Category: Fish
This common species is one of the most familiar species of the Squalidae family. It is found nearly worldwide and tends to inhabit shallow, temperate waters. It is a commercially valuable species and is a popular food in many parts of the world. Dogfish and their byproducts are also used for fertilizer, liver oil, dissection specimens, and pet food – unfortunately, this popularity has led to major declines in dogfish population due to unsustainable fishing practices.
The fish that could drown (and other amazing tales)
Fish are masters of aquatic living, though some manage to do pretty well on land, too! Of living species, the mudskipper is probably the best adapted to life out of water - in fact, a mudskipper will drown if it can’t periodically come to the surface! This unusual fish uses its powerful, almost leg-like fins to walk on land and can even use them to “skip” up to 2 feet in the air! Similar to many amphibians, the mudskipper is able to breathe through its skin and the linings of its mouth and throat. It also seals water in its gill chambers when it leaves the water for extended stays on the land, much like a scuba diver brings air with them!-
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