Posts Tagged ‘animals’

How To Experience Whale Watching With More Than Just Your Eyes

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

If you happen to be in Southern California, your gaze will undoubtedly wander towards the direction of the ocean. Past all of the human bodies catching some sun, while lounging on the beach, lives one of the most intriguing, majestic and massive animals that call the sea their home. The beauty and wonderment of these creatures can not be fully understood unless you witness it for yourself. Experiencing whales (or whale watching), for yourself, will not only be an adventure for the day. When you leave, you’re sure to take with you memories that will last a lifetime.

Imagine being able to be a part of one of the worlds most fascinating, underwater mammals, lives, if only for a day. When you’re this close to life under the surface, you might find it difficult to head back to shore. Many tours are given in places all over the world, but on most of these trips, you’re stuck up on top and are only able to see what’s going on when the whales decide to come up for air.

Some people dream of swimming right along side a whale, but no matter how trained you may be, accidents can still happen. Plus, many people believe that doing this is dangerous to both you and the whales. You may not be swimming freely alongside one of these majestic creatures, but when you’re below deck in the special area designed to see all sides of the world below, you might feel even closer to your dream.

A lot of tours have glass bottoms that allow you to see what’s going on right under your feet, but you can never be sure that you’re going to actually see what you want to see, swimming by. On this boat, you can see in every direction while being under the water. You can be sure, if you see them up top, you’re going to see them from below. It truly feels as if you’re a part of a totally different world.

You won’t just have the adventure of a lifetime, you’ll also get an education. The captain and the crew are there to teach, as well as lead the way into the great beyond and below. If and when the time ever comes where a dolphin or whale needs to be saved, these people are there to help.

Not only will you be able to see these amazing creatures closer than you may have ever thought possible, you’ll also be able to hear them. The voice of a whale, experienced up close and personal, is something that you are sure to never forget. Being able to see them below the water, doing what whales do, while listening to their songs, really can make you feel like you’re part of the family.

If you want to experience feeling the water on your skin, and happen to suffer from seasickness, there are nets around the boat that you are allowed to make yourself comfortable in. This is a perfect way to eliminate some of the dizziness that may happen from the motion of the boat, and you will be really close to the action above the water.

If you’re going to be traveling to Southern California, a whale watching trip could be just the thing to renew your spirit and your mind. Forget your land-legs for a while and experience what it might be like to live life under the waves above. Adventure is waiting, all you have to do is step on board.

Donald Smithe loves to write about whale watching in Southern California. These trips are great for people of all ages and is a great way to experience these amazing creatures up close and in their native habitat. Go to http://www.dolphinsafari.com for more information and to book a trip you won’t forget.

Sea Jellies in the Gulf of Mexico

Friday, March 11th, 2011

Sea jellies, also known as jellyfish, jellies or Medusozoa, are a form of marine life that can survive in both fresh and saltwater. They are free-swimming, meaning they do not swim with purpose in a particular direction, but rather they rely on ocean currents and the availability of prey. Jellyfish do not have a brain or central nervous system. Instead they detect touch by means of a network of nerves located in their epidermis. Some species have organs that are light sensitive and can even tell the difference between up and down. However, generally sea jellies are blind and instinctual only.

An ocean bloom or swarm is a huge congregation of jellyfish all brought together via ocean currents, increasing temperature, oxygen concentration and a large availability of prey. Because of their unique ability to thrive in oxygen-depleted waters, sea jellies thrive when other marine life cannot. Theses swarms can feed on plankton without any competition, furthering their populations. Rising ocean temperatures caused by global warming has seen the advent of more swarms than usual in ocean waters all over the world. It is important to note that ocean blooms draw jellyfish of all varieties, from the Portuguese Man O’War to the Box Jellyfish.

When ocean blooms occur near popular dive sites or beaches, they can adversely impact those who enter the water. With a huge increase in the number of jellies in the local waters, there will be an increase in stings on swimmers. When a person is stung by a sea jelly, millions of minute ’spikes’ from the tentacle pierce the skin and inject a venom. There are some jellyfish whose venom has no effect on humans, others cause a slight sting, while still others can cause acute pain. Some of the more infamous are the Box Jellyfish and the Irukandji.

The Irukandji jellyfish is deceptive in size. The ‘bell’ measures about .20 of an inch and the tentacles stretch as long as two and half feet. Its stingers are located all over the bell and the tentacles. These jellyfish have no color, are clear and extremely hard to spot. The actual sting from an Irukandji is not too bothersome, it is the effects of the venom that produce the most discomfort. Symptoms include sever muscle cramps in the limbs, back and kidney pain, burning sensations on the face, headache, sweating, vomiting, raised heart rate and blood pressure, and temporary dementia. Victims need hospitalization, however the treatment is only symptomatic. Irukandji are not typically found in the Gulf of Mexico. They are predominantly in the waters off all coasts of Australia.

