More Water Monsters

Humboldt squid (mollusks) are skilled hunters found off the coast of California. Fisherman who work around these beasts have coined the term "Diablos Rojos", or "Red Devils" due to their  sharp ringed suckers, strong beaks, and speed (up to 25mph). Despite having relatively large brains, their rapid development (think macroscopic to 6 feet long within a year and a half) leads to extremely aggressive behavior, and they have been known to injure fisherman and divers
This video from KQED is long, but pretty alarming, since it explains these squids are basically taking over the oceans on the West coast.

Oh shit! Don't go in the water

Animals in the Cnidaria phylum, have specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes, which you may already know. But you may not know that a jellyfish, or medusa, is just the most conspicuous life stage of this type of  animal. They begin as bottom-dwelling polyps and then develop into the open ocean killers you may know. They come in different sizes;
BIG...

and small...

Either way, thanks National Geographic, for making me scared to visit a beach ever again.

WTF is that thing?!

OK, so probably most of you have not seen this animal before because it lives in the tropics. It's commonly called a "velvet worm" and is the only type of animal in the phylum Onychophora (which is somewhere between an annelid and an arthropod). It looks friendly, but watch as it attacks an unsuspecting beetle with its slime glands!

Another cool thing about onychophorans; they have hydraulic legs!

What is this blog about?

Welcome! I'm Meg, a college student who spends most of her time studying, observing, looking at pictures and watching videos of extraordinary animals with extraordinary behaviors. This blog is my way of showing all of you those the videos and pictures I find!
Along the way, I'll tell you a few interesting facts about the animals and their taxonomical classes which you can choose to ignore or read as you wish.
First, here is a video of a golden eagle which my friend Colin showed me, and is still a favorite of mine. It shows just how awesome and powerful birds (aves) can be.