Kelp Bug?

[Vegan Shark]

After becoming a swamp monster entangled in kelp at Point Lobos all day, I wasn't surprised when I saw a piece of kelp in my mask while floating back at the surface--until I went to move the kelp out and it started moving, a dozen legs and all. I'd rather see a great white coming at me than find a bug inside my mask, crawling on my face while at depth, so I'm glad it happened at the surface, but does anyone know what animal this was? I can't find anything with simple Google searches.

It looked identical to a small shred of kelp, really flawless camouflage.

 

[Wineaux]

A bug with a dozen legs INSIDE YOUR MASK.

*shrieks and faints*

 

[Vegan Shark]

A bug with a dozen legs INSIDE YOUR MASK.

*shrieks and faints*

The rest of the day when I felt water trickle into my ears, or any sudden shudder sensation I was half convinced the bug had crawled into my hood and was burrowing into my ears to eat my brains or something.

...At least it didn't enter my regulator

 

[Wineaux]

Please let me forget this post before I dive again. I hate many legged bugs like Indiana Jones hates snakes.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Copepod.

Get used to them, you'll find them hitching hiking on your gear now and then. You are, however, the first person I've heard of getting one in the their mask. Don't worry, they don't bite.

Now, if Recardo Montalban is holding it, become very worried. ;-)

 

[Vegan Shark]

Copepod.

Ah, is that what it was? In my mind copepods are really tiny, but this guy was slightly over an inch. Any idea what specific species it might be? Thanks!

 

[Ben_ca]

Does this look like the culprit?

http://www.seaotter.com/marine/research/idotea/wosnesenskii/html/wosnesenskii.jpg.html

 

[drbill]

Sounds like the isopod Pentidotea (formerly Idotea) resecata or a related species

 

[Vegan Shark]

Does this look like the culprit?

Kelp Isopod

Yep, that must be it! Thanks for the find.

 

[Ben_ca]

Well if those little things freak you out DO NOT under any circumstances google Bathynomus giganteus :shocked2:

Right Dr Bill?