The Portuguese Man O’War, also known as a Bluebottle, is not actually a jellyfish but is often referred to as such. It is actually colonial organism made up of millions of tiny individual creatures, all with a specific purpose and attached to each other. They are so integrated that they cannot survive without each other and therefore make up a perfect whole unit. Unlike the Irukandji, the Bluebottle is easier to spot in the water as its tentacles stretching down into the water are a bright blue. The bell head actually works like a bladder, keeping it afloat. Being stung by a Man O’War is a painful experience. The tentacles leave long red welts on the skin, and if they occur near a lymph node the pain can be more severe. Death as a result of Man O’War stings is rare, and usually related to a severe allergic reaction to the venom. Common jellyfish sting treatments such as vinegar or mustard are not recommended for Man O’War wounds. The Portuguese Man O’War can be found in the Gulf of California, in waters around Hawaii, the Mediterranean Sea and in the Gulf of Mexico.

The jellyfish (or jellyfish looking creatures) of the Gulf of Mexico are not as bad as the media will have everyone think. The deadliest species (Irukandji and Box Jellyfish) do not even live in those waters and the Bluebottle is easily spotted. So go swimming, go diving, go snorkeling – have fun!

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Sharks in the Gulf of Mexico

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

There are roughly 49 species of sharks living in and around the Gulf of Mexico. Many keep to the deep waters of the ocean floor, feeding on the creatures found at such depths. Other species frequent the mid-range depths, but prefer to stay far from shore where small prey is abundant. There are a few species of sharks who choose to hunt the waters close to land and can be a nuisance to humans. Here, we will take a respectful look at these sharks, their behavior and how to avoid meeting them.

Bull Shark

The Bull shark can also be referred to as the Zambezi shark and the Nicaragua shark. Bull sharks are very large, growing up to eleven feet in length – although females grow larger. They can weigh over 500 pounds, thus their given name as ‘bull’. Their bite force has been measured at 1250 pounds per square inch. They are common in shallow warm waters along coasts and in rivers. The most notable characteristic of the Bull shark is its ability to tolerate fresh water, accounting for its common presence in rivers. Typical behavior for a Bull shark is aggressive, erratic movements and unpredictable choices of food. They will eat almost any living thing, even venomous jellyfish normally deadly to marine life. The Bull shark does pose a threat to humans, mainly because it dwells in shallow waters and is territorial – killing anything that enters its territory. It is thought that Bull sharks are responsible for the Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916, which was the inspiration for Peter Benchley’s novel Jaws.

Great White Shark

The Great White Shark is also referred to as Great White, White Pointer, White Shark or White Death. Males measure about the same as Bull shark, eleven feet, but females have been documented at 16 feet. However there are reports of Great Whites being seen at a length of 20 feet. Their body is long and thick with a white belly. The teeth of the Great White are some of the largest in marine life, measuring up to six inches long. Adding to the immensity of their power is the bite force, documented at 4000 pounds per square inch by the University of South Wales in Australia. The one characteristic of the Great White that sets it apart from other large sharks is its habit of ’spy-hopping’ or lifting its head above the surface of the water. They do this regularly, possibly because of their very curious nature. The curiosity of Great Whites may be why they attack humans. Many biologists speculate that the Great White is simply ‘tasting’ the person to see if they provide enough energy (fat) for a meal. According to their biology, the Great White’s digestive system is not appropriate for digesting a human body as we contain too many bones. Any fatalities that occur as a result of a Great White attack are purely due to blood loss.

Tiger Shark

Tiger sharks are named as such for their markings when viewed from above. They can reach a length of up to 16 feet, but are typically around the ten foot range. Colors of Tiger sharks can cover quite a range, from blue to green to white or even a light yellow. Unlike other species of sharks, the Tiger shark has excellent eyesight. Their jaws are large and terminal, allowing for feeding on marine life such as sea turtles and whales. In fact, Tiger sharks have been documented as feeding on the dead carcasses of whales and other creatures. The Tiger is able to swim slowly, quietly and with their coloration can be very adept at catching unsuspecting prey. They like to frequent shallow waters, both in rivers and harbors. Hawaii has a lot of trouble with Tiger shark attacks, but in the Gulf of Mexico it is not so common – perhaps because of the presence of Bull sharks.

