Photo: CDorobek Did you know that there is an island in the Bahamas that is populated almost entirely by pigs? It’s true! Pig Island, also known as Pig Beach, is home to a small community of feral pigs. These free roaming pigs are not opposed to taking dips in the ocean, and seem to enjoy
Fun Fact Friday: Fishing Pole Fish
(Photo by Theodore Pietsch) Did you know that some fish have a built-in “fishing pole” on the top of their head, that they use to lure in other fish? It’s true! Angler-fish are typically spiny or bony, with teeth that are angled inward, almost like a trap. They have a long appendage on the top
Fun Fact Friday: Meet Smeagol the Spider!
(MSc. Rafael Fonseca-Ferreira) Did you know that new species of daddy longlegs (Opiliones) has recently been discovered in Brazil, and that it’s named after Smeagol from Lord of the Rings? It’s true! This arachnid is no social butterfly! It’s a cave dweller, and it never ventures outside, so it’s safe to say that our long
Fun Fact Friday: Sharks
PHOTO CREDIT: TERRY GROSS Did you know that sharks don’t get cavities? It’s true! It’s Shark Week, the perfect time to highlight some fun facts about sharks! Shark teeth are actually coated in flouride. Some species of shark have a pecking order, and eat from smallest to largest. Sharks can track their prey by its
Fun Fact Friday: One Adorable Octopus
(Photo: MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM RESEARCH INSTITUTE) Did you know that scientists have recently discovered what they believe to be a new species of octopus, and it’s so cute that they’re seriously considering naming it Opisthoteuthis Adorabilis? It’s true! This adorable little lady, whose webbed tentacles make it appear almost as if she’s wearing a skirt,
Fun Fact Friday: First Warm-Blooded Fish Found
Did you know that scientists recently discovered the first known warm-blooded fish, and that it was under everyone’s noses all along? It’s true! The opah (also known by a variety of other names, including sunfish, moonfish, and kingfish) is a relatively common fish for deep sea fisherman to encounter, and is often sold in fish
Fun Fact Friday: The Greedo Fish
Just in case none of your friends happened greet you with the phrase, “May the Fourth be with you” this past Monday, May 4th was Star Wars Day! In honor of this occasion, it seemed like a good time for Fun Fact Friday to highlight a new scientific discovery, the “Greedo fish”, or Peckoltia greedoi.
Fun Fact Friday: Kermit’s Real World Twin
Did you know there’s a real frog that looks just like Kermit? It’s true! In Costa Rica, a new type of glass frog has been discovered that bears an uncanny resemblance to the bright green Muppet. The Hyalinobatrachium dianae has gone undiscovered for many years, but is quickly becoming one of the best known frogs
Fun Fact Friday: Presidential Pets
When it comes to presidential pets, most people have heard of Socks the cat, or Bo the dog, but did you know that Herbert Hoover had pet alligators at the White House? It’s true! Hoover’s son Allan had a pair of them, and reportedly they were free to roam the White House grounds. There have been
Fun Fact Friday: Buffalo Voting
Did you know that African buffalo herds actually vote on which direction they’re going to travel next? It’s true! You may have heard of “standing votes” in the House of Representatives, where the Chair will state “”As many as are in favor will rise and stand until counted.”. Female African buffalo instead hold a “sitting