Ryan Howard
@abyssalaquanaut.bsky.social
PhD Candidate at the Auckland University of Technology studying the vision of deep-sea squids.
Teuthologist 🦑 | Nerd 👾| Science Fiend 🔭|
Teuthologist 🦑 | Nerd 👾| Science Fiend 🔭|
They’re also known as cockeyed squids because they have one large and and one small eye.
They float sideways so the large eye looks up for prey or predators silhouetted against the downwelling light. The small eye looks down to spot bioluminescent signals.
Alt text has more info!
🦑🧪 #Inverts
They float sideways so the large eye looks up for prey or predators silhouetted against the downwelling light. The small eye looks down to spot bioluminescent signals.
Alt text has more info!
🦑🧪 #Inverts
December 23, 2024 at 8:09 AM
They’re also known as cockeyed squids because they have one large and and one small eye.
They float sideways so the large eye looks up for prey or predators silhouetted against the downwelling light. The small eye looks down to spot bioluminescent signals.
Alt text has more info!
🦑🧪 #Inverts
They float sideways so the large eye looks up for prey or predators silhouetted against the downwelling light. The small eye looks down to spot bioluminescent signals.
Alt text has more info!
🦑🧪 #Inverts
Ah, histioteuthidae , easily one of my favorite families of squids. They have many names, one being strawberry squids.
Strawberry, because their bodies are covered in photophores, which resemble the seeds of a strawberry. Plus their mantle is kinda strawberry shaped.
🦑 🧪 #Inverts
Strawberry, because their bodies are covered in photophores, which resemble the seeds of a strawberry. Plus their mantle is kinda strawberry shaped.
🦑 🧪 #Inverts
December 23, 2024 at 8:09 AM
Ah, histioteuthidae , easily one of my favorite families of squids. They have many names, one being strawberry squids.
Strawberry, because their bodies are covered in photophores, which resemble the seeds of a strawberry. Plus their mantle is kinda strawberry shaped.
🦑 🧪 #Inverts
Strawberry, because their bodies are covered in photophores, which resemble the seeds of a strawberry. Plus their mantle is kinda strawberry shaped.
🦑 🧪 #Inverts
The deflated state is less exaggerated in the toadfish and I can’t find a pale toadfish picture.
But here’s a comparison of the blobfish in and out of water. Much different.
Between deep sea and shallow water you’d like see a big difference too, because the pressure is dramatically different
But here’s a comparison of the blobfish in and out of water. Much different.
Between deep sea and shallow water you’d like see a big difference too, because the pressure is dramatically different
December 22, 2024 at 11:26 AM
The deflated state is less exaggerated in the toadfish and I can’t find a pale toadfish picture.
But here’s a comparison of the blobfish in and out of water. Much different.
Between deep sea and shallow water you’d like see a big difference too, because the pressure is dramatically different
But here’s a comparison of the blobfish in and out of water. Much different.
Between deep sea and shallow water you’d like see a big difference too, because the pressure is dramatically different
However, neither species looks this deflated in their natural environment.
Because they have flabby skin, the water pressure in the deep sea keeps their shape together.
When they’re removed from that environment and pressure, their flesh sags into the shape you see before you.
#MarineLife 🧪
Because they have flabby skin, the water pressure in the deep sea keeps their shape together.
When they’re removed from that environment and pressure, their flesh sags into the shape you see before you.
#MarineLife 🧪
December 22, 2024 at 10:04 AM
However, neither species looks this deflated in their natural environment.
Because they have flabby skin, the water pressure in the deep sea keeps their shape together.
When they’re removed from that environment and pressure, their flesh sags into the shape you see before you.
#MarineLife 🧪
Because they have flabby skin, the water pressure in the deep sea keeps their shape together.
When they’re removed from that environment and pressure, their flesh sags into the shape you see before you.
#MarineLife 🧪
This is a pale toadfish, Ambophthalmos angustus. You might have seen pictures of a deep sea blob fish that was popular a few years ago on the internet.
