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Monday, 16 December 2024

Moray Eels


 Moray Eels: Fascinating Predators of the Ocean


Moray eels look like snakes, but they are actually a type of fish. They live in narrow crevices. They are not completely snake-like. They have no scales on their body and possess a dorsal fin that runs the length of their back, joining with their caudal and anal fins. Moray eels have very poor vision and rely primarily on chemoreception to catch prey. They even have very visible nostrils.  


Many species of moray eels have large, pointy teeth, which they use to grab fish. Some, like the snowflake moray, have blunt teeth to help them crush shells, while others, like the leopard moray, have sharp, glass-like teeth. Morays have two sets of jaws: the main oral jaws with large teeth and a second set called pharyngeal jaws. These pharyngeal jaws are located in their throat and shoot forward to pull prey down when caught in the main jaws. This makes moray eels the only animal known to use this method of catching prey.  


Morays are mainly ambush hunters, waiting for prey to swim close. However, this can cause water displacement, potentially scaring prey away. To solve this, they have openings near their mouths that allow water to pass through quietly. Besides ambushing, some morays also chase their prey. Giant morays have been observed teaming up with groupers for hunting. The grouper signals the moray by shaking its head, and together they hunt collaboratively.  


Most moray species are covered in mucus, which protects them from sharp rocks and coral. Some even produce toxic mucus. Different types of morays have distinct features. For example, ribbon eels, which might belong to the moray family, have long nostrils to attract prey. They start as males and transition to females as they age, changing color during this process.  


The largest moray eel, the giant moray, can reach up to 2.5 meters in length and weigh as much as 30 kilograms. The smallest, Snyder’s moray, is only about 12 centimeters long. While morays mainly live in saltwater, they can sometimes be found in brackish or freshwater. In an amazing display of flexibility, morays can even tie themselves into knots to pull prey out from crevices.  


📝 Sahan Sandeepa  

      2nd Year (21/22)


#morayeel 

#AQUATICS

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Wednesday, 4 December 2024

Wildlife conservation day


 Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting, preserving, and managing wild species and their habitats to ensure their survival and maintain ecological balance.


✨Wildlife conservation day, observed annually on December 4th, serves as a global reminder of the importance of protecting the Earth's wildlife and their habitats. It emphasizes the need to combat the threats posed by habitat destruction, climate change, poaching illegal wildlife trade, and other human - induced pressures that endanger countless species.


✨ This day was established to raise awareness about the critical role wildlife plays in maintaining ecological balance and supporting global biodiversity. It also seeks to inspire individuals, communities, governments and organizations to take proactive steps toward sustainable practices and conservation efforts.  


 Caption by - Tharaka Nimsara 

Designed by - Dulani Anjula


#WILDLIFECONSERVATION

#AQUATICS

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Monday, 2 December 2024

Water Has Memory!!


 Water Has Memory!!


What if water could "remember" interactions and respond to emotions or thoughts? The Japanese researcher Dr. Masaru Emoto discovered this mesmerizing idea through a series of experiments that remain a source of wonder.


In 1994, Dr. Emoto conducted an uncommon experiment to test water’s sensitivity to thoughts, words, and emotions. He started with tap water, freezing a few drops and examining them under a microscope. Surprisingly, he observed that these samples did not produce crystal structures. However, water collected from more natural sources like rivers and lakes from rural areas, exhibited beautiful and unique crystalline patterns when frozen. 


Emoto took his research a step further, labeling bottles of water with positive words like “love” or “gratitude,” while labeling other bottles with negative words like “hate.” He even exposed some water samples to classical music and others to emotionally charged words or positive messages. He then froze all the water samples, photographing the resulting crystals. His findings were astonishing. Water exposed to positive stimuli which are positive words, music, or even prayers showed beautiful symmetrical crystals that look like snowflakes, while water exposed to negative words formed distorted, asymmetrical, chaotic structures.


Even if Emoto’s research cannot be universally validated, his experiments still offer a huge metaphor: just as water may be shaped by its environment, humans, too, are shaped by words and emotions. In a sense, we are like water. When exposed to negativity, we might become “asymmetrical” and disordered, but positive reinforcement can bring out our best, helping us grow and mature.


If water, a simple substance, could "remember" and react to its environment, what does that say about us, beings made mostly of water? Can our interactions impact us at a fundamental level? Though, Emoto’s theories are scientifically controversial, his work subtly reminds us to be mindful of the energy we bring to our environments for our well-being.


There’s another thought-provoking metaphor in this story. Water that doesn’t move becomes stagnant. In our lives, too, when we stop growing, challenging ourselves, and embracing change, we risk becoming "stuck." Just as a river keeps flowing to stay fresh, we have to keep exploring, learning, and interacting to remain vibrant and adaptable.


Whether or not anyone believes that water has memory, Emoto’s work provides a beautiful, albeit speculative, lens through which to view ourselves and our surroundings. It reminds us of the influence of thoughts and words, not only on others but also on ourselves. As members of the Aquatic Students’ Association, let’s remember to flow with curiosity, stay open to new ideas, and never let yourself become stagnant. After all, we are water, malleable, resilient, and full of possibility.    

                

Minary Senarath 

1st year (22/23)

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