Considering the thousands of people frequenting the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico each year and the relatively low instances of shark attacks, it would be fair to say the chances of meeting one is rare. In any case, it would be prudent to avoid situations that could cause an encounter. For example, sharks like to hunt at dawn, dusk and during the night. Do not go in the water at those times. Sharks can smell and are attracted to human blood, urine and vomit so don’t go in the water if you have an open wound or need to relieve yourself. If you are in the water and you see a shark, exit the water quickly but calmly as they are attracted to sudden movements and commotion. If a shark attacks you, punch and poke the eyes and gills – those are sensitive areas. Sharks are not as bad as the media would have everyone believe, they just need to be respected and avoided.

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Jellyfish for Decorative Purposes

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

Jellyfish are also known jellies or sea jellies and it is a different marine organism like that of an octopus. Both have some unique similarities as they both are attractive, both have the capability to be poisonous whenever they are disturbed, but the jelly fish images are different from that of the octopus. There are about 1270 species which are the variants of jellyfish all over the world. They are seen in almost all the oceans that exist around the world. Medusa is the term given to an adult jelly fish.

The jelly fish can be seen on the surface as well as in the deep sea and appear in different shapes and sizes and it is this feature that is most appealing. The jelly fish images can never give the person an idea of how deadly its sting could be. Many such problems have occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, due to the attacks of jellyfish in this manner.

There are certain types of jellyfish which can sting and also destroy fishermen’s nets, poison and kill the fishes in the net and consume young fish and their eggs and so on. Sometimes, they even cause clogging of the entire coastal area and when you see the jelly fish images in books, they can look really attractive, though they are really venomous in nature. The jelly fish images are really deceptive and prove the adage ‘Appearances are deceptive’ true.

You can also use jellyfish as a decorative item in your home in the form of glass jellyfish paperweights. You can, of course, choose to keep them in tanks and aquariums too. This practice of creating glass jellyfish paperweights started sometime in the latter part of the 19th century. Many artists have made some beautiful products which look very realistic and have been created into paperweights. The idea of glass jellyfish paperweights helps us to conserve these very old living organisms in the form of a masterpiece and preserve them.

The glass jellyfish paperweights are generally made of blown glass and today, the artists are producing them with more customization and also using modern techniques. There are various types of glass jellyfish paperweights available and the type determines the price. Many of them are very artistically designed and these command a higher price. You can buy them for a few dollars, or alternatively, you could also pay many hundred dollars.

Learn more about the many and different types of jelly fish images that can be found all over the world. Visit Jellyfishfacts.net for more information on jelly fish images and don’t miss our collection of glass jellyfish paperweights.

Keeping Jellyfish as Pets

Friday, February 25th, 2011

There are many facts to be known and many important steps that one needs to take in order to make jellyfish your pets or keep them in a tank. You need to follow certain important steps and procedures if you are planning on making jellyfish your livelihood. An important aspect of the procedure is jellyfish filtration, before you can consider making them your pet. They are a very unique kind of organism and need a habitat made of concentrated silica.

The process of the jelly fish filtration involves many steps beginning with the designing of the tank. One has to select the jellyfish and then clean the inner surfaces of the tanks and also look to the pH concentration and its maintenance and so on. It is easier to get the tank customized so that all households can have a similar tank without any discrepancy. This process of jelly fish filtration has to be done in the right manner so that you can maintain originality in your livelihood of jellyfish.

The jellyfish supplement plays an important and integral role in this aspect as they are the key factors to hold the atmosphere suitable for the pet. This jellyfish supplement is done by brokers in the coastal regions. It is the job of a sub contactor as they collect the jellyfish from the fishermen for a cheaper rate and they sell it out to people requiring it for either decorative purposes or to keep as pet.

The jellyfish supplement is to be prepared after getting the exact dimensions of the tank for the fish, which can be obtained from designers. Whether the tank finally turns out beautiful and attractive will also depend on the position of the household, and hence, in this process of installation of the tanks, both the buyer and the seller play a vital role.

This jellyfish supplement has become easier and reliable with the advancement in the facility of the internet. The internet is used as a source to seek out the jellyfish suppliers. Especially for people owning websites for his business can gross profit to the maximum level. Today the simplicity of maintaining a business of jelly fish supplier has become quite easy and less complex especially to reach out to customers and for customers to identify sellers.

Interested in learning more about the jelly fish filtration? We recommend that you visit our website Jellyfishfacts.net. You can learn a lot about jelly fish filtration and jellyfish supplement.

