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 Orcas aka Killer Whales Photo from Defenders of Wildlife This was originally going to be a proper MCotM profile, but I have had bad brain this week. But rather than not post at all, I thought I'd give you the bullet point version - provided I can read my terrible hand written notes! I am also apparently going for a famous fish theme - Nemo last month, Free Willy this month - so if you know of a famous fish you'd like me to look into, just let me know! Anyway, enough pre-amble, enjoy some facts about Orcas. Kingdom: Animalia Class: Mammalia Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (CR)/Data Deficient (DD) - I will explain. Photo from ThoughtCo   Orcas, while known as Killer Whales, are actually dolphins. They are even the largest species of dolphin with males growing between 6-8m (20-26ft) and females being slightly smaller at 5-7m (16-23ft). They live across the world, from tropical to cold waters. They prefer ...