That species, and this fish, are both part of the Psychrolutidae family.
#MarineLife 🧪
That species, and this fish, are both part of the Psychrolutidae family.
#MarineLife 🧪
December 22, 2024 at 10:04 AM
This is a pale toadfish, Ambophthalmos angustus. You might have seen pictures of a deep sea blob fish that was popular a few years ago on the internet.
That species, and this fish, are both part of the Psychrolutidae family.
#MarineLife 🧪
That species, and this fish, are both part of the Psychrolutidae family.
#MarineLife 🧪
Water taken in through the madreporite is eventually expelled through the tube feet.
These small appendages are located in the oral (bottom) side and help the sea star scuttle across the sea floor searching for food.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
These small appendages are located in the oral (bottom) side and help the sea star scuttle across the sea floor searching for food.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
December 20, 2024 at 11:17 PM
Water taken in through the madreporite is eventually expelled through the tube feet.
These small appendages are located in the oral (bottom) side and help the sea star scuttle across the sea floor searching for food.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
These small appendages are located in the oral (bottom) side and help the sea star scuttle across the sea floor searching for food.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
The madreporite acts like a pressure valve that lets water into the sea star’s unique hydrovascular system.
This series of water filled canals pushes water to the tip of each arm. The hydrovascular system helps with respiration, digestion, and locomotion.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
This series of water filled canals pushes water to the tip of each arm. The hydrovascular system helps with respiration, digestion, and locomotion.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
December 20, 2024 at 11:17 PM
The madreporite acts like a pressure valve that lets water into the sea star’s unique hydrovascular system.
This series of water filled canals pushes water to the tip of each arm. The hydrovascular system helps with respiration, digestion, and locomotion.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
This series of water filled canals pushes water to the tip of each arm. The hydrovascular system helps with respiration, digestion, and locomotion.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
Do you know how sea stars crawl around on the sea floor?
On the aboral (top) side of sea stars there’s a light colored opening called a madreporite. It looks like a stone coral, or madrepore, which is where its name is derived.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
On the aboral (top) side of sea stars there’s a light colored opening called a madreporite. It looks like a stone coral, or madrepore, which is where its name is derived.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
December 20, 2024 at 11:17 PM
Do you know how sea stars crawl around on the sea floor?
On the aboral (top) side of sea stars there’s a light colored opening called a madreporite. It looks like a stone coral, or madrepore, which is where its name is derived.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
On the aboral (top) side of sea stars there’s a light colored opening called a madreporite. It looks like a stone coral, or madrepore, which is where its name is derived.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
😂
It’s probably a bad time to say the Chinese mitten crab has invaded Lake Michigan.
Beware.
It’s probably a bad time to say the Chinese mitten crab has invaded Lake Michigan.
Beware.
December 20, 2024 at 1:49 AM
😂
It’s probably a bad time to say the Chinese mitten crab has invaded Lake Michigan.
Beware.
It’s probably a bad time to say the Chinese mitten crab has invaded Lake Michigan.
Beware.
It’s amazing the designs evolution stumbles upon. This is a prickly king crab, endemic to New Zealand.
Paralomis zealandica, is a member of the family Lithodidae, or deep-sea “crabs.”
“Crabs” because they’re not true crabs. They’re more closely related to hermit crabs.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
Paralomis zealandica, is a member of the family Lithodidae, or deep-sea “crabs.”
“Crabs” because they’re not true crabs. They’re more closely related to hermit crabs.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
December 20, 2024 at 1:34 AM
It’s amazing the designs evolution stumbles upon. This is a prickly king crab, endemic to New Zealand.
Paralomis zealandica, is a member of the family Lithodidae, or deep-sea “crabs.”
“Crabs” because they’re not true crabs. They’re more closely related to hermit crabs.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
Paralomis zealandica, is a member of the family Lithodidae, or deep-sea “crabs.”
“Crabs” because they’re not true crabs. They’re more closely related to hermit crabs.