Potatoes modified with Jellyfish

Friday, February 25th, 2011

There are about 200 varieties of jellyfish found in oceans throughout the world. The common question asked is ‘does people really eat jellyfish’? Different people have different tastes and hence some of us might find eating the jellyfish distasteful. People who have tasted it say that it feels like a rubber-band and is bland in taste. People of Japan, China and Korea find it to be a delicacy so it is after all a question of culture and acquiring a taste for it which answers the question ‘does people really eat jellyfish’.

By itself, the jellyfish is quite bland but it absorbs the seasoning very well bringing out a saucy flavor, when seasoned typically with hot chili, pepper and sesame seed oil and soy sauce. For people who want to know does people really eat jellyfish, therefore, the answer is that it is quite safe to eat it. In fact, some even consider it tasty and healthy to eat jellyfish.

Jelly fish potatoes are genetically engineered potatoes which glow when they are thirsty. This is a fluorescent green potato which helps to save agricultural costs and also tackles water shortage problems as it is very easy to overwater potatoes by watering too much or too often.

It can be used by farmers to gauge when the crops need water by reading the fluorescence of these specially engineered jellyfish potatoes instead of the farmer just making a guess, thus saving money, saving water and also prevent nutrients from leaking from the soil. Overwatering potatoes can result in nitrates of the soil and the potatoes to run off into the water tables which are inaccessible to the plant.

A gene is taken from the luminous jellyfish which has a natural green glow, and this is implanted into the potato to make it a jellyfish potatoes. Upon need of water, this jellyfish potato starts preserving the water and triggers a process of glowing inside. By placing them at strategic points throughout the field, the farmer can use these jellyfish potatoes as a signal and remove them before harvesting the crops.

Looking to learn more about do people really eat jellyfish? Don’t miss Jellyfishfacts.net and be sure to check out our collection of jellyfish potatoes.

Jelly Fish Types – the Invasive kind

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

The upside down jelly fish is also known scientifically as Cassiopeia xamachana and is more often seen in the southern Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and also in other tropical seas. It dwells in shallow waters or also in mangrove swamps feeding on the food produced by the symbiotic algae that live in the body tissues and also on planktons. The food given to the upside down jelly fish in zoos is zoo planktons, and marine invertebrates.

Other specific features of upside down jelly fish regarding the size is that they can reach a diameter of 12 to 14 inches. Their reproduction is done in sexual manner in one part of their life and asexually in another part. They have a glowing appearance in the dark and contain symbiotic golden algae. On the outside, they have lacy frilly ruffles.

The upside down jelly fish has many mini mouths ranging up to forty and the major part of their body is made of water which forms up to 95 percent, with the rest consisting of salt and protein matter. It is usually seen at the water bottom and could be taken for a sea anemone. It stings very rarely and even this is not very poisonous. Oxygen is produced by the symbiotic algae within its body and this enables it to survive even in water with less oxygen in it.

The white spotted jelly fish invasive species mainly feeds on snail species and is usually found in southwestern Pacific. The largest size to be recorded is 28 inches, though their average size is 17 to 19 inches bell size. They are not very venomous and hence not a threat to humans. Its sting is quite mild and can be cured with vinegar or salt water.

The white spotted jelly fish invasive species is, however, a threat to the marine species and is called an invasive species, as it eats up the larvae and eggs of important fish species and also the planktons. This fish consumes about 13,200 gallons of sea water and absorbs the planktons depriving the other inhabitant species of their food. This invasive species is a real threat to various types of shrimps.

Do you want to learn more about the many types of upside down jellyfish that exist? Check out Jellyfishfacts.net and learn more about upside down jellyfish by viewing our great selection of white spotted jellyfish invasive species.

Dried form of blue bottle jelly fish

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

The unique form of jelly fish called the blue bottle jelly fish is seen in the waters of the coastal Australia and New Zealand. This fish can be quite fatal to humans at times and goes by another name ‘Portuguese-man-o-war’ as it is similar in appearance to a Portuguese battle ship with its sail. As the name signifies, it is blue in color and the various parts of its body are capable of performing different functions.

One part of the blue bottle jellyfish consists of stinging tentacles whereas the other part of the body in engaged in the feeding tentacles etc. The organism is not a single unit as it is made up of zooids. Zooids get amalgamated to form the physical appearance of this unique jelly fish. They usually feed on smaller fish and other tiny organisms that live underwater and which are caught in its tentacles.

