Underwater Photos

Coral reproduce by asexual reproduction
Aside from using broadcast coral spawning techniques to reproduce, corals also reproduce using asexual reproduction. Similar to some plants, the coral polyps produce buds to help produce larger coral colonies. This stony coral, the Mountainous Star coral (Montastraea faveolata), grows at a rate of up to 5mm per year. The corals in this picture are over 500 years old!

Close up photo of coral polyps ready to expel gametes
In this close up photo of this Mountainous Star coral (Montastraea faveolata) you can see the gametes inside each individual coral polyp getting ready to be expelled into the ocean.

Photograph of coral polyps releasing their gametes during coral spawning
This photograph shows a number of coral polyps at the exact moment when they release their gametes (eggs and sperm) into the ocean. This once a year event happens during different times throughout the world's oceans. Scientist have not been able to determine exactly what triggers a coral to spawn, but it is believed to be a mix between water temperature, lunar, tidal, and light cycles.

Close up photo of coral eggs and sperm
In this close up photo you can see the individual coral eggs and sperm bundled in a gamete. Not all corals are hermaphroditic, some produce either eggs or sperm.

Close up photo of a Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
A close up photo of the face of Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and its tiny host, a Sharksucker (Echeneis naucrates). This friendly Loggerhead turtle approached me and appeared to have enjoyed my company while I gave it a little turtle massage.
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Photo of Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) and Sharksucker (Echeneis naucrates)
Many theories exist regarding the relationship of a Sharksucker (Echeneis naucrates) to its host (the Loggerhead turtle in this case). Some believe it to be phoresy (a commensalism relationship where the host is just a means of transportation). From personal observations I believe the relationship to be one of mutualism, whereas the Sharksucker rids its host of parasites.

Vision of a Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)
The vision of a Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is myopic (near-sighted), they can not see distant objects in focus. There is a salt gland behind each eye that helps shed large tears of excess salt to help the turtle maintain a proper water balance.

Florida Prickly Cockle extends its foot to leap away (Trachycardium egmontianum)
Sensing an approaching predator this Florida Prickly Cockle extends a muscle from within its mantle to help it escape. This photograph captures the split-second reaction before the mollusc leaps away.

A Beaded Sea Star picks up the scent of a mollusc nearby (Astropecten articulatus)
Using sensitive cells on their skin or their tubed feet this Beaded Sea Star can smell any prey nearby.

Mollusc uses its foot to escape predation
This mollusc, a Florida Prickly Cockle, uses its foot to escape predation. If caught the sea star will inject its stomach inside the mollusc's shell and digest the mollusc in place.

Bivalves methods to avoid predation
Bivalves use a number of methods to avoid predation. Cockles, such as this Florida Prickly Cockle, uses its foot to leap away. Others are quick to bury themselves or swim away by extruding water through their shells.

Baby Leatherback sea turtle surfaces to breathe (Dermochelys coriacea)
Sea turtles, such as this baby Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), are air breathers and must come up to the surface to breathe. They are capable of holding their breath for hours depending on their activity level. When resting or sleeping they can hold their breath for as long as 4-7 hours.

The fastest reptile is the Leatherback sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea)
The Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) uses its powerful paddle-like fins to achieve the fastest speed of any reptile. It has been recorded at speeds of up to 22mph.

Leatherback sea turtles can dive as deep as 3,900 ft.
Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) have been reported to dive as deep as 3,900 ft., much deeper than any other marine sea turtle.

Baby sea turtle photograph - Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)
This Leatherback baby sea turtle photograph was taken in open ocean. The Leatherback sea turtle gets its name because its carapace is covered by a thick leathery skin instead of the bony scutes found in all other marine sea turtles.