Plants flowering at the wrong time of year suggest the approach of a powerful wind. Dolphins inexplicably abandon the harbor. Familiar birds are suddenly nowhere to be seen. Such observations have been recounted by local fisherfolk and Native Americans as signs that a serious storm is on the way. W
Pineland Road and meant that we sprang into action post-storm immediately after the danger
Amblyraja radiata These cool-water skates have rounded diamond shaped pectoral disks with stout tails, usually muddy brown on top, and white underneath. They are named for the scattered thorny denticles along their spines, edges of pectoral fins, and tails, interspersed with smaller ‚prickles‘. T
Danger to Humans There is little danger associated with the thorny skate.
Sphyraena barracuda This long, tubular fish has a very pointed snout filled with two rows of teeth, and small fins set back towards its crescent caudal (tail) fin. It is a shiny blue-gray above, fading to silver and white below, usually with dark spots on its lower sides, and sometimes with faint
successful daytime ambush hunter that can burst in speeds up to 35 mph, and is a danger
Leucoraja erinacea These little skates have very rounded diamond-shaped pectoral discs that are dark brown or grey with cloudy splotches, and white to grey undersides. They grow to around 20 inches long, and have thorny spines on shoulders, tails, and backs–sometimes more or less thorns dependin
Danger to Humans There is little danger associated with the little skate.
Pterois volitans This Indo-Pacific reef fish has become an invasive species in the Western Atlantic with few or no predators. This almond-shaped fish is covered in red and white zebra striping, and has long, elaborate fins and venomous spines. They can grow to between 12 and 15 inches long, and p
eradicate the species has been enacted or recommended despite the enormous potential danger
Carcharhinus perezi This sturdy shark is abundant in the Caribbean, and because of its average features, is often confused with other requiem sharks. Usually growing 6.5 to 10 feet long, these are the apex predator of their food web. They have been found ’sleeping‘ in caves and on the ocean floor
Danger to Humans The Caribbean reef shark infrequently attacks humans.
A data citation and tracking tool created by Florida Museum of Natural History researchers has won second place in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility 2019 Ebbe Nielsen Challenge. Hannah Owens, Florida Museum courtesy scientist and former museum postdoctoral researcher, led a collaborati
Life on Earth Unique dove species is the dodo of the Caribbean and in similar danger
Mustelus californicus This small, slender shark has a pointed snout and large oval eyes, and triangular fins with a lobed, asymmetrical caudal (tail) fin. Brownish gray on top and fading to a light underbelly, they usually grow to 46 inches long, but some females have been measured at 64 inches.
Danger to Humans This small shark is considered harmless to humans.
Long before tourists arrived in the Bahamas, ancient visitors took up residence in this archipelago off Florida’s coast and left remains offering stark evidence that the arrival of humans can permanently change – and eliminate – life on what had been isolated islands. The unusual discovery of
Life on Earth Unique dove species is the dodo of the Caribbean and in similar danger
Nearly 100 fossil species pulled from a flooded cave in the Bahamas reveal a true story of persistence against all odds — at least until the time humans stepped foot on the islands. University of Florida researchers say the discovery, detailed in a study appearing in the Proceedings of the Na
Life on Earth Unique dove species is the dodo of the Caribbean and in similar danger
