Aluterus schoepfii Despite its name, the orange filefish displays a variety of colors and patterns from olive-gray to rich orange to soft white, and from light freckling to complex blotchy patterns. It has a tall, oval, flat body with a small mouth, narrow caudal fin, and short, soft continuous d
The females lay demersal eggs in safe areas such as a depression in the sand, then
Rhinoptera bonasus This unique ray is dark brown to golden brown on top, and white below, with a stout body and triangular ‚wings‘. The distinct lobes on the front edge give it the name cownose, and the long sturdy tail has one or two serrated spines with mild venom. Their tile-like teeth are ide
through the gills and away from the area to create a central steep-sided cavity depression
Monacanthus ciliatus Filefish are flat oval-shaped fish that can escape predators by hiding in a crevice and extending the spines at the top of their heads to firmly wedge themselves into the space. The fringed filefish has an extendable „dewlap“ under its belly that makes it appear larger if nee
The females lay demersal eggs in safe areas such as a depression in the sand, then
The Calusa Indians were one of the most prolific Native American groups in North America. When the Spanish visited southwest Florida in the 1500s, they encountered the highly sophisticated Calusa who developed a complex political economy based on not agriculture like other groups at the time – but r
environmental stressors such as fluctuations in sea level, drought, and resource depression
Aluterus scriptus This lagoon or reef fish has an elongated oval, flat body, with a small, upturned mouth and weak fins. It is a plain gray or brown color with bright, irregular blue lines and black spots. When threatened, it hides in a crevice and extends the large spine on its head and the smal
The females lay demersal eggs in safe areas such as a depression in the sand, then
Tapirus polkensis Quick Facts Common Name: Olsen’s dwarf tapir This is the smallest known member of the genus Tapirus. Other „dwarf“ tapirs are known from Europe but are apparently not closely related to Tapirus polkenesis. It is the most abundant mammal at the Gray Fossil Site in eas
broad, flap-like posterior process on the lacrimal bone, and an extensive, deep depression
The influence of climate change can already be seen in many extreme weather events, including hurricanes. Earth’s strongest storms are changing, increasing their destructive potential. Researchers continue to study satellite data and model predictions to understand what changes we will see in a futu
Wild Winds Tropical cyclones are categorized according to wind speed: Tropical Depression
Centroscymnus coelolepis This small, stout, deep-water shark has small fins set far back towards its asymmetrical caudal (tail) fin. It is a blackish-brown color, with large eyes and mouth. Size can reach a maximum of 120 cm (3.9 ft), but they tend to be found at depths greater than 400 m (1312 f
Adult denticles also have a depression in the middle and are clearly visible (Castro
Isistius brasiliensis This small, cigar-shaped shark is dark brown on top and light on the underside, with a darker band around its neck. The light underside glows, attracting fish, whales, and sharks. It attaches itself to the prey and uses its serrated bottom teeth to cut out a perfectly circul
Dermal Denticles The denticles are roughly square-shaped with a depression in the
Cormohipparion ingenuum Quick Facts Common Name: Noble Hipparion Cormohipparion ingenuum was the first species of horse to be named from Florida. Given its long, narrow muzzle and relatively short-crowned teeth, Cormohipparion ingenuum most likely fed on a mix of browse and green, fresh gr
mandibular symphysis, lower cheek teeth, and development of the facial fossa, a depression
