The Tropical Seas
The Mediterranean and Tropical Atlantic
This very productive area of warm ocean has a range of notable creatures.
Geluchart, rather confusing to look at, with equally confusing nomenclature. This species of flatfish has developed many limb-like extensions of its fins, allowing it to crawl about in shallow water and within the littoral zone.50cm long, 3.2 kilograms. Pleuronectiformes.
Golden Fleece, Aureum vellus. A kind of bearded mussel as long as a man's thumb. Much sought after for its abundant byssal fibers, which can be woven into attractive and uncommonly durable textiles. Up to 10cm shell length. Mytilidae.
Telchines, Telkhines, this littoral relative of the Merfolk is common around isolated large islands in the Mediterranean. It usually forages on the shore and in the shallows, out to a depth of about 10 meters. Omnivores with a preference for meaty invertebrates and slow-moving fish, they are generally territorial and have a reputation as aggressive and subhuman. 1.4 meters tall, up to 45 kilograms in weight, Cercopithecoidea.
Zitiron are a fish of an extremely ancient Devonian pedigree, with a heavily armoured front end. They feed mainly on the sea floor, on soft-bodied invertebrates and various kinds of seaweed. 2.5 meters long, 130 kilograms. Bothriolepidae.
Icthyocentaurs are a common kind of large marine primate. They forage in near shore waters for various seaweeds and meaty invertebrates, slow-swimming fish are also taken. 2.5 meters long, 120 kilograms. Cercopithecoidea.
Ketos are the most feared sea monster in all of the Mediterranean, though they range well into the tropical Atlantic. They have the ravenous hunger of a shark and the cold malice of a snake. Their serrated profile is distinctive. 10 meters long, 10 tons. Mosasauridae.
Trebius, Trebeus, Trebius Niger. This species of shark-sucker is common in the Mediterranean, being notable for its pointed, projecting chin. It usually adheres to ships, sharks or cetaceans, and is able to change color from dark to light in order to become less conspicuous. Unlike other ramoras, they sometimes actively compete over space, tussling with the tips of their chins. 31 centimeters long on average. Echeneidae.
Cahab, Caab. This unusual amphibious species is related to elephants, and in the Mediterranean takes the niche elsewhere taken by Dugongs and Manatees, though it does range into the coasts of the Iberian Peninsula. Indeed, it can trace its lineage back to ancestral elephants that inhabited the mouth of the Nile in the Eocene. 3.5 meters long, 2.6 tons maximum. Moeritheriidae.
Charybdis, Khárybdis. An enormous kind of bottom-dwelling angel shark, capable of engulfing seals, large fish and even unwary humans. Its ferocity and suction-based method of feeding have led to it being associated with marine whirlpools in local folklore. Up to 9.5 meters long and 6.5 tonnes in weight. Squatinidae.
Scylla, Skýlla. The largest species of moray eel known to exist, being relatively common in the Mediterranean Sea. Known to inhabit crevices and rocky straits in groups of 5 or 6, they are commonly found entwined close together in rocky shelters, leading some to mistake them for fearsome, multi-headed monsters. Up to 10 meters in length and 3 tons in weight when well fed. Muraenidae.
Ayia Napa Sea Monster, Filiko Teras. This marine saurian is common in the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic waters around the Strait of Gibraltar. Being relatively conservative in size and feeding solely on fish and squid, its inquisitive and inoffensive nature have led to it being viewed favorably by many coastal towns, most prominently in Cyprus. 4 meters long, 200 kilograms. Halisaurini.
Capricorn, Satyr-fish, Suhurmasu, are elusive but rather ornate sharks which pose little threat to humans. These medium-sized sharks feed mainly on fish and squid, and are generally shy. Their horns give a distinctive, goat-like profile. 3 meters long, 90 kilograms. Hybodontidae.
Phorcys, attributed as a primordial sea-god by the Greeks, this creature is in fact a kind of primitive arthropod, with a lineage going back to the Cambrian. Known mainly to inhabit deeper Mediterranean waters away from the surface, it feeds abundantly on other invertebrates such as crabs, lobsters and octopus. 3.2 meters long, 180 kilograms. Radiodonta.
