Save Our Seas Foundation thought we would shed some light on this freaky fish making media headlines since its discovery on a beach near Cape Town, South Africa. Despite media reports of scientists being puzzled by this odd creature, it was quickly identified as a Rocksucker, or Chorisochismus dentex. Two Oceans Aquarium describes this peculiar looking creature as a ruler-length fish with a large suction pad under their bodies, which they use to cling to rocks enabling them to endure strong currents. They can be seen in rock pools at low tide and often sit upside down under rocky ledges. Rocksuckers are shaped like tadpoles with a wide, flattened head. They have no scales, but are covered with a coat of slime, making them very slippery. With two prominent front canines, they are able to remove limpets or mollusks from the rocks, which they then swallow whole! If the shell is small enough, it will be excreted whole, but if not, the fish will vomit it up. The ocean if full of weird and wonderful creatures and never ceases to amaze! Read the report here: allvoices/contributed-news/17012078-south-african-woman-finds-freak-fish-on-cape-town-beach In the pictures we have the Rocksucker in its natural, alive state, and the very different dead and dehydrated state.
Posted on: Tue, 06 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015