CHAIN CATSHARK
The chain catshark has a spotty brown back meant to mimic the light patterns thrown down through the water. The cahin catshark is extremely interesting because of its abililities to be flourescent (see above picture). Scientist have not discovered what this flourescence is used for or why the chain catshark has this ability as of yet. Chain catsharks are found in the upper part of the mesopelagic zone. They are just under a metre long and feed on everything from crustaceans to squid. Feamle chain catsharks deposit their eggs in stacks for fertilization and have been deemed by some as the perfect specimen for breeding in captivity.
BRITTLE STAR
The brittle star is a variety of starfish that had a round disk shaped body and five tentacle-like arms. The arms of the brittle star can reach up to 60 cm long. On each side of each arm, at the base, there are slits that function as reproductive outlets and breathing holes. Brittle stars hide amongst coral during the daytime and come out at night to feed on plankton. The arms of the brittle star, like most other starfish, are quite breakable, but regenerate quickly. If an arm is severed very close to the brittle stars base, the arm may grow into a whole other brittle star, as they are capable of asexual reproduction. They are the most active and fastest moving of all the different types of starfish.
PANDEA RUBRA:PAPER LANTERN MEDUSA
Paper lantern medusas' clear hood usually measures about 10cm by 17cm when extended. The entire main section of the medusa can crumple (thus the paper lantern look) which along with the 14-30 small tentacles at its base, propel the jellyfish forward by trapping and pushing away water. The medusa's dark red colour actually serves as a form of camouflage because the seawater absorbs red light which means the medusa would appear plain black. Their stomachs are located at the center of their body, in a cluster with the rest of tis organs.
