Florida Fauna 

Strombus gigas

Business on the back and party on the inside, these giant pink snails are too tasty for their own good. The population in Florida has yet to recover despite a decades long moratorium on their harvest. 

Scyllarides aequinoctialis

The blue collar cousin to the more commonly known (and devoured) spiny lobster, these sturdy little bull dozers are one of my favorites. 

Diodon holocanthus 

These inflatable gems can fill up with either air or water, which causes their spikes to stick out. This not only helps them to avoid getting eaten, but also makes them aggressively adorable. 

Alligator mississippiensis

The baby gator is full of tiny rage and will attempt the most adorable death roll on an exposed finger. They also make delightful squeaks to summon their murderous mothers to their defense. 

Platalea ajaja

The flatbilled flamingo is always a delight. Bright pink. Balding. Awkwardly long legs and a ladle shaped face. For all of you beautifully awkward beings out there - you are perfect. 

Trichechus manatus

These sexy sirens are the baked potatos of the sea. Like me, they can't stand cold water, so on chilly days can be seen gathering in the constant 72 degree springs. Which is honestly still a bit chilly for my taste.