Black Cormorant

Opaleyes with Kelp

Opaleyes school behind a macrocystis kelp. For some reason fish like to hang out just downcurrent of kelp; perhaps it's easier to swim there, or it's a good place to hide. Or maye it's just the happening place!

California Electric Torpedo

Electrical shock hazard! The eyes are closer to the photographer than the spiracles.

Feather Duster with Hydroids

Feather duster worm with ostrich-plume hydroids.

Red Urchins

Red urchin, with yellow cup coral, at San Miguel Island.

Feather Duster Worm

Feather duster worms at San Miguel Island. The feather duster is only the feeding apparatus of these worms. The rest of the worm stays inside a tube, and withdraws the duster if it senses a threat. Would that feel like pulling your head back into your hoodie, and covering your face? That seemed safe when I was 5.

Fish Aggregation

Apparently a school of fish is all one species: a group of several species is an aggregation. The fishes of this aggregation, at Garden Spot on the north side of Anacapa, seemed to individually enjoy a quick look at the diver, but then soon turned away in disinterest to let others take a look.

Ling Cod

The ling cod is neither ling nor cod, but the largest of the Hexagrammidae. For some reason ling cod seem to absorb light, like a sponge absorbs water. It's hard to find the right exposure.

Greenlings in Love

I happened upon these painted greenlings in a moment of their passion. The male colored himself a vivid cherry red and black with bright white spots, while the female took on shades of beige and rust. The male wiggled vigorously, above and on both sides of the female, a display that she found most enchanting. After this quick snapshot I discreetly withdrew. They appeared to remain intent only on one another.

Greenling Groom

When male painted greenlings become amorous, they turn themselves this brick-red color with bright white spots. Romance is sure to arrive, for such a well-dressed fellow.

Anacapa in Spring

Anacapa in March, seen from the East end of Santa Cruz.