Other-worldly
Rita M Franco-Santos
This is a scanning electron microscope image of a paralarva (young stage) of the “Argentine shortfin squid, Illex argentinus”. It has a ventral orientation and mainly shows the buccal area of the individual, including its beak, arms, and tentacles. These feeding structures are not completely developed in the young stages of Argentine shortfin squid – the beak possesses small teeth, some arms are yet to grow, and the tentacles are fused into a proboscis. Due to the difficulty in capturing these small animals, the paralarval diet and feeding habits are still a mystery to be unraveled by cephalopod scientists.
BEAKER STREET SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
This photograph was a finalist in Beaker Street’s annual Science Photography Prize. This highly-respected prize invites amateur and professional photographers to showcase the wonders of our extraordinary part of the world — which is teeming with science and scientists. Finalist images are displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival each August, with great prizes on offer for Judges’ and People’s Choice winners.
The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize is sponsored by Pennicott Foundation — thank you crew! It would not be possible without the support of Full Gamut, Tasmania’s premier fine art printers, as well as the wonderful Tasmanian businesses who donate prizes.
