Hey, BUG GOT YOUR TONGUE?

How is it possible that it's been over three years since the last appearance on this blog of TONGUE EATING ISOPODS!

Sorry to shout, but some things just call for ALL CAPS, and this is one of them. These crustaceans are parasites on certain fish. They doen't just eat the tongue, which would be bad enough. They basically attach themselves to the tongue and replace it, living in the fish's mouth and DRINKING ITS BLOOD.

We haven't seen these TONGUE EATING MONSTERS here since July 2008, and I wrote about them on my other blog only slightly more recently. I feel this is a dereliction of duty as a bad and ugly animal blogger, but today we've got a good reason to make up for it. Because it was recently discovered that due to human activity, there are even MORE of these nightmarish creatures than there used to be. Researchers studying the Ceratothoa italica species of isopod found that in areas affected by overfishing, the percentage of fish infected by this parasite was much higher.

The scientists seem to have mixed feelings as they often do: both bemoaning its effect when the balance of nature is disturbed, and yet giving the creature an affectionate nickname: they call it "Betty:"

Betty is quite gruesome and does remind you of the Alien films, but it’s a highly adapted and specialised animal which is very successful. Unfortunately, over-fishing upsets the balance of parasite and host and interferes with the whole eco-system.

Thanks for the tip - I think - to the blog of parasite expert Carl Zimmer, which you may -or may not - want to check out here.

-Wombat (No Relation)

Giant sea monster!

Scientists looking for a deep-sea fish had a thrill when they also brought up seven of these giant amphipods, discovered in 1899 but only observed a handful of times since then.

If this creature looks unreal to you, in fact it feels unreal as well, according to the scientist who led the expedition, who said "They actually don't feel real. They feel like plastic toys."

Giant is a relative term, of course: Amphipods are usually about a half-inch long, while the largest of these specimens was eleven inches. Still, for those of us who aren't accustomed to seeing amphipods of any size, it can be hard to appreciate how unusual this is. If you're not impressed enough, the researcher has a comparison that might convince you:

"It’s a bit like finding a foot long cockroach."

Uh, nice... I think.

-Wombat (No Relation)

Hairy germ-eating sea life

I'm sure you all remember the yeti crab, an amazing creature that was first discovered only in 2006. It's a deep-sea species that lives around methane-belching hydrothermal vents, and to top it off, it's got all kinds of bacteria growing in those hairlike filaments all over its legs.

Now the existence of a second species of yeti crab has been announced. It's actually somewhat less hairy than the first, making it more authentically ugly - the silky-looking hair on the original species would really be attractive, if only it weren't on a crab.

And even better, scientists have discovered something new about that hair-bacteria as well. It's the crab's main source of food, and the crab even seems to actively "farm" it by waving its arms around (you can see videos here). "This 'dance' is extraordinary and comical," says one scientist, but it's not just good for a laugh: the behavior exposes the bacteria in the "hair" to the oxygen and sulphide that it needs to grow.

Another appreciative scientist commented, "The original yeti crab was charismatic. This one is even more so."

-Wombat (No Relation)

Giant Crayfish Found in Tennessee

Recently, in Shoal Creek, Tennessee, researchers discovered a new, very large species of crayfish.

This crayfish, Barbicambasrus simmonsi, reaches a length of nearly five inches, is nearly twice the size of its local relatives, as you can see in this comparison shot.

The crayfish is also noted for its unusual "bearded" antennae, called 'setae.' These fancy antennae give this guy enhanced sensory abilities.

Pictures courtesy of National Geographic.

Marine Life Census, Part 2

As promised, I've got another collection of creatures from the census of marine life for you. Let's start with the aptly-named Terrible Claw Lobster, Dinochelus ausubeli. It should be obvious where the name comes from

Next up, we have an as-yet unnamed snail, found on a submarine volcano off Japan.

We also have a jellyfish, Bathykorus bouilloni, that appears to have gotten his appearance from Star Wars, judging from his Vader-like shape.

Next, is the Bearded Fireworm. Those bristles are venomous, causing an "intense burning irritation". Don't touch.

