sheephead at Casino Point

[orangelion03]

Why is the fish's name oscar if she's a she and not a he? Or is it the other way around? Now I'm confused.
Billy

Hey Billy!

The big sheephead are all males. They start life off as females (the slim, pinky ones) then turn male as they mature (they develop the big head and tri-color scheme).

Wanna join us for a survey on Sunday? Always nice to have a safety diver around =)

 

[miket]

Oscar rules... My first open water dive ever was at the park (first training dive during OW class) and our group got a visit from Oscar.

One dive park dive I did a few months after being certified, my buddy and I brought a bag of frozen peas down to feed the fish. When I pulled out the white plastic (Ralphs brand) bag of peas Oscar shot in from out of nowhere and grabbed the whole bag and I had to do a tug-of-war with him (like a dog). The bag ripped open while this was happening and peas went everywhere! Before I knew it my view was blocked by fish coming in for the frozen pea free for all!

Oscar didn't even eat any of the peas, just kept fighting me for the bag. Weird... I finally won the tug-o-war with him and had to hide the plastic bag in my BC pocket so he would leave me alone.

One of my most memorable diving moments ever, that was almost 5 years ago now...

- MikeT

 

[Empty V]

That's a shame that you had to interfere with nature in such a harmful way to have a memorable diving moment.

 

[miket]

That's a shame that you had to interfere with nature in such a harmful way to have a memorable diving moment.

Dude... give me a break, It was like my 5th or 6th dive ever. I had even been told by my "instructor" at the time to try frozen peas to feed the fish.

"Interfere" with nature??? Just going down with scuba gear on is "interfering" with nature. Would I do it now.. No! Was it memorable when it happened - Yes, I almost spit my reg out it was so fun.

How are peas any more harmful than the fish food they sell at the fill station for people to feed the fish? Is that "more natural"?

You should chill out a little, the fish in the dive park almost expect handouts from people. I admit it isn't natural, but it's the way it is now. New divers (like I was) are not expected to know everything about the natural behaviour of all fish they see when diving. Calling it "destructive" by feeding the fish some veggies (that Oscar didn't even want as Sheephead dont' eat veggies) is a bit harsh if you ask me.

Destructive, is crushing urchins, grabbing creatures with your hands, tearing over rocks, leaving trash in the sea, etc...

You must despise lobster hunters and spear fisherman then... I think that is a little more destructive then offering a tame fish some frozen peas.

- MikeT

 

[Rick Inman]

That's a shame that you had to interfere with nature in such a harmful way to have a memorable diving moment.

You think that's bad, check out this guy with the octo!

 

[Codyjp]

Rick, that is the funniest thing i have seen here in quite a while. Good detective work.

and is it REALLY THAT BAD to feed the fish some peas? or designated fish food? I saw some people doing it and i didn't think twice about it.

 

[justleesa]

I've seen some divemasters feed peas and later found out that the fish can't digest the "skin" that's around the peas. Not too good for the fish.

 

[scottfiji]

That's a shame that you had to interfere with nature in such a harmful way to have a memorable diving moment.

Many divers spear sheephead when they see them. I'll take feeding over spearing any day!

 

[scottfiji]

You think that's bad, check out this guy with the octo!

holy ****, I can't believe what that guy is doing to that octo!! Who is that guy???? Talk about interfering with nature!!!!! lol

 

[ChrisM]

You think that's bad, check out this guy with the octo!

Touche. Awesome.

Any response?