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Flounders are always a joy to spot, especially when they're lying motionless on top of a flat rock. For the first few weeks of life, a planktonic flounder looks and swims like normal fish. Then it undergoes a truly remarkable transformation. Sometime shortly before the flounder settles out of the plankton, the right eye slowly migrates the left side of its face. As if that wasn't enough for the poor bugger, other changes also occur during this time. The flounder's body flattens, its underside becomes light in color and its upper side becomes dark in color, and it loses its swim bladder (the organ that aids in buoyancy).
The flounder's flat, camouflaged body helps it hide from predators and also aids in catching small fish to eat. Flounders are considered a 'sit-and-wait' predator or an 'ambush' predator. They can instantly change colors or shades to match that of its background. Scientists put flounders on underwater checkerboards and found that their bodies took on a checkerboard-like pattern! So, while perfectly camouflaged, the flounder sits motionless until a small fish passes near him and then pounces. Caren Eckrich

She's mahogany colored with the softest, sleekest fur. That's "Mishi." She's 2 ½ years old and already has been a mom. Now that her pups have been raised she will be sterilized. Mishi is unusual insofar as she is really a one-person dog who won't go to just anybody. But once she gets to know you she will be very loyal, and she will be an excellent watch dog and a great companion. As are the other adoptees at the Bonaire Animal Shelter Mishi is in excellent health.
Choosing a pet from the Shelter assures you of not only a healthy animal and one that is social, but it also saves you money. The cost to adopt a dog is only NAƒ105, and that includes an exam, tests, sterilization, all shots up to that point, worming and any other treatments that might be necessary. If you took the pet to the vet yourself, sterilization costs are anywhere from NAƒ150 to 300 for females (depending on weight), and NAƒ90 to NAƒ160 for males. An exam, worming and shots of course are all additional costs.  Do the arithmetic and you'll find it's a terrific bargain when you pick your pet from the Shelter. All you have to add is love!
The Bonaire Animal Shelter is on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm, Fridays until 1. Telephone 717-4989.  L.D.

Caren Eckrich has a Master's in Marine Biology, is a PADI dive instructor, a Medic First Aid instructor and has studied, researched, and taught in the Caribbean for over eight years. Caren is the founder and owner of Sea & Discover on the island of Bonaire. Ocean Adventures and Sea & Discover offer marine educational and experience programs for kids from 5 to 75 years.

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