
Are Eels Snakes or Fish? Here’s the Scientific Answer
Fundacion Rapala – Eels often confuse people because of their snake-like bodies. At first glance, many wonder: are eels part of the snake family, or are they fish? The scientific answer is clear—eels are fish, not reptiles. Habitat: Where Do Eels Live? Although eels look similar to snakes, their habitat sets them apart. Eells spend

Man Wins Epic Battle Against Giant Catfish the Size of a Cow
Fundacion Rapala – A fisherman in the Czech Republic has broken his own record after catching a giant catfish measuring 2.68 meters (8.8 feet)—almost the size of a cow. A Morning That Turned Into a Fight Jakub Vágner, 43, spotted the massive fish early in the morning at Vranov Reservoir, about 200 km south of Prague.

Viral “Jessica Radcliffe Orca Attack” Video — The Truth Behind the Shock Clip
Fundacion Rapala – A disturbing video has been making the rounds on social media, claiming to show a marine animal trainer named Jessica Radcliffe being killed by an orca during a live show. The footage, however, is not what it seems. Multiple fact-checking sources have now confirmed that the video is a complete fabrication — a

The Sad Fate of the Handfish
Fundacion Rapala – This unusual fish, known for its striking bright red “hands,” goes by the name red handfish. However, behind its charming and quirky appearance hides a heartbreaking reality — the species is teetering on the brink of extinction. Its wild population keeps shrinking year after year. At one point, scientists counted around 100 individuals.

Giant but Boneless: Whale Sharks Have No Hard Bones Like Humans
Fundacion Rapala – With a length that can reach up to 18 meters, the whale shark holds the title as the largest living fish in today’s oceans. However, did you know that despite its massive body, the whale shark does not have a single hard bone? Interestingly, this unique fact doesn’t apply only to whale sharks—it’s

Exploring Reef Resilience Through the Science of Coral Adaptation
Fundacion Rapala – Coral reefs are among the most breathtaking and valuable ecosystems on Earth. They harbor a quarter of all marine life and sustain over a billion people by providing food, income, and protection from coastal erosion. But these colorful underwater cities are under siege. Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are pushing them to their

The Role of Marine Protected Areas in Restoring Depleted Fish Populations
Fundacion Rapala – Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are vital tools in the global effort to restore degraded marine ecosystems and reverse fish population declines. With oceans facing unprecedented stress from overfishing, climate change, and pollution, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) offer a beacon of hope. When properly designed and managed, they not only protect biodiversity but also serve

Innovative Catch‑and‑Release Tools: Reducing Mortality through Design
Fundacion Rapala – Catch‑and‑Release fishing is often promoted as a sustainable practice, especially among conservation-focused anglers. However, improper tools and techniques can still cause significant stress and even death to the fish. Thankfully, modern innovations in catch-and-release gear have introduced new ways to improve fish survival rates while preserving the thrill of the sport. Barbless Hooks: A

Spillover Effects from MPAs to Recreational Fisheries
Fundacion Rapala – Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are known for preserving ocean life. But beyond protection, they offer something more: spillover effects. These benefits reach nearby fishing areas, especially recreational fisheries, making MPAs valuable for both conservation and the economy. How Spillover Supports Nearby Fishing Zones Spillover happens when fish populations grow inside MPAs and then move

Flooding isn’t a Problem: Jakarta Residents Fish for Giant Catfish
Fundacion Rapala – Flooding hit parts of Jakarta again, but one local resident turned the situation into something unexpected. Instead of panicking, a man took out his fishing rod and managed to catch a giant catfish right on the street. The viral moment, captured in a short video, showcases the unique way Jakartans cope with floods. The