Biology, Coastal Wetlands, Coral Reef Species & Ecology, Volunteering

Atlantic Guitarfish and Cownose Stingray interact

One of my absolute favorite things I get to do as a volunteer at MOTE is watch the skate (atlantic guitarfish) and rays and talk to guests about them. Its difficult to avoid anthropomorphizing these adorable creatures. The skate seems particularly charismatic and spends most of his time swimming around the edge of the enclosure… Continue reading Atlantic Guitarfish and Cownose Stingray interact

Green Moray Eel
Biology, Coral Reef Species & Ecology, Volunteering

Symbiotic Cleaning Relationships

Late January I wrote a post about cleaning stations and recently, at MOTE I got to see some cleaning behavior close up. It is utterly amazing to see these two species work together so well. The small blue fish is a Caribbean neon goby more commonly called a cleaner goby because of its cleaning behavior.… Continue reading Symbiotic Cleaning Relationships

Biology, Coastal Wetlands, Volunteering

Florida Blenny Guarding Eggs

I've been watching this blenny hiding in its shell in the MOTE grass flats exhibit for a few weeks now when another volunteer mentioned that it's a male guarding eggs. Once I heard that, I had to learn more. Florida blennies live in mangroves, seagrass beds, oyster reefs and rocky intertidal zones. This Florida blenny… Continue reading Florida Blenny Guarding Eggs