Blue Heron Bridge Trolls III

[Pipehorse]

I reported that high tide was 0834 yesterday, it was 0804. Today it was 0844. Went to the bridge for diving today. Arrived at 0730. Sea temp 84f, and visibility 30ft. No jellyfish today. The park was uncrowded, about the same as yesterday.

Entered on the westside at 0800. Meandered west through the bridge pilings, to the last piling (the wall) next to the channel. Tied off my flag on that convenient loop of whatever the hell it is that has been there for at least ten years. Did a REEF fish survey with a species count of 63. Searched around the piling and in the gravel for nothing in particular, i.e. was not necessarily targeting any family or species of animal. Came across a Lucayan polymorpherus and a beautiful flatworm species unknown to me at present. Also came across a single Chalk Bass. Somewhat common just off in the sand not far from reefs in deeper water, less common at the bridge. Snorkeled the trail after diving. Observed a small Green Sea Turtle eating sea grass.
Respectively, Chalk Bass, Little Greenie, Flatworm, Lucayan plocamorperus, and Cottonwick Grunt.

EDIT: Species of Flatworm now known to me Prostheceraeus crozieri Tiger Flatworm

 

[Pipehorse]

Went to the bridge for diving Thursday and today. Arrived at 0730 on both days for 0922 and 0959 high tides. Park had a little more people on Thursday than Wednesday, not really crowded though. Rain today drove must people away by the time I exited the water from my dive. Sea temp 84f both days, visibility 40ft Thursday, 30Ft Friday. There were little to no jellyfish present on both days.

On Thursday found the Green Sea Turtle in the same place as Wednesday. Except on Thursday the turtle had another Green Sea Turtle friend. Unfortunately could not get a good exposure with both turtles at the same time. Did REEF surveys on both days. Species of note were a school of Crevalle Jack with a minimum of 300 individuals, a Spotted Eagle Ray, and more Pygmy Sea Bass. Respectively, Green Sea Turtle, Spot(s), Spotfin Butterflyfish, Spotted Moray, and Townsend Angelfish.

 

[azure_sea]

...There were little to no jellyfish present on both days.

Thank you for the updates on the jellies

 

[bassplayer]

Did REEF surveys on both days.

I get the idea that you have a near encyclopedic knowledge of the species around here - I'm interested in improving my SE florida fish ID, do you have any advice on how to go about that? for example is there a book i should study?

also just to note for the thread - dove the bridge yesterday, went east, water clarity was improved from a week ago which was nice. i did notice a couple of large jellies in the water near the surface by the boat channel.

a few gopro frames are attached. i saw a few of the tiny white crabs, anyone know what it is? apologies for the image quality, i don't think that macro photography using gopro is going to catch on.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Went to the bridge for diving Thursday and today. Arrived at 0730 on both days for 0922 and 0959 high tides.


View attachment 864258

What are these fish? Looks like grunts of some sort, but don't recall seeing those gold bars.

I get the idea that you have a near encyclopedic knowledge of the species around here - I'm interested in improving my SE florida fish ID, do you have any advice on how to go about that? for example is there a book i should study?

also just to note for the thread - dove the bridge yesterday, went east, water clarity was improved from a week ago which was nice. i did notice a couple of large jellies in the water near the surface by the boat channel.

a few gopro frames are attached. i saw a few of the tiny white crabs, anyone know what it is? apologies for the image quality, i don't think that macro photography using gopro is going to catch on.


View attachment 864278

View attachment 864279
View attachment 864280
View attachment 864281

Start with REEF ID by Paul Human and Ned Deloach. Second, sign up to REEF and start doing surveys. Even beginner surveys are important. You will start realizing subtle differences in species, and your knowledge will expand!

Photo 1. Flying Gunard
Photo 2. Sand Perch
Photo 3.Juvenile (striped?) parrotfish, spotted moray, parrotfish. I am not good with parrotfish ID. UGH.
Photo 4. dead crab

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

This book

(is the link showing? Not showing up on my screen, could be the ad blocker)

 

[Divin'Papaw]

This is also a great resource:

I also use the following websites:

Shorefishes - Homepage

Shorefishes of the Greater Caribbean online information system

biogeodb.stri.si.edu

Carlos & Allison Estape

carlosestape.photoshelter.com

100 FISH ID

Learn how to ID East Pacific and Caribbean Fish with Fish ID Classes & Fish ID Tests & Quizzes; Find links to The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's "Shorefishes of the Greater Caribbean and Shorefishes: East Pacific Information Systems and apps. Participate in REEF.org’s Fish Survey...

www.100fishid.com

Profiles

Profiles

myfwc.com

 

[bassplayer]

What are these fish? Looks like grunts of some sort, but don't recall seeing those gold bars.

Start with REEF ID by Paul Human and Ned Deloach. Second, sign up to REEF and start doing surveys. Even beginner surveys are important. You will start realizing subtle differences in species, and your knowledge will expand!

Photo 1. Flying Gunard
Photo 2. Sand Perch
Photo 3.Juvenile (striped?) parrotfish, spotted moray, parrotfish. I am not good with parrotfish ID. UGH.
Photo 4. dead crab

i think the little crab might be alive, here’s what i have for video evidence:


it seems like it moves its little legs around, maybe just the current but i felt like it was alive anyway

i will get going on the reef id book thank you!

 

[tarponchik]

Photo 4. dead crab

Could be crab skin, they shed.

 

[Wayward Son]

I only saw only jelly at the bridge when we dove before Helene