The common carp is native to Asia. Even though wild, native populations are considered vulnerable to extinction, it has been domesticated and introduced to aquatic environments all over the world – often with devastating consequences to local flora and fauna. Their history as a farmed fish dates back to Roman times, and they are still an important food source in many areas. Koi, the precious, colorful fish kept in ornamental ponds are a domesticated strain common carp.
The Oldest Fish in the Sea?
The Greenland Sleeper Shark, the only living species of sub-Arctic shark, is an apex predator only slightly smaller than the great white shark, with an estimated lifespan of 200 years - one of the longest-living vertebrates on the planet. While the Greenland Shark is a slow swimmer, it will eat just about anything: eels, flounders, other sharks, seals - and those are just animals who live in the water! Polar bear remains and even an entire reindeer body have been found inside these sharks! Fortunately, while there are Inuit legends of Greenland sharks attacking kayaks, there have been no reports of human predation. There have been, however many cases of people eating Greenland sharks! Their meat is highly toxic - it will produce effects in your body similar to being extremely drunk, but a fermented version that has been hung out to dry for several weeks is considered a delicacy in Iceland.
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
