Barramunda / Australian lungfish
(Neoceratodus forsteri) in the Frankfurt Zoological Garden.

There are 6 species of lungfish in the world, of which the Australian is the most primitive. The lungfish morphology has hardly changed in the last 100 million years and therefore, like the closely related coelacanths, are considered living fossils.

Genetic studies, as well as the skull structure, the arrangement and shape of the fins, the approach of separation of oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and oxygen-poor blood from the body, suggest a close relationship to the tetrapods, to which we also belong.

Netherless, the lungfish aren't considered our ancestors, but are closely related to them.

Mata mata! 😄🐢
A nocturnal freshwater turtle that is found mainly in the Amazon and Orinoco basins. There it prefers shallow waters, where it remains motionless until a fish comes close. Only small fish are eaten by creating a vacuum that sucks the prey into its mouth. The fish is swallowed whole, the structure of the mouth makes it impossible to chew.

Sometimes I visit other planets. On Beta Carotene, everyone is invisible because they eat so many carrots.

Salt-tolerant coastal vegetation in the Atacama Desert, the driest desert outside the polar regions.

That was right next to my hostel. Look at these cute paws! 🐾

My first stopover was in Paracas, where I stayed for a few days. I got off the bus early in the morning, where a friendly taxi driver greeted me directly. Actually, I wanted to walk, but the price was too cheap to say no. We drove along the paved road. I had no idea what kind of area my hostel was in. When we left the paved road and drove through a slum populated by stray dogs, I thought this was just the way to the hostel. But we stopped in the middle of it. I lit a cigarette and let the impression sink. After a few puffs Nicolas came out the door and greeted me warmly. I was 4 hours early but that wasn't a problem. His wife Mary immediately made me a fresh breakfast while Nicolas prepared my room. It was a very nice and maintained hostel. Not for high standards, but with a lot of love and attention. The first impression of Paracas immediately lost importance and I was glad to have such a nice accommodation. Tourism in Peru is just beginning to develop. But that's also its special charm.

Sometimes one flower needs another flower to remind that the sun will rise again.

Peruvian pelican (Pelecanus thagus) flying over Peruvian boobies (Sula variegata).

You shouldn't take the tour to Islas Ballestas in blazing sun. In the morning it's much cooler and the animals are still on the rocks. Imagine this photo in a bright blue sky. Not very exciting, right? Take the first tour, it will be worth it!

Sloth Neeews: Sea Lions Queen scratches her ear! Paparazzi right on the spot! What is Seagull doing there? Sloth Neeews reports directly on this event from 2018. Stay tuned but don't forget your life goals.