Last update: 22/10/15
Eric H. Biass
Friday, 15 March 2013 22:55
King Helmet
| Aspect: |
When not covered in various extraneous growths, its burly (hence tuberosa) solid pale shell is smooth and shiny and features waves of dark and light brown lines. |
| Population: | Common, but diificult to spot especially during the day when it hides under the sand. |
| Notable feature: | The outer lip surrounding the opening base of the shell carries radailly disposed dark bars. |
| Environment: | One of the specimens featured here was photographed on the Franjack wreck at a depth of around 20 metres. |
| Behaviour: | Surprisingly feeds on Sea Urchins and Sand Dollars. |
Published in
Gastropods
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Friday, 15 March 2013 17:52
Frond Oyster
| Aspect: | Very often covered in camouflaging elements (sponges, algae etc) its valves have distinct deep-V interlocking edges. |
| Population: | Very difficult to spot, but quite widespread. |
| Notable feature: | Deep-V edges |
| Environment: | Usually found in open waters, atop boulders, or attached to old buoy mooring lines and wreck masts |
| Behaviour: | Valves will instantly shut if approached too closely. |
Published in
Bivalves
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Friday, 15 March 2013 17:02
Lettuce Sea Slug
| Aspect: |
A little elongated ruffled mass that looks like a miniature leaf lettuce deposited on a light coloured slug-like body (hence its name). Colours usually comprise variations of light greens for the "leaf" part, while the body is a darker shade of green covered in large paler green spots. Other colours (with the same dark and light tones) include blue and orange, sometimes with red or yellow borders along the edge of the "leafy" coat. |
| Population: | Common. |
| Notable feature: | Close and patient observation may reveal the mouth and the pin-point sized eyes of the animal. |
| Environment: | They feed on algae (and can be observed quietly grazing). |
| Behaviour: | Relatively unscared. |
Published in
Gastropods
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Thursday, 14 February 2013 18:10
Stareye Hermit
| Aspect: | Red-banded white legs, except the two main frontal clawed ones which are more uniformly dark red/purple with white dots, bright orange/yellow antennae and antennules, and pale blue/green eyes. All apparent areas of the body are hairy. |
| Population: | Occasional. |
| Notable feature: | Long eye stalks are pink, sometimes with white bands. |
| Environment: | Sandy surfaces, but near rocks for quick shelter. |
| Behaviour: | Relatively shy. |
Published in
Hermits
Tagged under
Thursday, 14 February 2013 16:55
Red Reef Hermit
| Aspect: | Bright red overall, with smooth elongated legs, and prominent claws |
| Population: | Common, especially at night. |
| Notable feature: | Yellow eyes. |
| Environment: | Sandy bottoms. |
| Behaviour: | Retracts when approached too closely, but slowly pulls out again. |
Published in
Hermits
Tagged under
