Sea Stinger FactsheetsDepartmental resources | Updated 1 decade agoThe following factsheets have been developed to provide information about sea stingers that are often found around Perth beaches.More information
20 Sep 2013Aquatic Zoology Kimberley fieldtrips 2009-2012Western Australian Museum Aquatic Zoology scientists and colleagues from partner agencies (Queensland Museum, Museum Victoria, Herbarium of Western Australia and Curtin University) are setting off on another exciting fieldtrip to the Kimberley and possibly as far north as Ashmore Reef, dependent on the weather. The project has been running since 2008 and this is the second last year of fieldwork. The scientists are documenting the marine biodiversity of the Kimberley, one of the most understudied marine regions of Western Australia.Read more Photo Galleries Lintette Umbrello
21 Jun 2013Sunny the SunfishOcean Sunfish Mola mola (Linnaeus, 1758) This magnificent Ocean Sunfish (nicknamed ‘Sunny’ due to the sunglasses used for scale in the photo) was washed up at Jay’s Beach in Augusta in August 2010. This individual is a juvenile by sunfish standards, at around 1.5m nose to tail and 2.2m between fin tips, as they can reach over 4m in length and over 2,000kg.Read more Blog entry Western Australian Museum
31 May 2013They're using coconuts...A large land crab, which climbs trees and feeds on coconuts, can hardly go unnoticed. Vague reports date back to the 9th century, and include descriptions by Charles Darwin and Carolus Linnaeus. According to these early records Birgus latro was once widespread throughout the Pacific and Indian Ocean, mirroring the distribution of coconut palm trees.These coconut or robber crabs, however, are considered a delicacy and aphrodisiac in some cultures, and as a result they are now restricted to islands scarcely inhabited by humans, where they have nocturnal and shy habits.Read more Blog entry Andrew Hosie
15 May 2013Drum Favourites: the Southern Sponge CrabAustrodromidia australis belongs to the Dromiidae family, commonly known as the sponge crabs. These unique creatures actually carry a well-fitting camouflage cap of living sponge or ascidian (sea squirt) over their back which they trim and keep tidy. As well as camouflaging the crab, the sponge can often taste bad, making potential predators reluctant to eat it. The sponge or other encrusting animal on the back of the Dromiid can often be larger than the crab itself.Read more Blog entry Andrew Hosie
12 Apr 2013The problem with dangerous goods: WA Museum’s conunDRUMThe Western Australian Museum is the repository for the State’s collection of both natural and social heritage. The Museum's collections require varying amounts of care to preserve. Some artefacts or specimens can simply be kept dry. Most of the Crustacean Collection however is wet-preserved in ethanol and stored in jars and housed in our wet store. Unluckily, not all crustaceans can fit into our jars and some larger specimens are stored in drums, which again, sadly, don’t fit in our wet store.Read more Blog entry Andrew Hosie
25 Mar 2013Fish in focus - The West Australian SeahorseContinuing our series of endemic fish species, here is a very special fish that is endemic to the west coast of Western Australia. The West Australian Seahorse: Hippocampus subelongatus Castelnau, 1873Read more Blog entry Western Australian Museum
11 Mar 2013Day 18 Kimberley Montage – Kimberley 2012 This video contains a compilation of animals, habitats and landscapes filmed during the Kimberley research trip of October 2012. These video diaries document the October 2012 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
8 Mar 2013Day 17 The Wrap – Kimberley 2012This video is a summary and wrap-up of the highly successful Kimberley research trip of October 2012. These video diaries document the October 2012 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
7 Mar 2013Day 16 Octocorals – Kimberley 2012In this video we gain insight into the amazing diversity of corals in the Kimberley reefs. These video diaries document the October 2012 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
6 Mar 2013Day 15 Art of Deceit – Kimberley 2012In this video, Dr Glenn Moore explains the survival strategies of the fish that live in the Kimberley reefs. These video diaries document the October 2012 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
5 Mar 2013Day 14 Corals Breaking the Rules – Kimberley 2012This video explores the various types of corals that can be found in the inshore reef regions of the Kimberley islands.Read more Video Danny Murphy