How big are the larvae of Acanthurus bahianus?
Upon hatching, the larvae are kite-shaped with an elongate snout and a small terminal mouth. Falling prey to larger fish and other marine animals, larvae are often found in the stomachs of tuna. Transformation to the juvenile stage occurs at approximately 23-33m in length corresponding to following a 42-68 day pelagic larval phase.
Where did the Acanthurus bahianus get its name?
The ocean surgeon was originally described as Acanthurus bahianus (Castelnau 1855) from a specimen collected off Brazil. This name currently remains the valid scientific name for this species.
What kind of color is the dorsal fin of Acanthurus?
The dorsal fin has a blue margin and alternating bands of orange and bluish green. The anal fin is similarly colored but with fewer less obvious bands. The caudal fin is olive to brown changing abruptly to white or paler at the base with a bluish white posterior margin.
Where are Acanthurus found in the Atlantic Ocean?
The member of the Acanthuridae resides in the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts (US) and Bermuda, south to the Gulf of Mexico (except the northeastern region where it is apparently replaced by Acanthurus randalli ), and Brazil. In the eastern Atlantic basin, it is found off Ascension and St. Helena Islands off Angola.
What kind of noises does a goanna make?
A goanna is a rather swift mover, and when pressed, sprints short distances on its hind legs. Goannas also rear up when threatened, either chased or cornered, and also inflate flaps of skin around their throats and emit harsh hissing noises.
How many species of goannas are there in Australia?
A goanna is any of several Australian monitor lizards of the genus Varanus, as well as certain species from Southeast Asia. Around 30 species of goanna are known, 25 of which are found in Australia. This varied group of carnivorous reptiles ranges greatly in size and fills several ecological niches.
Is it true that goannas are venomous lizards?
There is a growing debate on whether goannas are venomous. The incessant bleeding caused by goanna bites had been thought to be the result of bacterial infection, but a 2005 study suggests monitor lizards (including goannas) are venomous and have oral toxin-producing glands.
Is the tail of a goanna dangerous to a dog?
The goanna’s hefty tail can be dangerous when swung, much like a crocodile’s tail; small children and dogs have been knocked down by such attacks. Often, victims in goanna attacks are bystanders, watching the person antagonising the goanna.
