SECRET SCIENCE CLUB Melanie Stiassny Explores the Mysterious Depths of the Congo November 9, 2010

Step into liquid with ichthyologist and explorer Melanie Stiassny as she plunges into the heart of darkness. Described by Joseph Conrad as an "immense snake uncoiled, with its head in the sea . . . and its tail lost in the depths of the land," the Congo is home to the deepest river waters on Earth, raging rapids, and hidden submarine canyons. Such mysterious depths shelter astonishingly strange creatures, ranging from blind fishes to truly monstrous needle-toothed carnivores.

Curator of Ichthyology at the American Museum of Natural History, a New York Times blogger, and featured scientist on The Colbert Report, Dr. Stiassny discusses her recent expeditions to the Congo and plumbs the river's amazing biodiversity. Prepare to go deep . . .

Before & After: Groove to siren song and the murmurs of mermaids, imbibe the wet and wild cocktail of the night, the Stiassny Stinger, and immerse yourself in the fishy Q&A!

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