It seems to be some kind of burrowing anemone, maybe. I have only seen them at La Jolla Shores. When they retract they have barrel cactus appearance, but when they're feeding they stretch out and feel their way in the sand surrounding them.
La Jolla California critter ID help needed
- Thread starter MaxBottomtime
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Phil- Are you familiar with sipunculids ("peanut worms")? They are unsegmented worms that feed on detritus in sediments. Their mouths are surrounded by small tentacles that they use for feeding.
Not sure if the critter in your photo is one, but it is a possibility. It's been decades since I've spent any time with them (used to find them on drifting kelp "rafts.")
Not sure if the critter in your photo is one, but it is a possibility. It's been decades since I've spent any time with them (used to find them on drifting kelp "rafts.")
OP
That's it! Thanks Bill. I thought it was a plastic fishing lure the first time I saw one. 
ShakaZulu
Contributor
Dr Bill, are you referencing Sipuncula
http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/eco/taxalab/bio2002/phascolosomaa.htm
http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/eco/taxalab/bio2002/phascolosomaa.htm
Phil- Glad I could help! You have been providing such neat images from Marineland, Laguna and La Jolla of stuff I don't see here. Andrea is still trying to get me to dive "over there" on "the Big Island."
I hope your group enjoys the Dive Park Sat. Conditions today were calm with about 40' vis but particulates. It seems to be holding up better than some of the other sites I've been diving this week. Some evidence surge is picking up.
ShakaZulu- Actually, I wasn't directly referencing any of the species themselves (there aren't that many globally). I have seen Phascolosoma agassizii on drift kelp rafts many years ago, but I don't remember seeing any while diving. But then neither my memory now my eyes are as good as they used to be.
I hope your group enjoys the Dive Park Sat. Conditions today were calm with about 40' vis but particulates. It seems to be holding up better than some of the other sites I've been diving this week. Some evidence surge is picking up.
ShakaZulu- Actually, I wasn't directly referencing any of the species themselves (there aren't that many globally). I have seen Phascolosoma agassizii on drift kelp rafts many years ago, but I don't remember seeing any while diving. But then neither my memory now my eyes are as good as they used to be.
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