Emma's Earth Explorations

     Not something you'd find in the Meg  movies...because it's actually accurate.  The Whale Shark:   Rhincodon typus Description : As one of the members in the order, Orectolobiformes, the Whale Shark has the signature two dorsal fins and small flat head. Also known as Carpet Sharks, Orectolobiformes get their names from their decorative carpet appearance, hence, the Whale Shark's ornately patterned back of white dots and lines on its dark gray back. This species is the largest fish in the world and can measure up to 30 feet and weigh up to 20 tons. Unlike other species, female Whale Sharks are typically larger than males. The biggest Whale Shark known had a length of more than 60 feet! Habitat : The Whale Shark is one of the most popular sharks in the Great Barrier Reef but typically spend time away from shore in depths lower than 150 feet.  Found anywhere in temperate and tropical regions, the Whale Shark is rarely found in temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Howe

    Once again not something you'd find at your local buffet. Unless you live in Japan.  The Peacock Mantis Shrimp:   Odontodactylus scyllarus Description : There are over 450 species of Mantis Shrimp in the world; the Peacock Mantis Shrimp is one of the largest and most colorful amongst these hundreds of different species.  All members of this species have three pairs of legs to hold prey and another three pairs to walk. Other  main features include two claws, 360 degree seeing eyes, and colorful body armor.  However, males are often larger and more vibrant than females; this species' signature peacock coloration is a sexually dimorphic trait. Additionally, sizes of the Peacock Mantis Shrimp range from two to seven inches with females occupying the lower end of this size spectrum.  Habitat : The Peacock Mantis Shrimp is the most common species of Mantis Shrimp found in the Great Barrier Reef.  These Mantis Shrimp are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, at depths of anyw