Identification

[saylke]

When we were in Bonaire in February we saw several of these silver ball like structures like can be seen in the picture (hopefully the picture shows up?). We had never been to the Caribbean before so maybe they are a common site there? Anyway, hoping that someone on here can help identify what they are.

 

[triciamint]

Hello, I think these are called sailor's eyeballs, also heard them called deadman's eyeballs. I believe they are a type of coral. Have seen them a lot in Egypt.

 

[scubadada]

saylke,

These are single cell algae called Sea Pearls. Grow up to 2 inches in diameter. Reasonably common in the Caribbean. Often partially covered with Lavender Crust Algae as illustrated in your picture.

Good diving, Craig

 

[DeputyDan]

I have seen alot of them in Roatan

 

[saylke]

Thanks for the info. In undergrad I took a marine phycology class but being that the class was in the Pacific NW we didn't learn about this interesting alga. Thanks for your help!

 

[Herk_Man]

Most commonly called Sea Pearls. Scientific name: Ventricaria venticosa.

And I saw some on St. Croix that were at least 4" in diameter. That was viewed under water so probably places them in the 3" range but definitely bigger than 2".

They are the largest single cell organism known on earth. If you find one that doesn't have a bunch of "tarnish" you can clearly see yourself in them.

 

[ncchuck]

Most commonly called Sea Pearls. Scientific name: Ventricaria venticosa.

And I saw some on St. Croix that were at least 4" in diameter. That was viewed under water so probably places them in the 3" range but definitely bigger than 2".

They are the largest single cell organism known on earth. If you find one that doesn't have a bunch of "tarnish" you can clearly see yourself in them.

I see these often near Roatan mostly in the 1 to 2 inch size. Most literature states the max size as 2".

I didn't find a single reference to this being the largest single cell organism. Some said it was among the largest however.

 

[Mossman]

I believe scientists recently concluded that the largest single-cell organism is Rush Limbaugh. Perhaps he's been confused with the recent whale shark sitings?

 

[Mossman]

They are the largest single cell organism known on earth. If you find one that doesn't have a bunch of "tarnish" you can clearly see yourself in them.

Which makes one wonder if some of the more vain and handsome fish occasionally use them as mirrors. How else do hogfish keep that perfect coif?

 

[chauncy19]

LOL Mossman
very funny
thanks