#MarineLife #Inverts 🧪
I believe this species is part of the cirolanidae family that likely feeds on the carcasses of dead animals.
The oldest isopod fossils date back around 300 million years, so they’ve been around a long time!
🧪 #MarineLife #Inverts
The oldest isopod fossils date back around 300 million years, so they’ve been around a long time!
🧪 #MarineLife #Inverts
December 19, 2024 at 7:31 AM
I believe this species is part of the cirolanidae family that likely feeds on the carcasses of dead animals.
The oldest isopod fossils date back around 300 million years, so they’ve been around a long time!
🧪 #MarineLife #Inverts
The oldest isopod fossils date back around 300 million years, so they’ve been around a long time!
🧪 #MarineLife #Inverts
You gatta love these little guys.
They come up in most trawls, and I’ve seen them on every expedition I’ve done in NZ.
They’re aquatic isopods. That means they’re crustaceans (like lobsters & crabs) and are in the same group as terrestrial pill bugs/sow bugs/ rollie pollies.
#MarineLife 🧪 #Inverts
They come up in most trawls, and I’ve seen them on every expedition I’ve done in NZ.
They’re aquatic isopods. That means they’re crustaceans (like lobsters & crabs) and are in the same group as terrestrial pill bugs/sow bugs/ rollie pollies.
#MarineLife 🧪 #Inverts
December 19, 2024 at 7:31 AM
You gatta love these little guys.
They come up in most trawls, and I’ve seen them on every expedition I’ve done in NZ.
They’re aquatic isopods. That means they’re crustaceans (like lobsters & crabs) and are in the same group as terrestrial pill bugs/sow bugs/ rollie pollies.
#MarineLife 🧪 #Inverts
They come up in most trawls, and I’ve seen them on every expedition I’ve done in NZ.
They’re aquatic isopods. That means they’re crustaceans (like lobsters & crabs) and are in the same group as terrestrial pill bugs/sow bugs/ rollie pollies.
#MarineLife 🧪 #Inverts
Depending on the lighting, their eyes can appear blue or red, but are actually clear.
They’re bioluminescent, they invert their bodies to defend against predators, they feed on marine snow…. The list goes one, easily one of my favorite cephalopods! (I have many)
🦑🧪 #Invert
They’re bioluminescent, they invert their bodies to defend against predators, they feed on marine snow…. The list goes one, easily one of my favorite cephalopods! (I have many)
🦑🧪 #Invert
December 18, 2024 at 3:03 AM
Depending on the lighting, their eyes can appear blue or red, but are actually clear.
They’re bioluminescent, they invert their bodies to defend against predators, they feed on marine snow…. The list goes one, easily one of my favorite cephalopods! (I have many)
🦑🧪 #Invert
They’re bioluminescent, they invert their bodies to defend against predators, they feed on marine snow…. The list goes one, easily one of my favorite cephalopods! (I have many)
🦑🧪 #Invert
There’s only one described species worldwide, called Vampyroteuthis infernalis. Which c’mon, that has to be the most badass scientific name out there.
Specimens can either be red or black depending on the region they’re found. We obviously get black ones around NZ.
🦑🧪 #Invert
Specimens can either be red or black depending on the region they’re found. We obviously get black ones around NZ.
🦑🧪 #Invert
December 18, 2024 at 3:03 AM
There’s only one described species worldwide, called Vampyroteuthis infernalis. Which c’mon, that has to be the most badass scientific name out there.
Specimens can either be red or black depending on the region they’re found. We obviously get black ones around NZ.
🦑🧪 #Invert
Specimens can either be red or black depending on the region they’re found. We obviously get black ones around NZ.
🦑🧪 #Invert
Though it’s kind of hard to tell, this a vampire squid, which is a misnomer because this species of cephalopod is neither squid, nor is it an octopus.
They sit in their own order called Vampyromorphida, and are genetically closer to octopuses than squids.
🦑🧪 #Invert
They sit in their own order called Vampyromorphida, and are genetically closer to octopuses than squids.
