Honeymoon not quite over, just interrupted.

[Merry]

Another unexpected find in Honeymoon Cove: mats of what may be a sulfur-oxiding bacteria species like that found at White Point on the south side of Palos Verdes Peninsula. We traditionally think of bacteria as microscopic, but this bacteria forms thin filaments up to several centimeters in length. The bacteria at White Point occurs around sulfidic hydrothermal vents. It seems geologically reasonable that there are similar vents at Honeymoon Cove.







As Phil said today, water was a dense, milky-green, presumably due to phytoplankters. Disappointing vis, but we can't fault them as they're just doing their job.



This male sheephead had been in a scrap or two.






















Polycera tricolor with eggs



Acanthodoris hudsoni

 

[blue steal]

Great photos Merry.

 

[kelemvor]

Thanks for the treat!

 

[TSandM]

What are those gorgeous perch-shaped fish with the iridescent blue stripes? They're stunning!

 

[Merry]

Those are rainbow seaperch, Hypsurus caryi. Usually they're fairly skittish, but on a previous dive at this site, they formed a large aggregation and seemed willing to have their photo taken. Of course, I had on a macro lens and could only get one in the frame!