Showing posts with label slime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label slime. Show all posts

Friday, November 8, 2013

Slimey Hagfish


In self defense, hagfish produce slime.

 Picture from PHYS

When harassed, or when predators or other fish are trying to steal their food, a hagfish's glands secrete a stringy protein that expands into a transparent, sticky substance when it comes in contact with seawater. 
 To prevent choking on its own slime, a hagfish can “sneeze” out its slime-filled nostril, and tie its body into a knot to keep the slime from dripping onto its face.