We are invertebrate nerds - so I decided to stick in some photos of interesting invertebrates. This nudibranch-looking critter is actually a headshield slug (Order Cephalaspidea - maybe Chelidonura eletra or amoena??). These cool opisthobranchs have small shells (true nudibranchs have no shell) but sometimes you can't see the shell because it is hidden under tissue.
Penguin wing oyster - a big bivalve that seems to hang out on gorgonians
Sweepers
No caption necessary
Ornate ghost pipefish
Another crappy surface interval
Wait for the end - it is the best part!
Robust ghost pipefish (there are two! the second is to the left of the big one with its head down and is turned sideways - you can see how thin they are). Amazing mimickers of seagrass!
Phyllodesmium longicirrum - HUGE nudibranch with massive cerata - about the size of my hand!! This big species feeds on soft coral and incorporates the zooxanthellae from the coral into its own tissue. The zooxanthellae continue to photosynthesize in the nudibranch's tissues and provide the nudibranch with nutrients. Cool eh?
Compulsory sunset shot! At the rate I'm going with these images, I'll finish posting Papua photos by December and our next vacation. Jeez.
In the meantime, we are busy in Anacortes working on the house and playing outside when we can... here are a few winter shots!
Skiing with Nickie at Crystal Mountain. Nickie and Jay are pointing out the incredible view of Mt. Rainier!
Chillin' with Ralph and Alana on the Olympic Peninsula - new chicken coop and rooster arrival!
.Anddddd - the big one - we put in wood floors!! Woohoo!
No comments:
Post a Comment