This is another of these diaries meant as a respite from the stuggles of the day and as a reminder that we share this planet with a huge variety of incredible creatures. Remember we are all related.
These photos were taken during four dives this past weekend on the north shore of Oahu in Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District. I hope you enjoy your visit.
Rain Over the Mokuluas
I am sorry I might be a little light on words this evening. I set up the photos but I got distracted by a long phone call and I would still like to publish this before 6pm Hawaii time. If you have any biology or photography questions I will try to answer them in the comments.
NUDIBRANCHS
Scott Johnson's Nudibranch (Ardeadoris scottjohnsoni)
A rare one. This is my first photo of one of these.
Pease's Nudibranch (Hypselodoris peasei)
Also uncommon and also my first. This is also called the Locust Nudibranch.
Fellow's Nudibranch (Petrodoris fellowsi)
White-Margin Nudibranch (Glossodoris rufomarginata)
Reach!!!
Tom Smith's Nudibranch (Glossodoris tomsmithi)
Trembling Nudibranch (Chromodoris vibrata)
Named for the fact that their gills and rhynophores (those rabbit ear sensory organs) almost always seem to be trembling.
Gold Lace Nudibranch (Halgerda terramtyentis)
FISH
Stocky Hawkfish (Cirrhitus pinnulatus)
Hawaiian Green Lionfish (Dendrochirus barberi)
Manybar Goatfish or Moano (Parupeneus multifasciatus) juvenile
The Baby
Manybar Goatfish or Moano (Parupeneus multifasciatus)
Adult
Ornate Wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus)
Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus)
CEPHALOPODS
Day Octopus (Octopus cyanea)
We saw quite a few day octopus over four dives. These photos show some of the incredible varieties of color, pattern and skin texture these critters are capable of using for camouflage. The can flash from smooth and white to patterned with huge ridges in the skin in an instant.
Bigfin Squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana)
This is one of the few squid that stay in shallow water during the day. Most squid are deep open ocean predators. There were a pair of these enchanting critters in the shallow water just off the beach in a heavily trafficed tourist area (Three Table Beach).
Like the octopus they have complex brains and change color and patterns constantly. This one is in a threat display, making itself look intimidating.
Feel free to treat this as a community photo diary and please be good humans. If you have a problem with this diary I refer you to the Complaint Department:
Aloha