Ozeana, Stink Polyp, Musk Polyp, this oversized sea-anemone is notorious for its dangerous sting, which may be strong enough to stun or kill a man. It is also notable for producing a slimy coating which possesses a strong odor, that in its natural element is used to attract prey. 1.8 meters wide at the base, 2 meters tall maximum, 90 kilograms. Actinioidea.
Gambo are more unusual than they seem, the last of an ancient lineage that lived alongside the dinosaurs. These dolphin-shaped reptiles usually frequent warm near shore waters to a depth of 100 meters. 4.6 meters long 170 kilograms. Champsosauridae.
Ambize, Ambisiangulo, Ambize Angulo. An aquatic grazer of the coastal waters and estuaries of West Africa, including the mouths of the Congo and Zaire rivers. A primitive kind of Sea Cow, it greatly resembles one in habits, and will even drag itself onto shore in order to feed on land plants, as well as commonly eating seaweed, sea-grass and other aquatic vegetation. 2.1 meters long 210kg. Protosirenidae.
Truckfish, this enormous wrasse is a close cousin to the Napoleon Wrasse, but is considerably larger and more heavy. 3.6 meters long, 4 tons maximum. Labridae.
Orabou is a kind of crocodile which has a short face and large teeth. It feeds mainly in the shallows, on fish, seabirds and crabs. It is found mainly in the Red Sea, in particular the shallower parts. 3 meters long, 170 kilograms. Crocodylidae.
Stella is a kind of starfish as large as a person’s hand. It secretes toxic mucus as a defence; this substance causes a severe burning sensation and a rash when handled. 17 centimetres across. Asteriidae.
Sea cock/Sea hen. This large rail is common in coastal marshes, estuaries, beaches and shallow sea. It is an omnivore which feeds abundantly by combing the beaches and shallows for seaweed, crabs, worms and stranded fish. 50 centimetres tall, 1.5 kilograms. Rallidae.
Sea Bee, these small sea-catfish are fairly common in the reefs of the tropical Mediterranean. A sting from their dorsal-fin spine is extremely painful, but not usually fatal. Their sides bear an alternating pattern of silvery-yellow and dark black bands, as warning colors. 25 centimetres long. Ariidae.
Ahuna, this oversized puffer is relatively common in the Mediterranean, and is sometimes hunted for the oil which is contained in its liver and body fat. As with all puffers, it inflates its body to a corpulent shape when alarmed. 1.6 meters long, 55 kilograms. Tetraodontidae.
Vergiliales, a small, durophagous kind of primitive shark. It is notable for being covered in spine-like denticles which make it look as if covered with nails. In October, they undertake courtship and lay a series of large, leathery-shelled egg-cases in river-mouths. 45 centimeters long, 1.5 kilograms. Hybodontiformes.
Aphorus, a tiny kind of goby found in sheltered nearshore waters. Notorious as one of the very smallest fish, too small to be caught by a baited hook. Maximum length 1.5 centimeters, 2 milligrams in weight. Oxudercidae
Albirez, a large kind of trunkfish found in the Mediterranean. Its bony bodily armor is so hard and tough that Roman soldiers would once fashion this outer cuirass into a cap to be worn underneath their helmets, to deflect blows to the head. 33 centimeters long, 2 kilograms. Ostraciidae.
Sea Swallow, Hirundo maris, Grundo, Irundo, an archaic bony fish species found exclusively in the Mediterranean. Having wing-like fore-fins, it is able to leap clear of the water and glide in order to escape predation. 30 centimeters long 150 grams. Thoracopteridae.
Sea Ass, Onos, a large sea-catfish notorious for somewhat resembling a donkey in the shape of the head, made more convincing by the strident grunting noise it usually makes when it is agitated or caught. Its flesh has some medicinal properties. 2 meters long, 80 kilograms. Ariidae.
