Category: Fish
This unique creature, of sometimes gargantuan proportions, is found in large rivers and estuaries in Indochina and Borneo. It can reach over 6 feet across and weigh more than 1300 pounds! They are a bottom dwelling species that prefers a sandy or muddy habitat. Its diet consists of small fish and invertebrates such as earthworms and crustaceans that it is able to detect using its electroreceptive ampullae of Lorenzini.
Hey, Fishlips!
If you’ve ever worn lipstick (or kissed anybody wearing lipstick), you’ve probably had fish scales on your lips. Of course you won’t find “herring scales from commercial fishing hauls” on the ingredients list of your cosmetics - they list it as the regal-sounding “pearl essence” or “pearlescence.” But why? Because the scales of silvery fish that capture and reflect light so beautifully in the water function the same way on your lips. So maybe next time somebody calls you “fish lips,” don’t jump to conclusions too quickly, maybe they mean it as a compliment!
Learn more >>
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
