#FFF 6: The Goliath Grouper

Goliath Grouper

Welcome back to another episode of #fff or Friday Fish Facts!  The Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara), is one of the most fascinating and formidable fish inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its massive size and distinctive appearance, this species has…

Merfolk of Fort Lauderdale: Local Gay Legends and Marine Mythology

fantasy merman basking in sun rays underwater

Merfolk have long graced human storytelling as symbols of allure, independence, and mystery. From the sirens of ancient Greece to Hans Christian Andersen’s tragic tale of the Little Mermaid, these aquatic beings embody themes of yearning, transformation, and uncharted possibilities.…

#FFF 5: The Queen Conch

Queen Conch

Welcome back to another episode of #fff or Friday Fish Facts! Hang onto your booties, cause today’s fish fact is actually a shellfish fact! If you’ve ever snorkeled or dove along the beaches of South Florida, chances are you’ve come…

Coral reefs depend on mangrove forests

Mangrove roots are a fish nursery

As divers, we often get on boats in marinas that are sheltered by mangrove forests and then ride right past them without realizing how critical these areas are. Mangrove forests are the unsung heroes of South Florida’s coastal ecosystems, playing…

The luminous sea: nature’s nighttime magic

bioluminescence in a breaking wave onshore

As the sun sets and twilight falls, an extraordinary phenomenon begins to unfold beneath the waves. In the dim darkness of the ocean, nature’s own light show flickers to life—an enchanting glow of blues, greens, and purples that originates from…

#FFF 4: Spotted Scorpionfish

Spotted Scorpionfish

Welcome back to another episode of #fff or Friday Fish Facts! The spotted scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri) is one of the sneakiest reef-dwelling predators and is found all along the Florida reef tract. Known for its exceptional camouflage, venomous spines, and…

#FFF 3: the Green Moray Eel

Green Moray Eel peeking out from beneath a coral ledge

Welcome back to another episode of #fff or Friday Fish Facts! The green moray eel (Gymnothorax funebris) is a creature that looks like it swam straight out of a alien horror movie. It is one of the largest moray eels…

The Bermuda Triangle and Fort Lauderdale

The SS Sapona in Bimini

The Bermuda Triangle’s allure lies in the countless stories of vessels and aircraft that allegedly disappeared without a trace. Perhaps the most famous is the case of Flight 19, a group of five U.S. Navy bombers that vanished during a…

#FFF 2: The Smooth Trunkfish

Smooth Trunkfish

Welcome back to another episode of #fff or Friday Fish Facts! The smooth trunkfish (Lactophrys triqueter) is a fascinating member of the boxfish family, Ostraciidae. It gets its name from the triangular body shape (when viewed head-on), and its smooth…

Dive into our social media

Bigeye trevally jack tornado baitball

Fish and social media users may live in different worlds, but their behaviors reveal fascinating similarities. Whether it’s finding strength in numbers, flaunting brilliance for attention, or navigating dangers, fish schools and social media tribes share universal truths about connection…

#FFF 1: The French Grunt

French Grunts in a school

Did you know that the French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum), a common reef fish in Fort Lauderdale, gets its name from the sound it makes? These fish grind their teeth to produce a “grunting” noise, which is sometimes heard underwater. They…

Queering the Sea

Scuba Diver with Camera

Tackling Discrimination in Diving The ocean has long symbolized freedom—its vast, boundless waters evoke a sense of endless possibilities and uncharted adventures. For scuba divers, the underwater world represents a space where differences dissolve, and everyone marvels at nature’s grandeur…