How these close relatives of sharks use super-hot volcanic sea vents as 'nurseries'

[Judi Lynn]

Researchers observed over a hundred egg casings of the creatures near volcanic vents spewing out water heated at several hundred degrees.
By Shubham Sharma
February 9, 2018 05:11 GMT

Pacific white skates, the bug-eyed close relatives of sharks, living in deep-sea waters can be just as good mums, a new study detailing the unique positioning of their eggs has shown.

In 2015, a group of researchers from the University of Rhode Island and the Charles Darwin Research Station set out to explore the underwater mountains in the depths of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

As they piloted their remote-controlled vehicle deep through the waters of the region, several skate egg cases nearly as big as a phablet were observed positioned in an unusual way.

"We were on a really deep dive in a hydrothermally-active rift valley, with walls 30 metres tall on either side, and the ROV was meandering back and forth looking for vents," expedition leader Brennan Phillips said, detailing the discovery of the eggs.

More:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/how-these-close-relatives-sharks-use-super-hot-volcanic-sea-vents-nurseries-1660047

[dchill]

1. Not only had I never heard of Pacific white skates,...

I'd never heard of a phablet. Now, I also understand "portmanteau."

[MLAA]

2. Thank you, I just learned portmanteau is not just a suitcase anymore 🤓

[dchill]

3. And eggs aren't just for breakfast!

[MLAA]

4. Or for Brunch (a portmanteau!! Breakfast + Lunch portmanteau)

I know when you learn something new you just can’t help pulling it kicking and screaming into every conversation. 😉

[dchill]

5. For brunch, I prefer to eat turducken...

with a knork. If I get hungry later, I can pull a cheeseburger out of my portmanteau.