Invertebrates > Histioteuthidae & Deep-Sea Squids
The Strawberry Squid (Histioteuthis heteropsis) is an enchanting and biologically celebrated cephalopod inhabiting the mesopelagic twilight zone of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Resembling a glowing, deep-red ripe strawberry studded with luminous seeds, this jewel of the...
Fungi > Pleurotaceae & Oyster Mushrooms
The King Tuber Mushroom (Pleurotus tuber-regium), also known as the ‘tiger milk sclerotium’ or ‘tuberous oyster mushroom,’ is an extraordinary edible and medicinal macrofungus native to the humid tropical forests of sub-Saharan Africa and the...
Fish > Chaunacidae & Coffinfishes
The Coffinfish (Chaunax endeavouri) is a delightfully bizarre and charismatic deep-sea anglerfish native to the bathyal continental slopes off southeastern Australia and the Tasman Sea. Resembling a spiny, bright-pink water balloon equipped with arm-like fins, this...
Reptiles > Elapidae & Coral Snakes
The Banded Malayan Coral Snake (Calliophis intestinalis) is a secretive, highly specialized elapid snake native to the tropical forest understories of Sundaland in Southeast Asia. Celebrated for its striking aposematic coloration featuring bold racing stripes and a...
Birds > Trochilidae & Hummingbirds
The Fiery Topaz (Topaza pyra) is widely heralded among ornithologists as one of the most breathtakingly gorgeous and dazzling avian species in the Western Hemisphere. Inhabiting the high emergent canopies and blackwater river corridors of the northwestern Amazon...
