Northern Sea Robin

Northern Sea Robin

Prionotus carolinus

Size:
to 16"

Description:
Sea Robins are distinguished by the three free rays of the pectoral fins, with which the fish can actually walk across the bottom. They make frog-like croaking sounds when disturbed. Sea Robins have razor-sharp gill covers and spines, and are best left alone - there's not much meat on them anyway.

Sea Robins are generally found inshore in harbors and inlets, in 30-40 foot depths, but move out to deep waters in winter.

Northern Sea Robin

Northern Sea Robin
The Sea Robin uses its "legs" to walk across the bottom and even turn over small stones.
Northern Sea Robin
Northern Sea Robin
Nose to nose with a baby Robin in an aquarium.
Northern Sea Robin
Divers can appreciate these extraordinary creatures, although fishermen revile them.
Herb Segars Photography


bug
This little guy will be safe from divers for a while. Notice how the tailings of his excavation are a different color than the surrounding bottom.

Lobsters, like most invertebrates, have a much slower nervous system than our own. In tiny creatures, such as insects, this is no great disadvantage, since their "wire runs" ( or nerves ) are so short. However, in bigger invertebrates, this translates into very long reaction times. Therefore, big lobsters have slow reflexes, much slower than even humans. Another common invertebrate trait is a lack of stamina, at least compared to us. In other words, they tire quickly in a chase. This is not to say that they lack tenacity - once they get a good grip on you, they can hold on forever, and even breaking the claw off may not cause it to release.

Printed from njscuba.net