clockwork axolotl and anglerfish

find prints and applications of the anglerfish here

The Krøyer's deep sea angler fish [Ceratias holboelli] is a seadevil of the family Ceratiidae, found in all oceans, at depths of 1,000-2,000 m (3,300-6,600 ft). Its length is 50–75 cm (20–28 in). The Krøyer's deep sea angler fish is larger than most other deepwater anglerfish, however half of this length is taken up with a long filamentous rayed tail. These fishes have round flabby bodies with a soft fibrous skeleton and prickly skin. Like most other deepwater anglerfish this fish has a small eye, no pelvic fins and is colored black. It has a moderately sized mouth and the fishing lure on top of the head is as long as the body and topped by a small luminous bulb. Between the lure and the dorsal fin is another thin filament about half the length of the lure.

Males are free swimming when young but before they mature these small fishes (about a tenth the size of the female) attach themselves permanently to the hind body of the female and become parasitic. Their blood supply becomes continuous with that of the female and most of the internal organs degenerate: they become simply appendages to supply sperm when required.

 

The Axolotl [Ambystoma mexicanum] originates from the lake underlying Mexico City and is also called ajolote. Sadly, axolotls are used (and abused) extensively in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate most body parts, ease of breeding, and large embryos. As of 2010^[update], wild axolotls are near extinction due to urbanization in Mexico City and polluted waters. Nonnative fish such as African tilapia and Asian carp have also recently been introduced to the waters. These new fish have been eating the axolotls' young, as well as its primary source of food. The axolotl is currently on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's annual Red List of threatened species. more