Author: Matt Davis

Shark Fact Sheet: Blacktip Reef Shark

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The Blacktip Reef Shark(Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a cartilaginous fish classified in the order Carcharhiniformes, and the family Carcharhinidae. 

GenusCarcharhinus
SpeciesC. melanopterus
Binomial NameCarcharhinus melanopterus
Length1.6-2.9 m(5’3”-9’6.2”)
DietCarnivore
IUCN StatusVulnerable

Physical Characteristics

A Blacktip Reef Shark has black tips on all of its fins. Its body is a grayish-brown above and white below. This species has a rounded snout and oval shaped eyes. 

Range and Habitat 

The Blacktip Reef Shark inhabits tropical waters of the Indian Ocean through to the central Pacific. This species can also be seen in the Mediterranean. 

Reproduction

Blacktip Reef Sharks … Continue

Shark Fact Sheet: Epaulette Shark

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The Epaulette Shark(Hemiscyllium ocellatum), also known as the Walking Shark,  is quite a unique fish; it can “walk” for short distance on its paddle-shaped pectoral and pelvic fins. However they are capable of swimming. The Epaulette Shark is classified in the order Orectolobiformes and the family Hemiscylliidae.

GenusHemiscyllium
SpeciesH. ocellatum
Binomial NameHemiscyllium ocellatum
Length70 cm to 1.1 m(2’3.6″-3’7.3″)
Weight2.7-2.9 kg(6-6.4 lbs.)
DietCarnivore
IUCN StatusLeast concern

Range and Habitat

Epaulette Sharks inhabit shallow reefs of Australia and New Guinea.

Identification

The Epaulette Shark has a white-margined black spot behind each pectoral fin, which resemble … Continue

What Are Chondrichthyes?

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Chondrichthyes are a class of animals made up of cartilaginous fish that have skeletons primarily composed of cartilage. The fish classified in Chondrichthyes include, sharks, rays, skates, sawfish, and chimaeras.

Chondrichthyes can be divided into two sub classes:

A ray

Elasmobranchii. Sharks, rays, and skates  are classified in Elasmobranchii. Members of the Elasmobranchii have no swim bladders, rigid dorsal fins, and their eyes have a tapetum lucidum.

Holocephali. Chimaeriformes is the only surviving order classified in the sub class holocephali.  Chimaeriformes is made up of  chimaeras, ghostsharks, rabbitfish, ratfish, and spookfish.

A Blacktip Reef Shark(Carcharhinus melanopterus)

Physical Characteristics

All … Continue

National Parks Of The U.S.A.: Yellowstone National Park

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Yellowstone National Park became the first national park  in the United States of America on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone is located largely in the northwest corner of Wyoming, but also extends into Montana and Idaho. 

Wildlife

Yellowstone National Park is home to nearly 300 species of birds, 16 species of fish, five species of amphibians, 6 species of reptiles, and 67 species of mammals. Two of the best locations in Yellowstone National Park for viewing wildlife are Yellowstone river valley, and Lamar river valley. 

The Grizzly Bear((Ursus arctos horribilis) is one example of a mammal that you may see in … Continue

Parrots Of The World: Kakapo

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The Kakapo(Strigops habroptila), also known as the Owl Parrot is a critically endangered parrot that can only be found in New Zealand. The Kakapo is a ground dwelling flightless bird, and is the largest species of parrot based on body mass. Kakapos can reach weights up to 3 kilograms(6.6 pounds).

Physical Characteristics

The Kakapo is green on its upperparts and mottled with blackish chevrons and brownish patches. The tail is greenish yellow, brown and black. Females weigh less than males. Immatures are duller, and their faces are browner.

Length58-65 cm (1’10.8”-2’1.6”)
Weight 950 grams to 3 kg(2.1-6.6 lbs.)

Range

… Continue