Fish with transparent head

A Pacific Barreleye fish was discovered alive in the deep waters off California's central coast by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). It is the first specimen of its kind to be found with its soft transparent dome intact. 

The beady bits on the front of the Pacific barreleye fish aren't eyes but smell organs. The eyes are beneath the green domes, which may filter light. In this picture the eyes are pointing upward--to see prey above in the darkness of the barreleye's deep-sea home.  By watching live fish from a remotely operated vehicle and by bringing a barreleye to an aquarium for a study, the scientists discovered that the eyes can pivot, like a birdwatcher pointing a pair of binoculars.  The barreleye lives more than 2,000 feet (600 meters) beneath the ocean's surface, where there is little light.

You can read more on http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/02/photogalleries/fish-transparent-head-barreleye-picture/index.html

"Immortal" Jellyfish Swarm World's Oceans

I found another article on the National Geographic website today. The article is very interesting, as it talks about a potentially "Immortal" species of jellyfish.

I feel that if this species of jellyfish continues to multiply, this might mean trouble for the oceans, as there will be too many of this species. Apparently, they are able to transform from an adult back to a baby, and they are able to do it not only once, but over and over again! However, this is only an emergency measure.

There are specimens of these jellyfish all around the world, however, in different areas, they take different forms. Swarms living in the tropical waters have 8 tentacles, while those in temperate regions have 24 tentacles or more.

As interesting as these creatures are, I hope that they will not spread too fast to disrupt the ocean's ecosystem, as that would be disastrous. A problem like that would be difficult to solve.

To read the full article, please visit: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/01/090130-immortal-jellyfish-swarm.html