Maybe it's a Christmas miracle.
For one of the first times ever, you'll get a chance to lay your computer-weary eyes on a giant woodlouse/rolly polly/pill bug/isopod in the flesh (well, carapace). Assuming you happen to be passing through Blackpool, England, anytime soon that is.
Photo source: Telegraph.co.uk
Giant isopods (the one above is about a foot long) live at great depths (more than a mile down), so it's rare that they end up in fishing nets. But that's just what happened recently. Nine of them were caught in lobster nets off the US coast of the north Atlantic and were shipped to Britain. The last time giant arthropods were passed between these two nations, the Beatles arrived in the US. I hope you Brits will give these pill bugs a similar welcome.
They are adjusting to their quarantine tank well and will soon be on display. If any of you happen to be able to see them, snap some photos (if you're allowed to, since they are in a low-light display), and forward them here.
Thanks for the article, Wendy.
Dec 21, 2008
Isopods in the Flesh
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10 comments:
Can anyone explain this to me...? This was posted Sunday, but didn't show up for me until Tuesday evening. The Saturday post didn't show up for me until Monday. Is there a Wombat Time Warp in effect??
That is a very cool photo. Hope they're doing ok in their new home. I often wonder why people who catch rare things like this just don't take a whole bunch of pictures and toss it back in the ocean.
Flartus: that's me trying to get caught up on posts. Though, I like Wombat Time Warp better.
...why...
...why...
...why...?!?!
Nifty tyke!
Oh, to be in England right now. Lucky Brits.
They have several giant isopods at the aquarium in Chicago. They're not that rare, just rarely seen.
It's Garthim! Run before they stick you in a basket and haul you to the Crystal Palace!
(Oh c'mon, I just *HAD* to say it...)
--TwoDragons
hey- weird slimy thing
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokerchampdaniel/3136421527/
Yay! Giant isopods!
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