Cephalopodantism

Tentacular Spactacular vol. 6 - CUTTLEFISH

We take a turn with the Cephalopods once more. The most intelligent group invertebrates, these molluscs are easily recognized by their multiple tentacles. This group of the Cephalopods, the Cuttlefish (order Sepiidae)is not as well known as their relatives the squid and octopus. They are predatory on smaller sea creatures, squirt ink, and only live (at most) for 2 years. Here's a gallery of some of my favorite. Enjoy!

Sepia officionalis












FLAMBOYANT CUTTLEFISH (Metasepia pfefferi)












PAJAMA SQUID (Sepioloidea lineolata)... really a cuttlefish!






OTHERS


Sepia latimanus


Sepia latimanus



Sepia pharaonis


Sepia apama


Sepia apama


Sepia apama

A POST FOR HELIO pt. ii

SEA HARES

This is our 2nd foray into the Opisthobrancs, a group of marine Gastropods closely related to the Nudibranchs. They are colloquially referred to as the SEA HARES, the Anaspidea. They are found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Sea Hares are generally herbivorous, and found in shallow waters. When disturbed, they can release a thick ink. Oh yeah, they are also HERMAPHRODITES! Excellent.

Enjoy!

A Post For HELIOTROPE, pt. 1

Navanax

Navanax is a Genus of predatory Sea Slug (in the ancient Opisthobranch order) that specializes in preying upon other Sea Slugs (in the order of Nudibranchs) and Bubble Snails. It finds its prey by following the trails of mucous they lay down as they travel across the ocean floor. Sea Slugs of both orders ( the Nudibranchs and Opisthobranchs) are Gastropods (the class of molluscs we call snails). Navanax is also capable of eating poisonous or venomous species of Sea Slugs

Isopoda, I suppose so.

GIANT ISOPODS

People say to me, they say, "Shai, what the fuck is that thing?", when they see my avatar. Well, friends, that is the Deep Sea or Giant Isopod (Bathynomus giganteus). There seems to be a bit of a following growing for them in the net, as evidenced by this album, a tribute to them. Bathynomus is a deep benthic (bottom dwelling) carnivorous scavenger, which is found mostly in the colder seas of the North Atlantic.

Isopods are crustaceans that live in marine, aquatic, and terrestrial habitats. The best known Isopods are the terrestrial Pill Bugs, aka Roly Polies, Sow Bugs, and Wood Lice. Those of you who spend time near the shore may have also noticed the Sea Lice (or Sea Roaches) that scurry upon dock pilings and jetty rocks. They are, all of them, gill breathers, even the terrestrial varieties (which keep a chamber of water where their gills are housed).

Anyways, Giant Isopods are fucking awesome, because they're one of those animals that looks as if it were designed for cinema rather than the product of nature. Well, enjoy the pictures.











Here are some nice links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_isopod

http://tolweb.org/tree?group=Isopoda&contgroup=Peracarida

http://whozoo.org/Anlife2001/chelsy/clh_Bathynomus.htm

http://theoystersgarter.com/2007/10/16/please-greet-your-giant-isopod-overlords/

Cephalopods

Just for the sake of posting something here, here are some pictures of cephalopods. Since we've been discussing being eaten by octopi after death on Dennis Cooper's Blog.

Here are some Octopods in the genus Grimpotuethis, the Dumbo Octopi.