the colour of ancient sea creatures and long living marine predators

Colour of ancient sea creatures revealed

By Rebecca Morelle

The colour of sea creatures that lived millions of years ago has been revealed by scientists. Research suggests that three reptiles found in the ancient oceans were near-black. The international team has found melanin - the light-absorbing pigment that is responsible for colour - preserved in the animals' fossilised skin. The study is published in the journal Nature.The lead researcher Johan Lindgren, from Lund University in Sweden, said: "It's amazing. Suddenly we get this idea of the colour of animals swimming around millions of years ago."

Read rest here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25653581

Does this mean sea serpents could be black? If they were descended  from ancient creatures perhaps.

Great white sharks 'live for 70 years'

By Jonathan Amos

Great white sharks live far longer than was previously thought.Using a new technique to age the tissues of these impressive creatures, scientists have identified a male great white that lived into its 70s. The researchers say the finding has important implications for the animals' protection.Knowing the longevity of a species, how fast it grows and when it reaches sexual maturity is vital information for designing conservation programmes."These creatures are amazing and it's fascinating to study them," said Li Ling Hamady, who is part of a joint programme between MIT and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the US.

Read rest here:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25655666

If  large sea creatures live long lives then sea serpent reports from years ago may still be valid...the sea serpents could still be around .