TRAVEL TO THE WATERS OF THE ARABIAN PENINSULA AND DISCOVER THE CAPTIVATING MARINE LIFE THAT CALL THIS REGION HOME IN

"ARABIAN SEAS"

NOW STREAMING ON SMITHSONIAN EARTH(TM)

NEW YORK - March 2, 2018 - The waters bordering the Arabian Peninsula are home to a host of unique marine animals, from predators like zebra sharks and giant stingrays, to camouflage kings such as the cuttlefish and sea horse. Wade into this little-seen world of ocean oddities with ARABIAN SEAS, now streaming on Smithsonian Earth. Smithsonian Earth is available on Apple(R), Roku(R), Amazon, Android(TM) and at SmithsonianEarthTV.com. ?

Kicking off the five-part series is the premiere episode, CARNIVORES OF THE CORAL GARDEN, which is now available to stream for free at SmithsonianEarthTV.com. Nine miles off the coast of Oman, a zebra shark scans the ocean floor for crustaceans, while a menacing giant stingray floats by. Soon, night becomes day and new killers emerge, from toxic scorpion fish to crown-of-thorns starfish, both bringing coral devastation.

Subsequent episodes available for streaming include:

MAGICIANS OF THE REEF

Premieres Friday, March 9

A seahorse blends perfectly into its coral surroundings, while a male day octopus hides to avoid the female's cannibalistic impulses. Meanwhile, cuttlefish change color to both attract mates and ward off rivals.

ISLAND FEAST

Premieres Friday, March 16

Despite the scorching heat, a cold upwelling of nutrients in the Gulf of Oman creates favorable conditions for a host of marine migrants. The behemoth whale shark, hawksbill turtle and millions of tiny, exotic fish settle in to feast.

DEFENDERS OF THE REEF

Premieres Friday, March 23

In the Gulf of Oman, survival is all about defense. Some species of sea urchins and sea slugs rely on toxins to keep predators at bay, while guitarfish use their size and armored bodies to stay off the menu. Peek into a little-known reef where fortune favors the bold and the well-prepared.

A TURTLE'S LEGACY

Premieres Friday, March 30

On the beaches of Ras al-Jinz in Oman, thousands of sea turtle hatchlings dash towards the relative safety of the open sea. Nearby, an army of hungry ghost crabs, gulls and foxes lie in wait, ready to pick them off.

Smithsonian Earth is a subscription streaming video service specializing in original nature and wildlife programming shot in stunning 4K resolution that's available through Apple(R), Roku(R), Amazon, Android(TM) and at SmithsonianEarthTV.com.

Smithsonian Networks(TM) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Networks operates Smithsonian Earth, through SN Digital LLC. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Channel(TM), the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.