk of predation. But, with the advent of cities and tourism, the mainland poses less predatory risk for the penguins now. The penguins on the mainland are very friendly and not people-shy at all. I know from first had experience that they will try to walk off with your sandals and being the loving, supporting girlfriend that I am, I definitely laughed and took pictures. WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE? The African penguin is very recognisably a penguin, with its ...