Odd thing in Gorgonian never seen any thing like it before

[Ardy]

Hi all the dive guide pointed out something on a gorgonian fan and thinking it was just another pygmy sea horse I took a casual look and then again a grabbed a couple of shots of it.

Any ideas?

Tulamben Bali March 2012. Approx 10-20mm

 

[Rick Murchison]

got any lateral views?

 

[Ardy]

Sorry Rick couldn't get in to get side shots it was right in the middle of the V in the fan. Not the most attractive subject either.

 

[ocdiver1]

can't see a tail but from that view still rather looks like a pgymy that is
facing the other way

 

[Ardy]

can't see a tail but from that view still rather looks like a pgymy that is
facing the other way

Sorry OCdiver this is definitely not a pygmy sea horse. I had a very good look at it as it is so unusual. If you look closely you can see some small legs sticking out from the head.

 

[Rick Murchison]

I suppose it could be a juvie sea robin...

but without any other angle I ain't real proud of that guess
Rick

 

[MrsBBC]

Ardy,

Please find out what this is, I am very curious.
Could you email the photo to the dive centre?

I thought it might be some kind of commensal shrimp, but google is throwing up images that are predominantly hosted by flickr, which is blocked here.
It reminds me of a tick, sucking the life blood out of the gorgonian

Nic

 

[Ardy]

Ardy,

Please find out what this is, I am very curious.
Could you email the photo to the dive centre?

I thought it might be some kind of commensal shrimp, but google is throwing up images that are predominantly hosted by flickr, which is blocked here.
It reminds me of a tick, sucking the life blood out of the gorgonian

Nic

Sure Nic - what dive centre? address or email would be handy.

I did post it to Neville Coleman but he died the week I sent it to him. BTW Neville was the #1 guy in Australia for ID'ing stuff. He built the UW photographic index that is used by many and is stored at the Australian museum. Great guy from my time with a big impact on divers particularly those interested in Nudibranchs. So now I am stuffed about where to go with this. Nothing unusual for something different in the oceans as I am sure you know.