ceescedasticity: skunkbear: Scientists at the Pacific Shark Research Center have discovered a new sp
ceescedasticity: skunkbear: Scientists at the Pacific Shark Research Center have discovered a new species of Lanternshark. The sharks give off a dim glow thanks to tiny organs in their skin called photophores. When seen from below, they blend in with the dim light that filters down to their dark hunting grounds from the ocean’s surface. In this context, glowing is actually an effective form of camouflage. Lanternsharks are incredibly sneaky predators. Researcher (and shark-discoverer) Vicky Vásquez was describing the sharks’ special power to her young cousins when they suggested the common name Ninja. Its scientific name Etmopterus benchleyi honors Peter Benchley, the author of the novel Jaws who became a vocal advocate for shark conservation. Image credits: Dr. Douglas J. Long/Dr. Ross Robertson/Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation NINJA SHARK -- source link