Surge, Sewers and Sponges

[MaxBottomtime]

We returned to the White Point outfall pipes today to check on the cabezon nest and squid eggs. A strong current and surge kept us from hovering motionless over the pipe. Most of the time we were lucky to avoid urchins. I checked out the cabezon nest after he became accustomed to my presence. Half of the dark green eggs have hatched since we were here on Tuesday.

After a long soak in the cold, dirty water off San Pedro we headed around the peninsula to Bluff Cove. We've been hearing reports of Tylodina fungina on yellow sulfur sponges all over the cove. It was a bit surgy here as well, but visibility was a little better. I found several small patches of sponges, but no nudibranchs in sight. Finally, after eighty minutes under water I found one, the only one found all day. I spent the next ten minutes trying to get a decent shot of a yellow nudi on a yellow sponge in surge. Out of seven shots, I managed to get one.

 

[TSandM]

What is that photo that looks like a tiny, furry starfish? (I know that isn't what it is.)

Good job getting the cabezon eggs. Fascinating to see the little fish inside them, but it's hard for me to believe you got close enough to get those shots. Up here, those guys are FEROCIOUS when on eggs (which they won't be for a couple more months). The only way I can imagine getting closeup pictures of the nests would be if the cabbie in question was in the process of dismembering my dive buddy . . .

 

[MaxBottomtime]

It is a tiny brittle star on the sponge. It was only about 1mm long. The Cabezon chased my fins in circles while I was trying to hover near his nest. I settled on the rocks nearby until he allowed me to inch in closer. Merry and Kevin took turns later. Mr. Cabbie was apprehensive, but didn't try to chase us away any more.