Images Dated 2015 July

Northern snakehead (Channa argus)

Northern snakehead (Channa argus), preying on a Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). The species is native to China and was introduced to North America and to Japan with severe ecological impact. It can reach a metre in length and weigh up to 8 kg. Japan

Actinopterygii, Ambush Predator, Ambusher, Animal, Aquaculture, Aquarium Species, Channa, Channidae, Commercial Fisheries, Commercial Fishery, East Asian, Eaten, Edible, Fauna, Fish, Introduced To Japan, Introduced To North America, Invasive, Invasive In Japan, Naturalised, Obligate Air Breather, Perciformes, Pond Life, Potential Pest, Predation, Predator, Predatory, Snakehead, Stream Life, Subtropical, Table Fish, Two Introduced Species, Two Naturalised Species, Underwater, Wildlife, Young Survives Days Out Of Water

Snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis)

Snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis), about 7.5 cm across. Tasteless, but cultivated in China for the gelatinous texture it gives, mostly to sweet dishes. It is also used as a cosmetic to retain moisture in the skin. Japan

Cultivated, Fronds, Fungi, Fungus, Medicinal Properties, Mushroom, Mushrooms, Parasitic, Silver Ear Fungus, Subtropical, Tremellaceae, Tropical, White Jelly Mushroom, Worldwide, Yeast

Crossband gobies (Rhinogobius sp. CB)

Crossband gobies (Rhinogobius sp. CB), of a species not yet scientifically described, in a territorial dispute on a river bed. They occur throughout Japan except Hokkaido, the northernmost island. Some populations live and spawn in streams with the fry developing in estuaries. Others live entirely in freshwater. Shimanto River, Kochi Prefecture, Japan