Corfu Beast, this archaic whale is a shallow-water forager of various marine invertebrates, as well as slow-swimming kinds of fish. Having poor vision, it locates prey mainly by touch. 6 meters long, 2 tons. Basilosauridae.
Siren, a species of puffin that reaches the size of a gull. Their colonies on the Mediterranean Coast can be dangerous, as they will viciously defend their eggs. Its call is rather melodious and husky, and even the combined sound of a whole colony can be heard some distance from shore. Wingspan 1.2 meters, 1 kilogram. Fraterculinae.
Caribbean Islands and Atlantic coast of Central and South America
These mysterious Neotropical waters are home to numerous odd and ferocious creatures.
Old Three Toes, this huge bird is a primitive, warm-water penguin which must have descended from forms that lived further south, during the Eocene. 2.2 meters tall, 155 kilograms. Palaeeudyptinae.
“Specs”, this giant spiny-lobster can often be found in nearshore waters, hiding in large caves and crags. 1.5 meters long, 60 kilograms. Palinuridae.
Pontarof, Tebuch, Thébuch. This large devil-ray is of course harmless, but is given a wrongful reputation as a sadistic creature that takes joy in drowning children. In reality it is simply a filter feeder, as are all devil rays. Fin-span 3.2 meters maximum, weight 300 kilograms. Mobulidae.
Giant Atlantic Grenadier, Giant Rat-tail, much larger than any other member of its family, this seldom seen deep-sea fish will to form small shoals, and lacking this, can shoal with smaller species of rat-tail. 3 meters long 70 kilograms, Macrouridae.
Abyssal Rainbow Gar, a small, gar-shaped deep-sea fish which tends to swim almost upright in the water column, in order to ambush small prey. Their bodies are reflective, the head shining red iridescence, while the body shines light blue, the tail region is opaque and yellowish in color. 10cm long, Gempylidae.
Five-lined Constellation Fish, Bathysidus pentagrammus, a small, ornate abyssal fish that somewhat resembles a tropical reef-fish in shape. They are adorned with 5 lines of light organs on either sides of their body, consisting of an array of yellow and purple photophores. 15cm long, Zeiformes.
Pallid Sailfin, Bathyembryx istiophasma, a kind of abyssal fish of sickly coloration, like a corpse. Related closely to the Whalefish. 60cm long, Cetomimidae.
Three-Starred Anglerfish, Bathyceratias trilynchus, a small deep-sea angler unusual in having 3 lures. 15cm long, Ceratiidae.
Bathysphaera intacta, Giant Dragonfish, Untouchable Bathysphere Fish, an oversized species of deep-sea dragonfish remarkable not only for its size, but in possessing two lures. 1.8 meters long, Stomiidae.
The Aloes is a Plesiosaur similar in size to a typical sea turtle, common throughout the Caribbean Islands. It resembles a goose when resting on the surface. It usually gives birth to a single large young in estuarine waters. 2 meters long, 100 kilograms. Plesiosauria.
Colossal Purple Jelly, a jellyfish with a huge round bell of a deep purple colour, this species feeds mostly on smaller animals using its short tentacles, and is fairly harmless. 14 meters in diameter, 15 tons. Rhizostomeae.
Underwater Abominable Snowman, Underwater ABSM. A man-sized shark with an unusually shaped fore-body and an uncannily human face. It is usually found in the deep sea, where it swims upright in order to ambush squid and shrimps. 1.9 meters long, 80 kilograms. Squaliformes.
The Cipactli, a very large marine crocodile of archaic lineage, found throughout the equatorial seas of Central America. Famous for being pugnacious and greedy, they feed on fish, young cetaceans, small sea turtles and cephalopods. They will kill and consume people lost at sea or out swimming. 11 meters long, 7 tons. Teleosauridae.
Quauhxouilin, this large kind of parrotfish may be as long as a man, a fairly conspicuous sight around the tropical reefs of Mexico. Its profile is likened to an eagle, notable for feeding on shellfish and epifauna instead of coral, making its meat very palatable and tender. 1.8 meters long, 65 kilograms. Scaridae.