🦑🧪 #Invert
December 18, 2024 at 3:03 AM
Though it’s kind of hard to tell, this a vampire squid, which is a misnomer because this species of cephalopod is neither squid, nor is it an octopus.
They sit in their own order called Vampyromorphida, and are genetically closer to octopuses than squids.
🦑🧪 #Invert
They sit in their own order called Vampyromorphida, and are genetically closer to octopuses than squids.
🦑🧪 #Invert
The species scientific name is Metanephrops challengeri.
Gravid females brood their eggs underneath their tails until they’re ready to be released. This species has beautiful blue eggs!
Also, attached to their carapace a long rostrum protrudes above their eyes, likely for defense.
#marinelife 🧪
Gravid females brood their eggs underneath their tails until they’re ready to be released. This species has beautiful blue eggs!
Also, attached to their carapace a long rostrum protrudes above their eyes, likely for defense.
#marinelife 🧪
December 17, 2024 at 3:49 AM
The species scientific name is Metanephrops challengeri.
Gravid females brood their eggs underneath their tails until they’re ready to be released. This species has beautiful blue eggs!
Also, attached to their carapace a long rostrum protrudes above their eyes, likely for defense.
#marinelife 🧪
Gravid females brood their eggs underneath their tails until they’re ready to be released. This species has beautiful blue eggs!
Also, attached to their carapace a long rostrum protrudes above their eyes, likely for defense.
#marinelife 🧪
Scampi, or known as Kōura Rangi in Te Reo (Māori native language), is a delicacy here in New Zealand.
They’re deep-sea clawed lobsters (not prawn) from the family Nephropidae that live in burrows and scavenge for carrion from deceased animals.
#marinelife 🧪
They’re deep-sea clawed lobsters (not prawn) from the family Nephropidae that live in burrows and scavenge for carrion from deceased animals.
#marinelife 🧪
December 17, 2024 at 3:49 AM
Scampi, or known as Kōura Rangi in Te Reo (Māori native language), is a delicacy here in New Zealand.
They’re deep-sea clawed lobsters (not prawn) from the family Nephropidae that live in burrows and scavenge for carrion from deceased animals.
#marinelife 🧪
They’re deep-sea clawed lobsters (not prawn) from the family Nephropidae that live in burrows and scavenge for carrion from deceased animals.
#marinelife 🧪
I have no idea!
So, I keyed it out for you using a guide from the 60s. Definitely from the family Sphyriidae. Looks to be Lophoura laticervix, assuming the species name hasn’t changed since then.
There’s some more info and an illustration in the attached pictures. 😁
So, I keyed it out for you using a guide from the 60s. Definitely from the family Sphyriidae. Looks to be Lophoura laticervix, assuming the species name hasn’t changed since then.
There’s some more info and an illustration in the attached pictures. 😁
December 16, 2024 at 11:31 AM
I have no idea!
So, I keyed it out for you using a guide from the 60s. Definitely from the family Sphyriidae. Looks to be Lophoura laticervix, assuming the species name hasn’t changed since then.
There’s some more info and an illustration in the attached pictures. 😁
So, I keyed it out for you using a guide from the 60s. Definitely from the family Sphyriidae. Looks to be Lophoura laticervix, assuming the species name hasn’t changed since then.
There’s some more info and an illustration in the attached pictures. 😁
Anemones are sessile, meaning they attach to a substrate and generally never move. However, riding the crab means the anemone can be taken to different environments with better food options.
Plus, crabs can be messy eaters, so any scraps might end up on the anemones food menu.
#MarineLife 🧪
Plus, crabs can be messy eaters, so any scraps might end up on the anemones food menu.
#MarineLife 🧪
December 16, 2024 at 5:19 AM
Anemones are sessile, meaning they attach to a substrate and generally never move. However, riding the crab means the anemone can be taken to different environments with better food options.
Plus, crabs can be messy eaters, so any scraps might end up on the anemones food menu.
#MarineLife 🧪
Plus, crabs can be messy eaters, so any scraps might end up on the anemones food menu.
