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[Kathie Shayne]

Frogfish



Nature buffs are probably familiar with certain members of the order Lophiiformes – they’re the famous anglerfish. But the frogfish is an even more bizarre member of this distinguished family. Covered in vegetation-like ‘spinules’, the frogfish is designed not to blend in with the background to escape detection, but to actively resemble the food of potential prey. When smaller fish approach to take a bite, they instead become swallowed up by the frogfish in a movement so quick that it often cannot be seen by human eyes. The frogfish moves its jaws with such swiftness that suction pressure is created, pulling water and prey into the gaping maw.

[Kathie Shayne]

Spiny-Tailed Iguana



Though ‘cold-blooded’ creatures such as lizards aren’t famous for their speed, the spiny-tailed iguana of Central America can reach over twenty miles per hour – a record for reptiles. Their active nature extends to their temperament, as they are notoriously aggressive towards humans. This relationship extends both ways, however, as the iguanas are heavily hunted as a source of food throughout their home ranges, though they are not yet thought to be endangered.