12 Mar 2012Debt of Honour introduction by Paul BridgesInterview with exhibition co-curator Paul Bridges about the exhibition Debt of Honour.Read more Video Danny Murphy
5 Mar 2012Creature Feature: Pandarus rhincodonicusEven the biggest animals have fleas, and the mighty whale shark is no exception. Pandarus rhincodonicus, is a small crustacean, barely reaching one centimetre in length, belonging to a group of crustaceans known as copepods which are normally known to be free-living and a dominant group within planktonic communities. However, many species are bottom dwellers or parasites of other marine animals, particularly fish. Pandarus rhincodonicus was first discovered in WA and was only named and formally described in 2000.Read more Blog entry Western Australian Museum
29 Feb 2012Japanese Rubyfish - a new record for Western AustraliaA photograph of an unusual fish was recently brought to our attention by fishermen on a popular WA-based fishing forum (www.fishwrecked.com). It certainly got us thinking, and after diving into the literature and speaking to colleagues, we are convinced that we have an exciting new record for WA. The fish is known as a Japanese Rubyfish Erythrocles schlegelii (Richardson in 1846), in the family Emmelichthyidae (bonnetmouths).Read more Blog entry Western Australian Museum
16 Feb 2012Creature Feature: Neopetrolisthes maculatus On the tropical reefs of Western Australia the stunning Neopetrolisthes maculatus is always found living on or around large sea anemones. Like the clown fish, these spotty little crabs are protected from potentail predators by the stinging tentacles of the sea anemone. Only a single pair of crabs can be found on each host as the crabs will defend their territory from rivals. Despite their impressive claws these are not used for capturing food, but are probably used fend off potential home invaders.Read more Blog entry Western Australian Museum
6 Feb 2012Molecular Systematics Laboratory - An introduction from Alec ColesThis video is an interview with WA Museum CEO Alec Coles, OBE, about the launch and development of the museum's Molecular Systematics Laboratory - officially opened on 2 February 2012.Read more Video Western Australian Museum
12 Jan 2012Caught in the act: sex and the fossil recordDr Kate Trinajstic, Vertebrate Palaeontologist, Curtin University Sex and sexual behaviour in fossils has largely remained a mystery. Seeking evidence of sex is one of the most difficult endeavours in palaeontology, but new discoveries from WA are changing all of this. Read more Video Danny Murphy
Herpetology (Reptiles and Frogs) CollectionCollections | Updated 8 months agoThe Herpetology collection contains specimens of reptiles and frogs from throughout Australia and South-East Asia but predominantly Western Australia. The majority of the collection is preserved in alcohol but some dried and skeletal material is also maintained. The collection is used largely for research and reference but also serves a vital role in public education through museum exhibitions. New and exciting discoveries within the collection continue to be made every year.More information
3 Jan 2012Marine Reptiles and Sharks from the Age of the DinosaursAround 100 million years ago, in the age of the dinosaurs, the coastal areas of Western Australia were covered in a shallow sea. Living in this ancient ocean, there were gigantic marine reptiles and large sharks that were the top predators of the age. These massive animals are now extinct, however, in the Dampier region near Exmouth, there are many reminders of their once dominant presence.Read more Online Exhibition Western Australian Museum
Bunbury Whalers DigDepartmental resources | Updated 1 decade agoTwo whaling ships, the Samuel Wright and the North America lie 10,000 nautical miles from home, and located directly beneath a car park in south-western Australian city of Bunbury. Their excavation reveals amazing stories about whaling in the Indian Ocean, shipwreck discovery and conservation, and the rich maritime heritage of Western Australia.More information
19 Nov 2011Tides & Islands – Day 12 – Rodrigo and the Darlek These video diaries document the October 2011 field trip into remote areas of the Kimberley. This field trip was part of the Marine Life of Kimberley project to study and understand the marine biodiversity of the area. Read more Video Danny Murphy