Cold, wet day? Perfect day to dive!

[MaxBottomtime]

After sitting out last weekend and visiting Phoenix next weekend, I needed a scuba fix. The swells have picked up and the wind didn't help much, but I was able to try out Margaret Webb's 105 lens on the Redondo barge and Avalon wreck. Both sites had surge and a slight current, so I didn't get any decent photos. The 105 doesn't allow for much camera movement compared to my 90mm.

Visibility on the barge was only ten feet, but the Two-spot octopus eggs are finally developing. Kevin Lee first spotted the nest last July, so these guys are taking their sweet time.

Visibility at the Avalon stern was twenty feet. I should have shot wide angle.

If conditions allow, I'll try the 90mm lens tomorrow.

 

[TSandM]

This is fascinating, the story of the octopus nest. We know the natural history of the GPOs in Puget Sound and their nests, but I personally knew nothing about the gestation period on smaller octos. The mom still looks very healthy -- I wonder if they eat when they're on eggs? GPOs don't.

 

[mmcdanie]

My buddy and I used your GPS coordinates from your book to dive and the Underwater Arch at Neptune today. We anchored in the sand and swam right to the arch. Thanks! Vis was ok, not great, but we sure did enjoy ourselves, then we headed home before the swells and wind got a chance to kick in.

 

[fisheater]

From what I've read, none of the octopedes species eat while on eggs. It's the moms' final gift to the next generation.

 

[drbill]

I am astounded that two spot octopus eggs take so many months to develop. I figured maybe two. Very interesting. Any chance there is more than one brood involved? I just checked my research for the octopus episode in my "Munching & Mating in the Macrocystis" cable TV series and I found eggs may be brooded for 1-4 months in the two spot octopus so that is at the upper end.