Mexico's has the Heaviest Known Bony Fish

The Ocean Sunfish in Mexican Caribbean

The ocean sunfish, or otherwise known as the Mola mola or common mola. The sunfish is the heaviest known bony fish in the world. It has an average adult weight of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). The species is native to tropical and warm waters around the globe. It resembles a fish head with a tail, and its main body is flattened laterally. Sunfish can be as tall as they are long when their dorsal and fins are extended.

Sunfish live on a diet that consists mostly of jellyfish, but because this diet is nutritionally poor, they consume large amounts in order to develop and maintain their great bulk. Females of the species can produce more eggs than any other known vertebrate. Sunfish resemble miniature puffer fish, with large pectoral fins, a tail fin and body spines uncharacteristic of adult sunfish.

Adult sunfish are vulnerable to few natural predators, but sealions, Orcas, and sharks will consume them. Among humans, sunfish are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, including Asia. In the EU, regulations ban the sale of fish and fishery products derived of the Molidae family. Sunfish are frequently, though accidentally, caught in nets.

Although early research suggested that sunfish moved around mainly by drifting with ocean currents, individuals have been recorded swimming 26 km in a day, at a top speed of 3.2 km/h. Sunfish also swim at depths of up to 600 m (2,000 ft). Contrary to the general perception that sunfish spend much of their time basking at the surface, research suggests that adult Sunfish actually spend a large portion of their lives submerged at depths greater than 200 m (660 ft).

These fascinating fish are often seen in the warm waters of Mexico. They are extremely large with unusual characteristics making it breath-taking to swim with. We are glad that these gentle fish have made the Mexican Caribbean one of their favorite places to stop by.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_sunfish

Horseshoe Crab's in the Mexican Caribbean

Four species of horseshoe crabs exist today. Only one species, Limulus polyphemus, is found in North America along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Maine to Mexico. The other three species are found in Southeast Asia.

Horseshoe crabs are not true crabs at all. Horseshoe crabs are more closely related to arachnids (a group that includes spiders and scorpions) than to crustaceans (a group that includes true crabs, lobsters, and shrimp). Horseshoe crabs are often called "living fossils" because fossils of their ancestors date back almost 450 million years--that's 200 million years before dinosaurs existed.

Despite inhabiting the planet for so long, horseshoe crab body forms have changed very little over all of those years.

The Anatomy

The strange anatomy of the horseshoe crab is one of this animal's most notable aspects. Unfortunately, the long, thin, spike-like tail of horseshoe crabs has given this species an unfavorable reputation. Many people view horseshoe crabs as dangerous animals because they have sharp tails. In reality, horseshoe crabs are harmless. Their tails are used primarily to flip themselves upright if they are accidentally overturned.

Horseshoe crabs are known for their large nesting aggregations, or groups, on beaches. During the nesting season, principally in spring and summer, male horseshoe crabs move parallel to the shoreline on sandy flats and intercept females as they pass by. A successful male attaches himself to a female by using his specialized front claws, and together they crawl to the beach. Most of this nesting activity takes place during high tides in the three days before and after a new or full moon.

Why are horseshoe crabs important?

Horseshoe crabs are an important part of the ecology of coastal communities. During the nesting season, horseshoe crab eggs become the major food source for migrating birds. Over 50 percent of the diet of many shorebird species consists of horseshoe crab eggs. Many bird species have been observed feeding on horseshoe crab eggs. In addition, many fish species rely on horseshoe crab eggs for food.

Horseshoe crabs are extremely important to the biomedical industry because their unique, copper-based blue blood contains a substance called Limulus amebocyte lysate. The substance, which coagulates in the presence of small amounts of bacterial toxins, is used to test for sterility of medical equipment and virtually all intravenous drugs. Research on the compound eyes of horseshoe crabs has led to a better understanding of human vision. The marine life fishery collects live horseshoe crabs for resale as aquarium, research, or educational specimens, and the American eel and whelk fisheries use horseshoe crabs

Threats to horseshoe crabs and research efforts

Horseshoe crab numbers are declining throughout much of the species range. Although scientists are unsure of the exact causes of this decline, it is probably due to a variety of factors, including the degradation or decrease of habitat.

You can find horseshoe crabs here in the Mexican Caribbean. They are very neat to see when they come ashore. You truly feel like you have gone back millions of years, to watch these ancient creatures in their natural setting. Contact us today to buy a piece of paradise!

http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/crustaceans-marine-arthropods/horseshoe-crabs/facts/

Mexico is Safe!

Sitting at home, it can be hard to believe that Mexico is a safe place to travel, especially when the news is intent on telling us about Canadians (and other tourists) being attacked in popular Mexican destinations, or about cartel activity near the borders. In some cases it’s enough to make one say, “Nah, I’ll skip Mexico”—and that is a problem.

Mexico is not the only destination where there has been violence against tourists, yet because of its close proximity to Canada, news of violence in the nearby country is ever present. So, what should you do? Should you ignore the news and travel to Mexico? Or should you stay home and just dream of Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta? The answer is to stop listening to the fearmongers and get yourself to Mexico. Stat!

That being said, it still makes sense to keep your wits about you. Here are some safety tips to ensure you don’t run into trouble in Mexico.

Don’t Bling Out

A safe traveller is a smart traveller. Don’t walk around Mexico (or anywhere, for that matter) wearing all your bling, or carrying the most expensive-looking equipment. Be smart. If you did that in New York City, you’d likely get robbed at some point. Same goes for Mexico.

Have Confidence

If you look weak, worried or lost, this could put you at a disadvantage. Be confident. Know where your hotel is and how to get back there. Carry taxi money so that if you feel unsafe you can climb into the nearest cab and get back to your hotel.

Don’t Buy Drugs on the Beach (or anywhere else)

This should be self-explanatory. The fastest way to get into trouble is to buy drugs. Don’t be stupid.

Keep Valuables Safe

Public transit in Mexico is great, but like in every other country, you need to keep your valuables safe. Wear a money belt. Hide your passport. Diversify your valuables so that if someone robs you, they don’t get everything in one swoop. If you’re venturing from your hotel at night in search of a taco stand, only take enough money for your meal. Leave the rest in your hotel room’s safe.

Talk to Locals

Ask locals (especially the motherly types) about which areas are safe, and which ones are dangerous. They will know better than the CBC or any other news channel.


Mexico is safe. The culture is rich. The people are fabulous. You will love your time in Mexico, especially if you leave the resort and venture into the cities. If you’re a little nervous, take a day tour and then ask your guide questions about safe areas and things to do.

If you have any questions about travelling, contact us!

http://www.travelandescape.ca/2013/04/warning-mexico-is-safe/

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