Category: Fish
Horn sharks inhabit coastal waters off the western coast of North America, from California to the Gulf of California. They are a relatively small species, adults measuring about 3.3 feet in length, with brown or gray coloration and many small spots. These slow-moving, mostly solitary predators hunt at night for hard-shelled molluscs, echinoderms, and crustaceans, which they crush between powerful jaws and molar-like teeth.
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
