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by Jill Robinson
Mon, September 10, 2007, 3:00 am PDT

Have you heard about the one that got away? You know, that record-breaking fish your uncle caught last summer? Uh huh. There are probably as many unbelievable fish stories as there are fins in the sea. Though the 27 aquatic beauties featured here are all very real, there's a slim to zero chance they'll ever wind up at the end of your line. But that shouldn't stop you from taking a gander at what's below the watery surface. From the cute axolotl to the creepy predatory snaggletooth, the bulldog-like stargazer to the fantastical "Dumbo" octopus, and the elegant leafy sea dragon to the lumpfish with a face only its mother could love—these real-life animals are awe-inspiring. If they bring out the angler in you, check out the parent site, Bounty Fishing Blog, where you can sign up for fishing tournaments and give your uncle a little friendly competition.

Filed under: Animals, Marine Life

by Molly McCall
Wed, October 18, 2006, 3:00 am PDT

When he arrived in Monterey, the white shark weighed 104 pounds and stretched 5 feet and 8 inches from snout to tail. Since then, he seems to have adjusted to his posh digs (a million-gallon Outer Bay exhibit), his feeding schedule (frequent and fishy), and the throngs of fans checking out his fine self. For those who can't travel to California to see the young star, the Monterey Bay Aquarium's site offers two mesmerizing webcams that allow you to virtually press your nose to the tank and gape. Watch as that sleek shark body swishes back and forth—it's nearly impossible not to shiver at the sight. Once you've feasted on the vision, give the podcast series a listen to hear about the formidable creature's capture and care, as well as the goings-on of his cohorts at the aquatic zoo.

Filed under: Animals, Sharks, Marine Life

by Marty Gabel
Sat, April 15, 2006, 3:00 am PDT

Remember all those news stories about the giant squid? Of course you do, and maybe you were one of those types who couldn't get enough. Today's Pick brims over with more squid than you can possibly handle. Whether they're attempting to attack and eat grown men, emitting an "eerie blue glow" in Japan's Toyama Bay, ruining vacations, or hauling huge pouches of eggs, the tentacled monsters seem to have us surrounded —and not just in the water. They're appearing on squid T-shirts, knitted replicas, and even weirdly homoerotic paintings. So come join the cephalopod celebration, because by the looks of things, they're our masters now.

Filed under: Animals, Blogs, Marine Life

Thu, October 21, 2004, 3:00 am PDT

Dolphins have always had a lot of admirers, and it's not difficult to see why. They have a nice smile, they're highly intelligent, and they're natural entertainers. Heck, most people can't boast that. This site from PBS explores the mammal's history and language. Visitors will not only learn the reasons behind the dolphin's tendency to help people in trouble, but also discover the secrets of the distinctive dolphin squeak -- a language that allows them to communicate and coordinate their movements deep in the ocean. The site goes on to ask tough questions about the ethics of using dolphins for our entertainment and explores the relationship we have with captive dolphins. Are they our partners or our prisoners? Take a hard look and decide for yourself.

Filed under: Animals, Marine Life

Mon, April 19, 2004, 3:00 am PDT

We have all experienced a museum exhibit that admirably tries (but usually fails) to get us excited about things that, well, aren't very exciting. Five minutes of staring at prehistoric rocks or the official dinnerware of Buckingham Palace and you'd probably rather be somewhere (anywhere!) else. Not so at the Monterey Bay Aquarium -- they've launched a smashing new shark exhibit. If your experience with the killer fish is limited to Jaws flicks and San Jose hockey, you'll want to sink your teeth in and bite off all you can chew. Visitors to the site can explore the deep sea, get up close with the deadly creatures, and even watch a live "shark cam" -- all from the safety of their dry desks. The site also offers practical tips on how you can help ensure the sharks' survival in the face of increased commercial fishing. Jump in and check it out. (Protective diving cage not included.)

Filed under: Animals, Sharks, Marine Life

Tue, September 02, 2003, 3:00 am PDT

This site is part of the larger Nature Network, a labor of love inspired by Dr. Paul Spong, the man who established OrcaLab in 1970. The idea of OrcaLive is to relay live imagery and sound from cameras set up in the big, blue beyond. This site features webcams and underwater microphones placed off of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, allowing you to observe the movements of orcas using RealPlayer (300K or 56K). If the whales don't cross the path of the webcam while you're watching, check out the highlights from years past, thrilling moments that are sure to delight. Next, drop by the OrcaLab and learn about the day-to-day activities at the observatory. And finally, visit Hanson Island, home to OrcaLive and bursting with geographical and orca-related information.

Filed under: Animals, Marine Life


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