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The Silent Invaders

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You may know about eels, but let me introduce you to a similar-looking creature called sea lampreys. While eels have jaws and bones like most fishes, sea lampreys do not have jaws and are made up of cartilage. Also known as the silent invaders, sea lampreys are parasitic fishes that latch onto their prey with their unique physical features. These jawless fishes have rows of teeth in a circle, called papillae, complete with a barbed tongue in the center. Lampreys use their mouths to suction onto their prey, and the victim is pierced with the lamprey's barbed tongue, allowing them to suck their prey's blood.  Baby sea lamprey without eyes or mouth
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Let's Talk About HABs

     Have you ever been to the beach and seen patches of red color throughout the water? If so, what you have experienced is a red tide. A red tide is an example of a harmful algal bloom, also known as HAB. Harmful algal blooms are made up of an extreme growth of algae in saltwater or freshwater environments. HABs are very impactful on both marine life and human life.      Human life can be impacted in various ways. Toxins are often carried by phytoplankton from these blooms, which affect the shellfish that consume them. In turn, this can make people ill through the consumption of shellfish. Toxins can also be released through the water or air directly. Humans who are exposed to toxins this way can experience respiratory issues.      The toxins from HABs can also affect marine life. Many fish are often put in danger from the low oxygen levels that are caused by the harmful algal blooms. HABs can block sunlight from making its way into th...
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