08/26/2026
I believe this is called a Horse Conch. I'm a wreck diver, still learning about actual living things in the ocean. This thing was as long as my forearm and about as big as my thigh. I have been told it's Florida's state shell since 1969.
07/31/2026
Can you spot the oyster toad fish?
Fun fact: The oyster toadfish went to space twice on NASA space shuttle missions STS-90 (Neurolab) in April 1998 and STS-95 in October 1998 (accompanying astronaut John Glenn) to help scientists study how microgravity affects the inner ear and balance system. Their vestibular system and calcium carbonate crystals (otoliths) function very much like human balance systems.