Lusca are found mainly in the Caribbean, but can range as far as West Africa. Relatively secretive predators, they feed on a wide range of prey, including large fish, other cephalopods and young cetaceans. They will attack ships and eat sailors. Residing in deep water during the day, they move to shallow waters to feed at night. 20 meters arm-span, 15 tons. Cirrina.
Mastopogon are large predatory fish which are found in the oceans around northern South America. A pair of growths commonly adorn the throat region of older individuals, though resembling breasts they are actually bony calcium deposits related to hormone production. 5 meters long, 2.2 tons. Sciaenidae.
The indian ocean and indo-pacific region
Animals found in this area often have great significance in folklore, borne from their uniqueness or ferocity.
Saratan/Zaratan, a giant swimmer crab, with relatively light armour and very oily flesh. Always swims close to the surface, creating a shadow that can attract small prey below. Myths likening it to islands are exaggerated in the extreme. Maximum width 3.5 meters, 200 kilograms. Portunidae.
Tompondrano, Tòmpondràno, Tompon-drano. This large archaic arthropod is relatively common in the seas around Madagascar and South Africa, migrating from the depths into surface waters at night. It's most notable feature is the large light-producing organ on its head, which often makes it quite conspicuous at night, and serves to attract its prey (various small free-swimming invertebrates). 20 meters long maximum, 16.5 tons average. Hurdiidae.
Nakshatra Meenu are oversized brittle-stars commonly found on seafloors and in nearshore areas in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Larger than any other brittle-star, their skeletons are highly calcified, as thus they are fairly slow-moving. Attributed as fierce fighters in Hindu mythology, the reality is that they are mostly scavengers of carrion and sea-borne detritus. Arm-span 2 meters maximum. Ophiurida incertae sedis.
Tannin, common in the Arabian Sea, this giant marine snake retains sizeable legs, which aid its propulsion. 8.5 meters long. 1 ton. Simoliophiidae.
Caspilly, a giant scorpion fish, found in the Arabian Sea at varying depths. To defend itself from predatory whales and leviathans, it has large venomous spines, the largest being at the front of its dorsal fin. This javelin-like fin spike can be used as a weapon. 3 meters long, 150 kilograms. Scorpaenidae.
Makara, Gajah Mina or Sea-Elephant are archaic whales found throughout much of the Indian Ocean, most common in the Bay of Bengal. They have large trunk-like noses with which they forage for bottom-dwelling invertebrates. 12 meters long, 7 tons. Protocetidae.
Alula Whale, Orcinus mörzerbruynsis. This moderately large dolphin is a close cousin to the Orca, but is distinctive for its all-over dark brown coloration, save for characteristic white scars that seem to be the result of a social behavior unique to this species. 6 meters long, 4 tons maximum, Delphinidae, genus Orcinus.
Cousteau 's Checkerboard Fish is a small species of reef-dwelling tang, unremarkable save for its unmistakable colour pattern of red and black chuckerboard-squares. 8 centimetres long maximum, Acanthuridae.
Bakunawa are sparsely populated but widespread throughout the Indo-pacific. Huge whale-like sharks that filter feed in the open ocean, on tiny baitfish and crustaceans that swarm near the surface. The large capacious mouth has given rise to the myth that it can swallow the moon. 20-23 meters long, 35 tons. Orectolobiformes.
Giant Sawfish, Pristis. This enormous sawfish is somewhat notable in ancient texts and legends, it ranges from the Arabian Sea southward to the horn of Africa, and eastward to Wallacea. 18 meters long, 22 tons, Pristidae.
Indian Monk Seal, a not-uncommon kind of tropical seal known to make landfall in the Seychelles and Amirantes islands as well as the Chagos archipelago. Up to 3.2 meters in length, maximum weight 400 kilograms. Monachini.
Rainbow-fish, a giant snapper which is common in both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Usually hunts prey smaller than it, including sharks and smaller members of its species, Saratan are also taken. Hard to catch in general, when one is landed it can feed hundreds of people. 13 meters long, 8 tons. Sparidae.
