Category: Fish
Also known as Haller’s round ray, this species inhabits the coastal waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean. They are a small, common ray that is responsible for many injuries to bathers on the southern California coast. While very painful, their sting is not lethal. They forage for food during the day and are most active during the warm summer months. Their predators include black sea bass, elephant seals, and sharks.
Hey, Fishlips!
If you’ve ever worn lipstick (or kissed anybody wearing lipstick), you’ve probably had fish scales on your lips. Of course you won’t find “herring scales from commercial fishing hauls” on the ingredients list of your cosmetics - they list it as the regal-sounding “pearl essence” or “pearlescence.” But why? Because the scales of silvery fish that capture and reflect light so beautifully in the water function the same way on your lips. So maybe next time somebody calls you “fish lips,” don’t jump to conclusions too quickly, maybe they mean it as a compliment!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