The blue bottle jellyfish is extremely dangerous when it comes in contact with man. They consider it as a danger and their attack is usually in self defense. The sting can be quite painful and to a certain extent fatal too. It causes severe allergy but there are chances of causing death as venom is released by it. The tentacles have the capability to release venom even after hours of detachment from the human body. The best way to save life is to wash the area stung by jellyfish by cold water.

The dried form of the jelly fish is known as goi sua. This jelly fish is part of the diet of the people of Vietnam. They have developed a customary dish using goi sua with ham, shallot, cucumber, peanuts, shrimp, salt, fish sauce, coriander, pepper. This ingredient makes up a healthy dish using the dried jellyfish. Now it has been preferred all over the world.

Non-vegetarians love the above form of goi sua, but if you are a vegetarian, you could add some vegetables to it with the use of carrots and cabbage and eat goi sua. Additional nutrients and proteins are gained in this way as the food combines both marine and plant eating animals.

Do you want to learn more about the many types of blue bottle jellyfish that exist? Check out Jellyfishfacts.net and learn more about blue bottle jellyfish by viewing our great selection of goi sua.

Jellyfish facts – Keep as pets

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

On the western and eastern coasts of North America in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, is to be found the sea nettle jelly fish or Chrysaora. It generally has its body covered in white dots and reddish-brown stripes and seems saucer-shaped. Its four oral arms are present on the underside of the body and all along the outer edge it has tentacles a few feet long.

These tentacles have nematocysts all along it which are rather like capsules and are barbed throughout. It contains toxins that can paralyze the victim. When the sea nettle touches anything hard, the pressure on the tentacles activates the nematocysts and the powerful venom gets injected into the foreign body. This is how the sea nettle jellyfish gets its prey for food.

Even when the sea nettle jelly fish comes in contact with a very big predator, it uses the same method to paralyze it, whereas the smaller prey can easily get killed by the poison. Even on humans, the effect of the sea nettle jelly fish sting is quite severe at times. It usually creates a rash which can burn and prove quite painful. The allergy could also get serious at time. But it is to be noted that the sea nettle jelly fish does not systematically attack a human being. One should not enter into its habitat, as it stings humans as a part of its survival mechanism and nothing else.

Many people love to have exotic pets and may not be satisfied with their goldfish. Many people now want to buy jellyfish to keep in their fish tank. Of course, you can always collect the jellyfish in oceans but you can even buy them from online pet stores which have plenty of stock.

At online stores, there are many kinds of jellyfish available and you can also select appropriate accessories for the fish tank once you buy jelly fish. You can even select different types of aquariums, but before you buy jellyfish, you must ensure the perfect environment that suits your pet.

Do you want to learn more about the sea nettle jellyfish? Be sure to check out Jellyfishfacts.net for more information on sea nettle jellyfish. Don’t miss the buy jelly fish section either!

Suppliers of Jellyfish Tanks

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Down the ages, it has been seen that people have always been having some kind of pets such as dogs and sometimes even snakes as pets. It is common these days to find that many people opt to keep the very attractive jelly fish as their pets. It is quite easy to install in your house as the space occupied is minimal and they look very attractive. You can have a wide range of jellyfish tank homemade to choose from.

The jelly fish tank homemade models always have the option of customizing it as if can be kept for the needs and wants of the people at home. This concept reduces the unwanted wastage of money which is being put as part of decoration, design and establishment. Tanks can be kept even on table tops, room corners, entry points, showcase etc. The avenue for new market has been opened up because of this homemade tank or aquarium concept.

Once the tanks are ready problems can arise as to sourcing it and the person who supplies the jelly fish for the tank. As jelly fishes are mostly sea borne and habitat of salt water its survival matters the most when it comes to a home environment. Therefore, the tank jelly fish supplier has to be sourced for this issue. Their involvement is mandatory when designing the tank for home.

This tank jelly fish supplier can give in the ideas regarding the type of jelly fish that can be kept at home, the size and stability of the fish tank etc. This personality makes an impact in purchase decisions of jelly fishes at home. The installation of jellyfish tank is not as easy as it is said to be. Addition of gravel, filter, pH level maintenance matters a lot in this aspect.

It is easy to connect with the tank jelly fish supplier as they are easily available at various websites or you can even do so personally. In some cases, a tank jelly fish supplier can also design your tank and in this case a double purpose could be served. You can use the internet very effectively for such purposes. Having such a pet in the house could bring you a lot of peace and tranquility in the house and a jellyfish would be ideal to create such a situation.

Do you want to learn more about the jellyfish tank homemade? Be sure to check out Jellyfishfacts.net for more information on jellyfish tank homemade. Don’t miss the tank jelly fish supplier section either!