rhamphotheca:

Discoveries in Scottish Seas:  Fish Without a Face - Amphioxus

by Christine Dell’Amore

A brainless “fish” without a face, the elusive Amphioxus was seen in the waters off Tankerness. The rarely seen species is not a true fish—it’s “an evolutionary step” between invertebrates and vertebrates, said Mike Robertson, senior marine ecologist for the Scottish government.

For instance, Amphioxus has a nerve cord—a precursor to a proper backbone—Robertson said. The white structure that resembles a spine is actually the species’ gonads, which are located in its belly.

(via: National Geo)     (photo: Andrew Want, Heriot-Watt University)