And last up, here's another plankton-sized baby for you, this time for the Slipper Lobster. While he's transparent now, when he grows, he will have a full shell.

Pictures courtesy of National Geographic

Isopodmania

I got barraged with links to several giant isopod articles. That means two things: 1) you folks think of me (or my blog) when you see something ugly, and that's heart-warming (I think), and 2) there's consensus that the giant isopod has a permanent home here.

The giant isopod is the deep-sea cousin to the wood louse, or roly poly or pillbug, that you'll find in your backyard. This particular specimen is a good two and a half feet long, which is large or its kind, but not out of the ordinary.

Photo source: Ross Gwynn

Yahoo! Editor's have a great gallery on Flickr of various isopod photos they've found on the web. Here's one such, to give you a sense of proportion:

But I didn't just get sent links. Sherry also sent me this post on how to make a plush giant isopod, from Deep Sea News.

But Sherry didn't stop there. Her photoshop-errific friend Lisa Halverson made for us a photo of isopods playing poker. It's destined to become a classic. We just need a large supply of black velvet.

Thanks to co-producers Reed, Sherry, Lisa, Leslie, Terri, Julie, and Judy.

Britain's Biggest Crab

Photo source: DailyMail.co.uk

I've never seen a guy so eager to get his hands a boiling pot, and some butter and garlic.

Actually, this crab is safe and sound and on display in the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham. This Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) is the largest ever seen in Britain. It's already got a claw-to-claw spread of 10 feet. and it's still growing.

Of course, all that size doesn't do it much good out of the water, where its weight is such that it can barely support itself. But in the deep it's a nimble, lethal predator.

Thanks for the article, Ida.

Strawberry Crab

A new crab has been discovered off Taiwan's coast. This creature may be pink enough to be worthy of my daughters' adoration, it may look like a scratch-and-sniff toy, but look at that mug. Its carapace may be only an inch across, but it looks mean. I'd have a chip on my shoulder too. Tiny, pink crustaceans have a hard time getting any respect.

Photo source: AP Photo/National Taiwan Ocean University via Yahoo! News

Daddy-long-legs of the Deep

Sander sent the arrow crab of Bay Islands, Honduras along, and reminded me of a dark memory I had while scuba diving years ago. We were in the Sea of Cortez diving a wrecked tug boat. It was gloomy and eerie and perfect until I looked into the corners and windowsills and saw that they were inhabited by crabs not unlike this crab: the daddy-long-legs of the ocean. Arachophobes such as I can never get a reprieve from our fears, even at 60 feet below (and this one has pincers).

Grateful Terrestrials

David has sent us a link to a Washington Post picture gallery of creatures recently surveyed in the Deep Sea. I bring you a few of them, just in case you weren't already grateful for being a terrestrial, sentient biped who doesn't have to share your personal space with these creatures. These photos are of a copepod, a cute dumbo octopus (Grimpoteuthis discoveryi), a new dumbo (Grimpoteuthis sp.), and a Neocyema (erythrosoma). Guess which two of them are known to feast on human souls.

Thanks for the link, David.

Under the Sea

One more reason not to live at depth in the sea: the spiders are bigger.

Photo by Ant Hidler

Yeti Vocab

For some reason, I never posted on the yeti crab when it's discovery was first published back in 2006. Jelo brought it back to my attention, and I thought I'd go ahead and introduce the crustacean to Ugly Overload.

Even a cursory study of the six-inch yeti crab (Kiwa hirsuta, though I like to call it the abominable snowcrab) introduces you to a lot of fun vocabulary: decapod, pereiopods, setae, filamentous bacteria, and hydrothermal vents just to start. Decapods because, as you might guess with a crab, this creature has ten legs. Pereiopods because its thoracic legs, including the claws, are covered with fine blonde setae (hairs, for our purposes). Filamentous bacteria because they reside in the hairs of the claws and may help detoxify the harsh minerals found in the crab's native waters to the south of Easter Island, and way, way down. Hydrothermic vents because they live by them, and benefit from the heat, though the harsh minerals spewing forth from the vents make the bacteria a necessity.

So there you go, a post that should have been written three years ago. Thanks, Jelo.