Merlion are huge scorpion-fish usually seen in the tropical seas and nearshore bays of the Malay and Indonesian Archipelagos. A pugnacious predator, it is somewhat more active and noticeable than its smaller relatives. Also held in high esteem as an emblem by the island nation of Singapore. 2.7 meters long, 300 kilograms average. Scorpaenidae.
The tropical pacific
These Asian and Australasian waters feature many unique creatures, some obscure and some significant.
Worcester's Flying Shrimp, a common near-surface, shoaling crustacean in the warm seas around the Philippines. Semi-transparent in color, it is capable of leaping and gliding over the water to escape predation. 20cm long on average, Penaeidae.
Ground Shark, an Indonesian bottom-dwelling shark of great ferocity, a known man-eater. Sitting motionless on the seabed, it will surge forward to seize its prey. 6.5 meters long, up to 1 ton in weight. Orectolobidae.
Pairío, this huge saltwater catfish is common in nearshore waters, reefs and estuaries around New Guinea, far northern Australia, Sulawesi, and the Lesser Sunda Islands. 5.5 meters long, 1.7 tons. Ariidae.
Yellowbelly, an odd jawless fish common in the waters of tropical Asia and Northern Australia. Generally prefers shallow sea-bottoms where they feed on soft-bodied invertebrates. 22 meters long, 6 tons. Cephalaspidae.
Imugi are exceptionally large marine snakes. They have large, stiff-boned heads with ferocious teeth. Commonly associated with the myths of dragons in Asia. 14 meters long, 2 tons. Palaeophiidae.
Moha-moha, a giant archaic fish which is relatively common along the eastern coast of Australia. Having an armoured fore-body and shark-like tail, it resembles a hybrid of fish and turtle. 6 meters long, 3 tons. Arthrodira.
Townsville Serpent, this archaic marine reptile is common along the eastern and northern coasts of Australia. It is a heavily scaled animal adapted to feed on bottom-dwelling crustaceans, bivalves, and large gastropods. The heavy scales along its back and sides serve as a kind of bony armour, though the skin itself does tend to accrue epi-fauna like barnacles. 15 meters long, 13 tons. Placodontidae.
Amboina Mermaid, common in Indonesian waters, and originally touted as a small mermaid, this creature is actually a little shark which has a strikingly human face, 1.5 meters long, 36 kilograms. Hemiscyllidae.
Great Brown Jelly, one of the largest and most ferocious of the jellyfish, this species lacks tentacles. Instead using potent stinging cells which cover the surface of the bell, in order to subdue prey sometimes even larger than a man. 25 meters diameter at maximum extension, weight unknown. Ulmaridae.
Scolopendra, Mukade-kujira or Con Rit, a giant marine arthropod with a lineage dating back to the Cambrian. Having many jointed fins along its sides, it swims by paddling with these, and also by undulating its body up and down somewhat. 20 meters, 17 tons. Radiodonta.
Camphruch are unusual goat-like animals which are adapted to browse in coastal swamps and mangroves. They swim well and have webbed hind feet resembling a camel. The main horn is long and sharp, mainly used in defense. 1.5 meters tall, 45 kilograms. Caprinae.
Winged Turtles are medium-sized sea turtles which are able to swim quite fast with their large, wing-like flippers. They feed on bottom-dwelling animals such as flatfish, stonefish, sea-cucumbers, cuttlefish and octopus. Found mainly around the islands of the south-pacific. 1.5 meters long, 70 kilograms. Cheloniidae.
Ihe taviri, a unique kind of swordfish found in the tropical south-pacific, it bears a short spatulate bill growing from the lower jaw, instead of the upper. 3.5 meters long and 200 kilograms maximum, Xiphiidae.
Adaro are common throughout the Solomon Islands and the eastern coastal waters of New Guinea. Closely related to the goblin shark, they are slow-swimming shallow-water predators. Up to 3 meters long, 100 kilograms. Mitsukurhinidae.