zoology
zoology on World Data Ocean: a running collection of 7 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on zoology in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. A Global Hub for Ocean Intelligence 4 World Data Ocean is a centralized digital platform where researchers, scientists, and ocean enthusiasts converge to explore, analyze, and… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around zoology, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything World Data Ocean is covering right now.
Found this little worm in Istria, Croatia. ID?
A fascinating marine invertebrate has been discovered in Istria, Croatia, prompting a request for identification on Reddit (see [link]). World Data Ocean’s scientific team is analyzing the submitted video to determine the species. This observation highlights the ongoing importance of citizen science and data collection for understanding marine biodiversity. For further exploration of marine findings, see our recent article, "help identifying cartilage found on Block Island," which details a unique discovery from Rhode Island.
Spotted in Friday Harbor, WA. Is this a decorator crab?
A fascinating observation from Friday Harbor, Washington, has sparked discussion regarding a potential decorator crab sighting. Submitted by /u/hikingbotanist, the video depicts two unique crustaceans observed amongst a population of shrimp along the pier. While initial iNaturalist identification suggests a decorator crab, discrepancies with existing imagery prompt further investigation. This observation highlights the ongoing need for robust species identification and underscores the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems, as explored in our recent article, "The world agreed to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030."
Help with Nudibranch ID in Hawaii
Identifying marine invertebrates, particularly nudibranchs, can be challenging even for experienced observers. We're happy to assist with verifying the identification of your friend’s Hawaiian specimen. Our platform leverages validated ocean intelligence to support accurate species determination. Please provide the image, and any additional details about the observed morphology and habitat. For similar inquiries, see our recent discussion on identifying unusual marine finds, such as a recent post concerning a discovery in Istria, Croatia.
Mole crab seen on Ugljan island, Croatia
A fascinating discovery from Ugljan Island, Croatia: /u/xFailZ recently documented a mole crab, a species often challenging to identify. This observation highlights the rich biodiversity of the Adriatic Sea and the ongoing opportunities for citizen science contributions to our understanding of coastal ecosystems. The specimen’s identification underscores the value of detailed field observations. For further exploration of shell identification in the region, see our related article, "What kind of shell is this? Found in Croatia."
What is this crab doing? (filmed last year in Istria, Croatia)
This intriguing observation, captured in Istria, Croatia, presents a compelling question: what behavior is this crab exhibiting? The extended period—approximately five to ten minutes—during which the crab manipulated a stick near the water’s surface suggests a complex interaction, potentially involving foraging strategies or an unusual form of camouflage. Further empirical study is needed to validate these hypotheses. This footage highlights the ongoing need for ocean intelligence and underscores the value of citizen science; see our recent article, "Brand New Magnipinna Squid Video!
Galapagos Fur Seal or Sea Lion (Ecuador)?
The Galapagos fur seal ( *Arctocephalus galapagoensis*) is a unique species endemic to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Often confused with sea lions, fur seals are smaller and possess denser fur, an adaptation for the cooler waters they inhabit. Distinguishing features include a smaller head relative to body size and a less boisterous demeanor compared to their sea lion counterparts. Identifying these animals can be tricky, as highlighted in similar identification requests—like our recent discussion on marine wildlife in Costa Rica.
Vertebrae from Moss Landing, CA?
An intriguing discovery along the California coast! /u/regularsizedcaro recently shared a photo of a vertebrae found near Moss Landing, initially suspected to be from a large bony fish. Further investigation suggests a smaller mammal origin—potentially a harbor porpoise, though a definitive match remains elusive. Our team welcomes insights on this identification challenge. For those interested in honing their observational skills, our article "Resources for building Geospatial Analysis skills for Ocean Sciences" offers valuable tools.