Cryptozoology Newsletter - Vol 2 No 2 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: CRYPTOZOOLOGY NEWSLETTER
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 2
Date: Mar/Apr 1995
Editor: Matthew A. Bille

This issue of the Cryptozoology Newsletter is a special edition, largely omitting regular features to provide a comprehensive discussion of Richard Ellis' book, "Monsters of the Sea." The editor justifies this focus by stating the book's potential influence on the public and scientific understanding of cryptozoology.

Recent Discoveries

The Carnivorous Sponge

The newsletter highlights a significant discovery from the Mediterranean Sea: a new, undescribed species of sponge (Asbestopluma sp.) that has evolved from filter-feeding to actively hunting tiny crustaceans. Unlike typical sponges, this species has abandoned the basic body plan optimized for flushing water. It uses hook-shaped spicules resembling Velcro to entangle prey, which are then consumed by growing filaments. The sponge, only about 15mm high, presents several puzzles, including its presence in a Mediterranean cave at only 18m depth, despite its closest relatives being deep-ocean sponges found at depths up to 8,800 meters. The article questions how its ancestors reached this environment and how the sponge adapted so drastically to macropredation.

Gilbert's Potoroo Rediscovered

Australia's history of animals disappearing and reappearing is exemplified by the recent rediscovery of Gilbert's potoroo (Potorous gilberti). This miniature relative of the kangaroo, often classified as a subspecies of the long-nosed potoroo, was known only from two specimens collected in the last century. Zoologists had largely considered it extinct. However, in December 1994, five specimens were live-trapped in a nature reserve approximately 250 miles south of Perth. The captured individuals included adult males, a juvenile male, and a female with a pouch, offering hope for the survival of other seemingly vanished species.

News and Comment

Obituary: Vu Quang Ox

The first two captive specimens of the Vu Quang ox (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), also known as the sao la in Vietnam, have died in Hanoi. The female calf, the first specimen ever captured, died at eight months old, surviving its male companion by one week.

Bizarre Fish in Clear Lake

A clipping from the San Francisco Examiner reported on a bizarre fish caught in California's Clear Lake. The approximately thirty-inch-long creature resembled a catfish but had a strangely shaped head, thick, fleshy fins, and a horizontal tail, unlike any known fish. Identified as a bizarrely mutated channel catfish, the creature's survival to adulthood was noted as surprising. The article suggests that since Clear Lake catfish originate from hatcheries, mutations are more common than in wild populations, reducing the discovery's cryptozoological significance.

Resources: Books

Review of "Monsters of the Sea" by Richard Ellis

The newsletter provides an extensive review of Richard Ellis' 1994 book, "Monsters of the Sea." Ellis, a respected science writer known for his work on sharks and cetaceans, turns his attention to humanity's fascination with sea monsters, both real and fictitious. The book is praised for being thoroughly referenced, expertly written, and generally fascinating.

Loch Ness and Sea Serpents: Ellis expresses strong doubts about the existence of the Loch Ness animals and reviews sea serpent cases. While he covers many famous cases, some are treated briefly. Ellis believes some reports, like the 1817 sightings off Gloucester, defy easy explanation. He accepts Gavin Maxwell's explanation of the HMS Hilary sighting as a basking shark with a mistaken tail for a head and neck, but the author of the newsletter disagrees, citing the extended encounter and the animal's movement.

Oarfish and Ribbonfish: The review clarifies the nature of oarfish and ribbonfish, noting that while ribbonfish are delicate, the largest oarfish can be over twenty feet long and resemble an eel, though not transparent. Confusion between these species is noted in books on sea creatures.

Cadborosaurus: Ellis surveys modern reports of "Cadborosaurus" from the Pacific coast, concluding he would bet against its existence.

"Sea Ape" or "Sea Monkey" (Steller's Sea Ape): Ellis discusses Georg Wilhelm Steller's description of the "sea ape" and compares it to the sea mink (Mustela macrodon). However, the author of the newsletter finds this comparison untenable, noting Steller's description of a shark-like tail and no visible front limbs, and the size discrepancy with the sea mink. The author suggests Steller might have misremembered Konrad von Gesner's "Danish sea ape" illustration.

Giant Squid: Ellis tackles the giant squid, debating whether it is an active hunter or a passive ambusher, and critiques Peter Benchley's novel "Beast." He notes that giant squid lack claws around the suckers on their tentacles, but evidence from the U.S.S. Stein suggests another giant type might possess them. The largest recorded squid specimens are 55 feet long. The newsletter's author expresses disappointment that Ellis did not mention claims of 70-to 100-foot squid from Michael Bright's book.

HMS Daedalus Sighting: Ellis suggests the HMS Daedalus sighting looks like a giant squid, a conclusion the newsletter's author disagrees with. The author points to the creature's apparent rigidity, its head and shoulders being held above water, and the clear visibility of its features as evidence against a squid identification. The steady speed of the creature also contradicts the jerky movement expected of a jet-propelled squid.

Valhalla Sighting (1905): Ellis examines the Valhalla report, suggesting the animal might be a giant squid. The newsletter's author finds this identification problematic, citing witness descriptions of a turtle-like head and eye, the visibility of a considerable body underwater, and the proportions of the creature described (six-foot frill, seven-to-eight-foot head and neck with a two-foot separation). The author concludes that Ellis is too fond of the giant squid explanation for sea monster sightings.

Overall Assessment of Ellis' Book: Despite disagreements on specific conclusions, the author finds Ellis' book to be enjoyable, important, and well-researched, particularly praising its 28-page bibliography. The book is recommended for its balanced presentation of controversial subjects.

In Closing

The newsletter encourages serious researchers to join the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC) to promote the study of unknown or presumed-extinct animals. While the editor is an ISC member, the newsletter is not an official ISC publication. The editor welcomes comments, corrections, and clippings, and provides contact information for responses and subscriptions ($15/year).

Copyright 1995 by Matthew A. Bille. Permission is granted for educational or nonprofit use of articles, but original illustrations require express permission.

The logo illustration depicts the mysterious "Delphinus rhinoceros," described by French naturalists in 1819 and not reported since, reconstructed by Craig Gosling.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of cryptids, particularly marine life, and the critical review of scientific literature concerning these subjects. The editorial stance, as presented through the review of Richard Ellis' book, is one of engagement with controversial topics but also a willingness to disagree with established authors when evidence or logic suggests an alternative interpretation. The editor champions rigorous research and the scientific pursuit of cryptozoology, advocating for its recognition as a respectable scientific specialty.