The coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae, a 400-million year old "living fossil fish," is the last remaining representative of a once widespread family of fleshy-finned (Sarcopterygian) coelacanth fishes. First discovered in 1938, the fish's significance lies in its relation to Eusthenopteron, believed by some scientists to have grown legs and come ashore some 360 million years ago, making it "the...

FishBase on the Web offers a free "relational database with information to cater to different professionals such as research scientists, fisheries managers, zoologists and many more." Developed at the International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and many other partners, FishBase is the online source for "all...

The National Marine Mammal Laboratory's Education Website, which targets K-12 learners, provides basic information on marine mammals, including whales (baleen and toothed, dolphins, and porpoises). Still under construction, the site will eventually provide pages on seals, sea lions, walruses, manatees, and dugongs. Educational tools currently include a Marine Mammal Quiz and a List of Endangered...

As the site notes, the Shedd Educational Adventures "contains a treasure trove of aquatic science resources for K-12 teachers and students." And it certainly does. The three main groupings of materials offered here include Lesson Plans, Interactives, and Explorer's Guides. In all, there must be hundreds of resources, searchable by both grade (pre-K through 12) and by topic. As an added bonus, the...

The PBS television series Nature recently explored the "mystery shrouding fascinating -- and often fearsome -- creatures" in "The Secret World of Sharks and Rays." This companion Web site offers a number of online features, including feature articles on recreational shark diving, shark and ray diversity, and more. The site also provides a video preview of the program, featuring a segment on the...