Howdy,
I'm looking for blackcap basslets, the fairy basslet's (or royal gramma) more somber-colored cousins. The last place I saw them was on the Conception Island wall. They seem to take the niche of the fairy basslets at a specific depth. As I recall it was between 90 - 110 feet.
I want to find them again. I'd like to view them on a wall, one with good clarity. I'd like to get an idea of the lower end of their range. So even if I can't dive down that far, if the water is clear, I might be able to eyeball it.
Yeah, it sounds nutty. But I've gone back to school (finally) to study marine biology and I'm trying to start thinking of some research ideas. I'm interested in distribution of related species at various depths. Obviously the fairys and the blackcaps have it set up so that they don't compete with each other.
As I rule, I prefer the invertebrates. But dang, these fish are super visible. I can get an idea of what's going on with them without needing to poke into every crevice.
I want to be able to dive on my own schedule, so don't want to be locked into boat dives. Ideally, I'm looking for a wall dive that goes down good and deep that is easily accessible from the shore. I want warm water and good visibility. I can live with some currents, but I'd rather not do a full blown drift dive as I am going to be taking notes. LOL. No sense looking up from your slate to be in a whole different section of wall.
The fish I mention are Caribbean. I know Caribbean fauna best, so that's what popped to mind. And being in the Eastern USA, that is what is easiest for me. BUT, if you know of a killer wall somewhere else, please do tell. I can bone up on fauna and, if push comes to shove, I'll sell my car for the tickets. Or, more realistically, I'll put it in my file for down the road when I have grants.
Thanks for any and all input.
I'm looking for blackcap basslets, the fairy basslet's (or royal gramma) more somber-colored cousins. The last place I saw them was on the Conception Island wall. They seem to take the niche of the fairy basslets at a specific depth. As I recall it was between 90 - 110 feet.
I want to find them again. I'd like to view them on a wall, one with good clarity. I'd like to get an idea of the lower end of their range. So even if I can't dive down that far, if the water is clear, I might be able to eyeball it.
Yeah, it sounds nutty. But I've gone back to school (finally) to study marine biology and I'm trying to start thinking of some research ideas. I'm interested in distribution of related species at various depths. Obviously the fairys and the blackcaps have it set up so that they don't compete with each other.
As I rule, I prefer the invertebrates. But dang, these fish are super visible. I can get an idea of what's going on with them without needing to poke into every crevice.
I want to be able to dive on my own schedule, so don't want to be locked into boat dives. Ideally, I'm looking for a wall dive that goes down good and deep that is easily accessible from the shore. I want warm water and good visibility. I can live with some currents, but I'd rather not do a full blown drift dive as I am going to be taking notes. LOL. No sense looking up from your slate to be in a whole different section of wall.
The fish I mention are Caribbean. I know Caribbean fauna best, so that's what popped to mind. And being in the Eastern USA, that is what is easiest for me. BUT, if you know of a killer wall somewhere else, please do tell. I can bone up on fauna and, if push comes to shove, I'll sell my car for the tickets. Or, more realistically, I'll put it in my file for down the road when I have grants.
Thanks for any and all input.
