Life Patterns for Survival Silverfish and Catfish

Life Patterns for Survival*

 Silverfish and Catfish

Dr Abe V Rotor

The trunk of an elephant, the crushing strength of a boa constrictor, a chameleon's instant mimic, a housefly's sponging lips, thigmotropic response of Mimosa (makahiya), and man's versatile mental and physical power are some patterns which have enhanced survival of these creatures against the tests and odds of the biosphere.

Organisms which failed  to pass Nature's law of competition and survival perished, while the lucky ones have been able to maintain and continue their own species transcending to them the power which once constituted fitness as members of the biotic community.  Still others produced biological forms and strains, these forming a new generation equipped with a better chance for survival, and leading to evolution itself.

Silverfish (Lepisma saccarina) 

Also called bristletails, the silverfish is one of the most primitive insects.  It lives among old papers and clothes where there is starch or glue.  Two pairs of sensitive antennae, three bristle-like tails, a ventrally flat body and smooth silvery armor contribute to the agility of this hide-and-seek expert to live between files and in crevices.

Silverfish are slender, flattened insects typically 7–12 mm long, though some can reach up to 25 mm. Their bodies are covered with silvery, metallic scales, giving them a shiny appearance. They have long, multi-segmented antennae, three tail filaments (one central and two lateral), and small compound eyes capable of distinguishing light from dark. Juveniles resemble miniature adults and undergo multiple molts throughout their life. Internet,

Philippine catfish (Clarias batrachus)

The catfish or hito (paltat Ilk) is endowed with more senses than man.  From the fleshy beard-like barbels running down the skin to the tip of the tail are taste buds, that it is safe to presume that the catfish can taste on any part of its body.  It lives on all sorts of food - rusty cans, worm baits, flies, snails, etc. Its keen sense of hearing can register vibration in the water and in air.  Scent glands at its nose can detect the smell of a turtle or a worm almost instantly.  The roundness of its eyeballs makes the lenses superior over ours, putting everything in sharper focus.

* Updated article LIFE PATTERNS FOR SURVIVAL Faculty Journal Lyceum of the Philippines Volume II Number 7. July 1966. References: Living with Nature Series AV Rotor; acknowledgement Internet images.