Bahama sea stars have eyes at the tips of each arm. These eyes are capable of seeing light and dark areas and can form very low resolution images with no color. You can experience this for yourself with a very simple experiment.
Tag: MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
This collection of blog posts highlight some of my favorite experiences from my volunteer time at MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Through these posts, I share insights and practical knowledge gained, highlighting the real-world applications of marine science and the importance of public education in conservation efforts.
Horseshoe Crabs are amazing!
I am constantly being surprised and delighted by horseshoe crabs! From their funny, bumper car-like walk and tiny, skittery feet to their ancient ancestry and their life-saving medical properties, these creatures are endlessly amazing.
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
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
How do sea cucumbers eat?
Have you ever been snorkeling and seen something loaf shaped on the bottom and wondered what on earth that was? Well, most likely you were looking at a Sea Cucumber. Sea Cucumbers are in the same Phylum (Echinodermata) as sea stars - they have tube feet powered by a water-vascular system that they use to walk along the bottom of the ocean.
Erica Lauer Vose 