[I’ve got to hand it to this dude. He shows up, lends his voice, and makes things seem amazing. Here are a couple of recent examples. SB SM]
Strangler Fig Tree (genus Ficus): One of the most remarkable hemiepiphytes is the towering strangler fig tree which starts life as a tiny seed in the canopy of a random tree. The roots grow down to the forest floor where they take root and begin to take nutrients from the soil. Gradually the roots wrap around the host tree, widen, and slowly form a lattice work that surrounds the host’s trunk. The fig’s crown grows foliage which soon overshadows the tree. Eventually, the host tree dies leaving the fig with a hollow trunk which is easily climbed thanks to the many openings in the trunk. Figs sometimes help anchor tropical trees during bad storms and are often the only tree species remaining after forest clearing, since their knotted and twisted wood is shunned by loggers. Photo taken by Fred Breglia in Nanning, Guangxi, China.
The blue hairy frogfish, scientifically known as Antennarius striatus, is an intriguing species renowned for its remarkable appearance and unique behaviors. Characterized by its distinctive, hair-like skin filaments, the blue hairy frogfish boasts a variety of colors, including blue, yellow, brown, and green. This remarkable coloration, coupled with its textured skin, allows it to blend seamlessly into its environment, making it a master of camouflage.
Typically inhabiting tropical and subtropical waters, blue hairy frogfish are often found on coral reefs or amidst rubble and debris on the ocean floor. Their hunting strategy is as fascinating as their appearance. As ambush predators, they use a specialized lure called an esca, which mimics the appearance and movement of small prey like worms or shrimp. This deceptive lure attracts unsuspecting prey, which the frogfish then quickly engulf with its large, extendable mouth.
Unlike most fish, frogfish are not adept swimmers. Instead, they “walk” along the ocean floor using their pectoral fins, which function much like legs. This unique mode of locomotion, combined with their ability to change color to match their surroundings, makes them nearly invisible to both predators and prey. The blue hairy frogfish is a perfect example of nature’s ingenuity, showcasing an extraordinary blend of adaptation and survival strategies.