Oh, and the obvious vocab: Kiwa is the name of the Polynesian shellfish goddess. Hirsuta is Latin for hairy. Kudos to the researchers of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and Ifremer and their plucky submarine Alvin for discovering this hairy shellfish goddess.

Where's the Justice?

Juliet showed typical teenage foolishness when she asked what was in a name. Names are important. My wife and I deliberated for quite some time over the naming of our children. Scientists are compelled to name everything. Names have power.

So when you look at the creature below, what are some of the possible names you might think of? Morgan, who sent me this photo, thought of "brilliant pygmy lobster" and "magnificent violet lobster". Or you could go with "spiny jeweled lobster" or "resplendent lobster of joy". So many possibilities. But guess what this creature's common name is? Hairy Squat Lobster (lauriea siagiani).

As Morgan asks, where's the justice in that name?

Photo source: Sergey Parinov

Symbiosis

I love cases of symbiosis in nature, wherein two species work together for their mutual benefit (as opposed to parasitism, or the more benign commensalism, in which one species mooches to neither the benefit nor the detriment of its host). So when Ida sent me a couple of links (1 and 2) from the Web Ecoist about symbiosis, I had to share.

First we have a variety of marine crabs who have enlisted the aid of stinging anemones. The crabs benefit from having an added defense, and the sessile feeders benefit from being able to move through the water to filter feed with greater efficacy. My favorite is the boxing crab (upper photo), who wields his anemones like deadly pompoms.

(Images via: Flickr, AZAquaCulture, AquariaWorld, DeeperBlue and Diver)

























Next we have the egret. She doesn't discriminate; she'll enter into an alliance with any creature with a broad enough back and enough ticks and lice. She gains ready access to the tasty little parasites, while the ride gets deloused. The egret is a smart bird. I can't think of a safer place on the Savannah than on the back of a willing cape buffalo or elephant.

(Images via: DiegoPaccagnella and Angelfire)

























Ah, the plover and the crocodile. Crocodile opens wide for the plover because the plover likes to pick its teeth clean of rotting meat. Free dental care, free meal. But who was the first plover to try that? How was that arrangement arrived at? I want to shake that plover's hand. That took guts, even if it was on a dare.

UPDATE: Antagonist Jason has discovered that this photo is fake, and this instance of symbiosis with the crocodile is an ancient rumor, unsubstantiated by modern evidence.

(Images via: WarrenPhotographic, EnjoyFrance, AboutAustralia)

























Following that same line of thought, who was the first shrimp to venture in an eel's mouth? Perhaps we'll never know. Regardless, word has gotten around, and these shrimp congregate in droves at designated cleaning stations. Any creature with a mouth big enough is free to drop by for a clean, even if you're human.

(Images via: Nat.Geographic, AboutFish, DiveGallery, UWPhotos and ScienceBlogs)

























Last we have the infamous anglerfish, who has been swimming the depths of Ugly Overload for years now. Look at these photos and locate its symbiotic partner. Cant' find it? That's because it's in plain sight, and in the deep sea, it' the only thing in sight. It's the bioluminescent bacteria that reside within its angling lure. The fish get a lure, and the bacteria get a penthouse suite with a view.

(Images via: Wikipedia, EarthGuide, OceanExplorer and Nat.Geographic)

























But odd partnerships don't end there with the anglerfish:

to mate, a male angler bites a female, slowly dies and shrivels to a pair of gonads and is carried around by the female until she is ready to mate with his remains.

There are all sorts of social commentaries embedded in that little tale of procreation and relationships between the sexes. I'll leave it to you to sort it out.

Thanks for the links, Ida.

Pink Menace

Alexander Semenov is a Russian diver and scientist. He's also a masterful photographer. He's pointed me in the direction of his Flickr sets, and I'm eager to share. I'll be doing several posts on Alexander's work. He took these photos this past Summer while diving at the White Sea Biological Station of Moscow State University. Enjoy this first, very diminutive creature.

