Underwater Photos |
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Spiny Flounder attracting a mate - Engyophrys senta
In this first photograph in the series of six, two Spiny Flounders (Engyophrys senta) move about the sand. The male (on the right), in a heighten state, spins in place and flushes its colors in order to attract a mate.
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Mating Spiny Flounder (Engyophrys senta)
This mating pair of Spiny Flounders (Engyophrys senta) begin to quiver their whole bodies upon their ascent. Notice the enlarged area on the bottom side of the female (top). This area contains the unfertilized eggs she will expel shortly into the water column.
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Spiny Flounders release sperm and eggs into the water column
At the climax of their mating dance, the Spiny Flounders (Engyophrys senta) release their eggs and sperm (seen as a cloudy haze in the center of the photograph) into the water column. The current will sweep away and disperse the fertilized eggs allowing for better chances of survival for the species.
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Fish makes a home out of human trash
Small marine life, such as fish and (especially) octopus, will take advantage of any discarded human trash for protection from predation. This tiny fish poked its head in and out of a rusted can while I attempted to take its picture.
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Hermit crab and anemone
This Bareye hermit crab lives in close association with tricolor anemones. Each depends on a very unique symbiotic relationship in order to survive. The hermit crab attaches the anemones to its shell, using the anemones stinging arms as a means of protection. In return, the crab provides the anemones with the mobility they need to locate new food sources.
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Ragged Sea Hare laying eggs
This Ragged Sea Hare (Bursatella leachii) is a type of marine snail, but it has a tiny internal shell. In this photograph the sea hare was laying eggs on the sea floor.
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Defensive posture in squid
As the diver approached this Atlantic Brief squid (Lolliguncula brevis), the squid extended its arms in what appeared like a defensive posture. Perhaps by making itself appear larger than it actually is it can avoid being predated upon. In this case, the diver (the lovely Tanya Guiler) was not a predator, but simply a very happy diver who wanted to see this unique creature up close.
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The nervous system of squid
Squid species have nervous systems that contain some of the largest neurons found in nature. Scientists study the nerve impulses in squids in an effort to understand such mammalian diseases as multiple sclerosis, AlzheimerÕs and ParkinsonÕs.
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Florida Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
During my dives in Palm Beach, Florida I frequently come across the friendly Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Based on research done by Larry Wood of the Florida Hawksbill Project I have learned that most of the turtles in this area are in their adolescent stage. Most of which have traveled to this area after hatching off the beaches of Mexico.
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Bumblebee shrimp on starfish
Bumblebee shrimp live (Gnathophyllum americanum) under the protection of numerous animals such as this Cushion Sea Star. I have also found them living amongst sea urchins and sea cucumbers. It is believed they feed on the tubed feet (pictured on the left) of their host in which case their behavior would not be symbiotic (benefiting both organisms), but parasitics.
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Fingerprint Cyphoma feeds on soft coral
The Fingerprint Cyphoma (Cyphoma signatum), named because of the fingerprint pattern of its mantel, feeds primarily on soft corals. When disturbed, the Fingerprint Cyphoma retracts its fingerprint pattern mantel displaying a pale white shell.
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Goldentail moray eel and fish hunting
Goldentail moray eels and many predatory fish, such as this Graysby, can be seen hunting together in the open during the day. This symbiotic behavior is called nuclear hunting or cooperative hunting. As the predatory fish swim above the eel it scares any prey into hiding within the reaches of the eel. If the eel is unable to capture the prey, it usually scares it out of hiding allowing the predatory fish an opportunity for a meal.
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