Marine Life & Conservation
Frogfish: what do you know about them? (Watch Video)
The first in an exciting new series of blogs introducing some of the amazing marine life you can encounter at Magic Resorts in the Philippines…
Some interesting facts!
The Frogfish is an interesting creature, not only because of its name and appearance, but especially because of its abilities.
The squat sitting position of this special creature is the reason they are called ‘Frogfish’. Frogfish tend not to swim too often, however, when they do swim, they have an interesting swimming technique. They use their tail fin but to increase their speed, they will gulp water and propel it out through their gills to move forward. Although most species are poor swimmers, they are categorized as fish because of their gills and fins.
In some areas of the world this creature is called an Anglerfish, which will make more sense after reading this blog!
Frogfishes are characterized by their odd appearance. Honestly, did you notice you were staring at a frogfish the first time you saw one? Their camouflage skills are incredible! Frogfishes can adapt to simple backgrounds, but are also able to grow bumps, warts, hairs and flaps! That’s the reason it’s hard to identify them. Different species can look similar because of this ability. You might think you’re staring at a Painted Frogfish when it’s actually a Warty Frogfish. Simply amazing!
Furthermore, Frogfishes love to go fishing. Yes, a fish that goes fishing! They have their own fishing gear to catch their preys: they have a rod and a lure on their heads (the first of their dorsal spines). They normally find themselves a convenient spot, stay there and hunt. They are one of the best ambush predators of all fishes: they can catch a fish out of a school without the other fish noticing it!
With their ability to camouflage and adjust themselves to their environment, they can stay in the same spot for quite a while, keeping themselves safe from other predators!
So, calling them Anglerfish now makes more sense, right?
Some general facts!
- There are 47 different, acknowledged species of Frogfishes. Can you name them all?
- Frogfishes vary in size from 0.5 inch (the Randall’s Frogfish) to 20 inch (the Commerson’s/Giant Frogfish).
- Frogfishes can be found in many places: coral reefs, seagrass beds or a sandy bottom.
- The mouth of a frogfish can expand up to 12 times its original size and swallow a pray that’s twice as big as its own body!
Visit Magic Oceans Anda, Bohol and Magic Island Moalboal, Cebu… find out more at www.magicresorts.online.
The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!
Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants
The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.
The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.
Campaign Aims
- Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
- Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
- Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
- Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!
Donate, and double your impact. Click Here
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
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