{"id":42208,"date":"2024-10-07T16:03:13","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T14:03:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/01e26e15-4c0e-4efd-8ef9-c6374a88a22e"},"modified":"2024-10-07T17:27:28","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T15:27:28","slug":"crocodile-fish-are-real-and-they-can-create-a-deadly-vortex-that-sucks-prey-into-their-gaping-mouths","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/rss_feed\/crocodile-fish-are-real-and-they-can-create-a-deadly-vortex-that-sucks-prey-into-their-gaping-mouths\/","title":{"rendered":"Crocodile fish ARE real \u2013 and they can create a deadly vortex that sucks prey into their gaping mouths"},"content":{"rendered":"

The scary-sounding crocodile fish is actually shy and \u201cwill likely bolt upon seeing a human,\u201d researchers say <\/p>

By Melissa Hobson\n <\/p>

Published: Monday, 07 October 2024 at 14:03 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Researchers\u00a0got up close and personal with a crocodile fish. But, despite its scary-sounding name, these fish are surprisingly shy.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

Alan Friedlander and researchers from National Geographic Pristine Seas captured footage of the crocodile fish (Cymbacephalus beauforti<\/em>)<\/a>\u00a0during a three-month expedition to assess the health of the waters off\u00a0Papua New Guinea<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Crocodile fish camouflage: can you see it?\/Alan Friedlander National Geographic Pristine Seas<\/figcaption><\/figure>

\u201cCrocodile fish have elongated bodies and large duckbill-like heads that resemble \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 a crocodile<\/a>,\u201d says\u00a0National Geographic Pristine Seas<\/a>. \u201cThese fish are masters of camouflage<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>

Also known as de Beaufort’s flathead, crocodile fish have mottled patterns to help them camouflage against the reef. <\/p>

\u201cEven their eyes are camouflaged!\u201d says Pristine Seas. \u201cCrocodile fish have retractable flesh that hangs down over their eyes, called lappets, that break up the outline of their black iris.\u201d<\/p>

Watch: a crocodile fish in the waters around\u00a0Papua New Guinea\/Manu San F\u00e9lix, National Geographic Pristine Seas<\/figcaption><\/figure>