Fact Friday
Animals have different defense mechanisms to help protect themselves from predators. The balloonfish is no exception. When an enemy attacks, this fish responds by puffing itself out and filling its stomach with air or water. The balloonfish expands its body to look larger in order to intimidate predators. In addition to their puffed-up status, their body is also covered in spines that make them look quite menacing.
Photo Credit: Andrew Bruckner
March 28, 2025
Crown of Thorns Starfish
Crown-of-Thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), also known as COTS, are named for their long venomous spines that cover their body and up to 23 arms. These menacing predators eat living coral and (for obvious reasons) they have few natural predators. Sometimes COTS populations can explode and completely destroy the coral on a reef. Learn more in this short education video:
Photo Credit: Ken Marks