You're looking at a skeleton shrimp (Caprella linearis), most likely of the male persuasion, given its elongated head. They're too small to batter and fry, or to serve with cocktail sauce, so you'll only be able to take it in through your optic nerves. I doubt the shrimp minds.




































































In case you're wondering how he took these photos in the murky depths of the White Sea, here's how. Look at that setup! I need to go apply some rouge to my face to counterbalance the envy-green tinge it has just assumed.

Isopods in the Flesh

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.

Spiders of the Ocean World

If you want to do some pleasure reading, I recommend visiting HugeCrab.com for a bit. Lots o' pictures of large crabs, especially of the famed coconut crab.

The photos below (courtesy HugeCrab.com), highlight a point that several of you have made in the past. Crabs and their crunchy kin (shrimp, lobsters, etc.) are the insects and spiders of the ocean world. I try to evade that notion, but it keeps coming back to me. I'm afraid that one of two things are going to happen:

1) That my arachnophobia will ruin my beloved crab and shrimp meals

-or-

2) Every time I see a sizable spider scamper across the floor or wall, my mouth will start watering and I'll reach for a dipping bowl of warm garlic butter.

Either way, my world will become something less than what it is right now.

Poison Control

When you get the word 'horrible' officially attached to your name, you join the illustrious ranks of the likes of Hagar the Horrible and Dr. Horrible. But I don't think the Horrible Elbow Crab (Daldorfia horrida) is impressed (horrible elbow?).

These crustaceans are found all over the Pacific and Indian oceans. But don't be so quick to eat one, you Crab Feed goers, put away the warm butter and garlic. People have been poisoned by ingesting these crabs.

Sometimes, just sometimes, outward appearances can reflect what's inside. I don't want to be eaten, so here's a carapace, a pair of pincers, and a whole lotta spines to prove it. Still don't believe me? Go ahead, take a bite. Enjoy calling poison control.

You've got to respect an animal that can back up its bark.

Thanks for the article, Susannah.

Photo source: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore via National Geographic

Pistol Whipped

When fisherman Tim Bailey caught a pair of inch-long shrimp in the waters off Cornwall, UK, little did he know that he had made a rare discovery.

While transporting the shrimp to Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay, he kept hearing popping noises coming from the shrimps' container, as if someone were popping bubble wrap. Curator Matt Slater was able to identify the pair of shrimp as a species of pistol shrimp. It was a rare discovery, because these crustaceans are normally found in more tropical waters.

But what was that popping sound? They're pistol shrimp (yet another great name for a rock band). They are able to click their claws in such a way that they can emit a 218 decibel sound: louder than a Concorde jet or a sperm whale (or, dare I say, a pistol?).

Photo source: DailyMail.co.uk



















(I know, I know. The pistol shrimp isn't exactly ugly, but crustaceans don't usually qualify as cute, do they?)

They use that pistol crack to stun their prey, which normally consists of even smaller crustaceans and plankton. Once stunned (pistol whipped?), the prey are attacked by the shrimp. The curator eventually had to separate the pair of shrimp because they kept stunning each other. Can you imagine being a dad or a mom pistol shrimp and trying to keep your kids from constantly stunning each other? Oh, the chaos.

Pistol shrimp (of which there are 600 species) have been known to keep yachtsmen awake at night, as the yachtsmen try to sleep in their yachts, but can't because of all the popping going on beneath them. I feel so bad for you, Mr. Yachtsman. What with you having a fancy yacht and not being able to sleep on your fancy yacht. We each have our burdens to bear, don't we?

Thanks for the article, Liz.

Moving Forward

The spanner crab (Ranina ranina, or frog crab) is found along the west and east coasts of Australia, and elsewhere in the Indian Ocean. It's got something of a tick appearance going on (as Jelo pointed out -- thanks for the photos). They are rare among crabs in that they walk forward as opposed to sideways.

They prefer sandy beds where they lurk submerged in the sand so that they might snatch at passing hapless fish. They are also opportunistic eaters (as am I).

They often find themselves on the dinner plate, or in the dinner bowl. Jelo says that in his native Philippines, the spanner crab (called the curacha there) is used to make delicious stew, complete with lemon, garlic, and chili. Sounds fantastic.

This photo here reminds me of a sloth I posted on a couple of years ago. Never thought I'd draw that corollary.