https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2022/oct/06/ocean-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-winners-2022-in-pictures Take a moment to check out the Ocean Photographer of the Year winners 2022 Stunning photography of the beauty and threats faced by the ocean. It’s difficult to comprehend the amazing species which live in our oceans and at the same time the terrible impact we are having on their habitat. You can see the full collection in a free outdoor exhibition, 5th October – 7th November, Tower Bridge, London.

Competition illuminates beauty of ocean and threats it faces. Ben Thouard’s winning image of surfer chosen unanimously by the six judges

Scientists have discovered 16 species of fish which use deep black colouring to stay hidden in the deep oceans. The sun’s rays can penetrate to a depth of about 1,000 meters, but only the top 200 meters—known as the photic zone—get enough light to support photosynthetic plant life. However, Bioluminescence, or chemically-produced light that comes from an organism, is common in the deep sea. These ultra black fish absorb 99% of light. Their specialised skin structures are incredibly tightly packed so less incoming light is reflected back, making them practically invisible. https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2022/07/22/ultra-black-fish-living-black-holes/

These fish absorb 99.5% of light—making them practically invisible

Check out this beauty , the Nembrotha kubaryana, also known as the variable neon slug or the dusky nembrotha. Found across the tropical Western Indo-Pacific, they can reach total lengths of more than 120mm The variable neon slug feeds on ascidians ( sea squirts) and uses the toxins in its prey to defend itself against predators. It stores the ascidian's toxins in its tissues and then releases them in a slimy defensive mucus when alarmed.

This weekend is the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II so here are some related fishy facts! Sturgeons, whales, and dolphins in the waters around England and Wales, are referred to as royal fish. In a rule dating back to 1324, the sovereign has dominion over a variety of aquatic animals in British waters and when taken they become the personal property of the monarch. Jubilee is the name used locally for a natural phenomenon that occurs from time to time on the shores of Mobile Bay, a large body of water on Alabama's Gulf Coast. During a jubilee, blue crabs, shrimp, flounder, stingrays, and eels swarm toward the shore in such numbers that the shallow water near land seems to boil with life. You don’t need bunting if you have Siamese fighting fish. Stunning freshwater fish with vibrant colours, iridescent scales, and long fins that flow around them like underwater ball gowns. Colours include red, white & blue and even platinum, very appropriate for the Queen’s celebrations

Scientists have discovered two new-to-science species of freshwater fish on the Philippine island of Palawan. The two new species, the Estrella goby (Rhinogobius estrellae) and Tandikan goby (Rhinogobius tandikan), are minute, measuring no more than 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) from snout to tail. Unfortunately researchers believe the fish may be at risk of extinction because of land disruption close to the area they were found. Photo credit Hiroko Yoshii Unsplash