The Mexican Walking Fish

 

This is the Axolotl or “Mexican Walking Fish.” They can be found in the waters of Mexico and in some Asian pet stores. Unfortunately, they are on the brink of extinction.

This adorable salamander can regenerate almost any part of its body, including some parts of its brain. It rarely grows longer than a foot, and it keeps its “teenage” body its entire adult life. Imagine that!

It’s so cute. It’s no wonder that it’s always smiling.

Grumpy Cat Has Nothing on Bad-Tempered Batfish

 

 

The rosy-lipped batfish and her slightly, uhum, friendlier cousin, the red-lipped batfish (come on, we all know what kind of women wear bright red lipstick) are two ladies who don’t let anyone tell them what to do. They break all the rules with an in-your-face attitude that just dares you to say something. For example, let’s look at how they get around. They’re fish, right? And fish swim, don’t they? Not these ladies. They refuse to be controlled by society’s expectations. They don’t swim. They walk! But if anyone tried to criticize them for it, they just might get an earful.

Small fish and other little creatures who live in the ocean have learned to keep their distance from them, especially small shrimp, mollusks, crabs, and even any worms who dare to venture underwater.  They’re lucky to escape with their lives on a good day. (They happen to be the favorite food of our batfish.) They certainly wouldn’t make the mistake of upsetting them.

If you think you’re brave enough to meet such strong-willed women, swim on out around the Galapagos Islands or the Cocos Island off the coast of Costa Rica and say, “hi.” Let us know how you fare.