#MarineLife 🧪
There are some cool symbiotic relationships in the deep sea. I’ve showcased parasitism, but here’s a mutualistic one between a crustacean and a surfing anemone.
The crustacean benefits from extra protection the stinging cells of the anemone provide, as well as additional camouflage.
#MarineLife 🧪
The crustacean benefits from extra protection the stinging cells of the anemone provide, as well as additional camouflage.
#MarineLife 🧪
December 16, 2024 at 5:19 AM
There are some cool symbiotic relationships in the deep sea. I’ve showcased parasitism, but here’s a mutualistic one between a crustacean and a surfing anemone.
The crustacean benefits from extra protection the stinging cells of the anemone provide, as well as additional camouflage.
#MarineLife 🧪
The crustacean benefits from extra protection the stinging cells of the anemone provide, as well as additional camouflage.
#MarineLife 🧪
There was a storm the other day, so our ship sheltered near Campbell Island. I went to the bridge to work on my thesis and enjoy the storm. It was eerily peaceful.
In the distance I thought I could see a lighthouse, but was actually a naturally formed pinnacle.
In the distance I thought I could see a lighthouse, but was actually a naturally formed pinnacle.
December 16, 2024 at 4:55 AM
There was a storm the other day, so our ship sheltered near Campbell Island. I went to the bridge to work on my thesis and enjoy the storm. It was eerily peaceful.
In the distance I thought I could see a lighthouse, but was actually a naturally formed pinnacle.
In the distance I thought I could see a lighthouse, but was actually a naturally formed pinnacle.
In this second photo, this eye appears to have at least 5 separate photophores! 2 white and 1 blue, but it’s hard to determine what color they are without seeing them in situ.
This specimen is from the lycoteuthis genus, which are known for having many photophores all over their body.
🦑🧪
This specimen is from the lycoteuthis genus, which are known for having many photophores all over their body.
🦑🧪
December 15, 2024 at 1:48 AM
In this second photo, this eye appears to have at least 5 separate photophores! 2 white and 1 blue, but it’s hard to determine what color they are without seeing them in situ.
This specimen is from the lycoteuthis genus, which are known for having many photophores all over their body.
🦑🧪
This specimen is from the lycoteuthis genus, which are known for having many photophores all over their body.
🦑🧪
The bright-yellow ring you see around the eye in this first photo is the photophore on what is likely a Slosarczykovia circumantarctica in the family brachioteuthidae.
This whole family is know for their long ventral ocular photophores.
🦑 🧪
This whole family is know for their long ventral ocular photophores.
🦑 🧪
December 15, 2024 at 1:48 AM
The bright-yellow ring you see around the eye in this first photo is the photophore on what is likely a Slosarczykovia circumantarctica in the family brachioteuthidae.
This whole family is know for their long ventral ocular photophores.
🦑 🧪
This whole family is know for their long ventral ocular photophores.
🦑 🧪
Many squids have photophores, or bioluminescent organs that use a chemical reaction to produce light.
But to take it a step further, some squids actually have photophores on their eyes!
🦑 🧪
But to take it a step further, some squids actually have photophores on their eyes!
🦑 🧪
December 15, 2024 at 1:48 AM
Many squids have photophores, or bioluminescent organs that use a chemical reaction to produce light.
But to take it a step further, some squids actually have photophores on their eyes!
🦑 🧪
But to take it a step further, some squids actually have photophores on their eyes!
🦑 🧪
They’re actually parasites! When they lose their limbs they anchor themselves to the skin of other animals to extract nutrients.
And they can attach almost anywhere, including on eyes 😟
🧪🦑
And they can attach almost anywhere, including on eyes 😟
🧪🦑
December 14, 2024 at 6:39 AM
They’re actually parasites! When they lose their limbs they anchor themselves to the skin of other animals to extract nutrients.
And they can attach almost anywhere, including on eyes 😟
🧪🦑
And they can attach almost anywhere, including on eyes 😟
🧪🦑