OMD-EM1 @ Blue Heron Bridge

[Randallr]

I posted this elsewhere, but wanted the Olympians to see it as well. I had a fantastic time diving BHB last weekend, for the first time in a year. Kudos to Pura Vida Divers - as ever, one of the great dive ops anywhere - and also to my expert guides and spotters, Andrea Whitaker and Jamie Cruce, as enthusiastic as they are expert. Viz wasn’t fantastic (10-15’) but as usually happens at this most miraculous spot, I saw things I’d never seen before and didn’t know existed.

Herewith, my favorite shots. All from an Olympus OMD-EM1 in Nauticam housing, the 60mm macro lens, occasionally a Dyron +7 wet lines, and dual Sea & Sea YS-D1 strobes. In order, these are: female pikeblenny, closeup of a beaded Sea star, two different juvenile buffalo trunkfish, mantis shrimp, sea horse, striated frogfish, rough box crab, tube anemone, seaweed blenny, and a reticulated sea slug.

I’m always eager for better or corrected IDs and photo tips. See you at the bridge!

 

[Audsred]

Great pics - I moved to FL last fall and the BHB is one of my favorite dive sites here in FL

 

[Ryan B.]

First off, GAYOING! Second, any idea what the wee things are surrounding the mantis shrimp?

 

[Gdog]

Loving that Hairy Frogfish!

 

[derekcs]

I really need to get back to Blue Heron Bridge. What a site. Good lighting on the frogfish.

 

[Randallr]

First off, GAYOING! Second, any idea what the wee things are surrounding the mantis shrimp?

Thanks, Ryan! That’s a good question. I think it’s plankton.