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Posted by Merry on July 07, 2014 at 12:44:57:

Weeks of dense phytoplankton near shore have made visibility challenging, but this weekend, zooplankton finally reappeared. Tiny larvaceans, as well as other squiggly larval things, are mopping up the microalgae. Pretty soon I may have to abandon bottom-dwelling Phil for the water column.

Phimochirus californiensis
 photo PhimochiruscaliforniensisDSC_6407_zps8810ea9a.jpg


Juvenile chestnut cowry, Cypraea spadicea
 photo JuvenilechestnutcowryDSC_6576_zps50ce4746.jpg


Also a juvenile chestnut cowry with mantle fully extended.
 photo Juvenilechestnutcowry_zpsed5cf888.jpg


Need ID for these tiny anemones that live on the underside of rocks.
 photo anemoneDSC_6489_zps38ff8c1e.jpg


Check out kelp fronds! They're starting to support life other than the ever-present bryozoans. Navanax enermis A young one in its mucous tube.
 photo NavanaxinwebDSC_6480_zps1ce5aa73.jpg


Navanax eggs
 photo Navanaxeggs2DSC_6438_zps3ae01d38.jpg


Perhaps a young Heptacarpus franciscanus?
 photo Heptacarpusmaybe2DSC_6536_zps02cfbb90.jpg


This juvenile Polycera atra hasn't yet developed its full color.
 photo PolyceraatrayoungDSC_6454_zps1d831c53.jpg


Brilliant color variation of the yellowfin fringehead, Neoclinus stephensae
 photo YellowfinfringeheadDSC_6594_zps9f5b196d.jpg

Yesterday, we left beautiful conditions on Golf Ball Reef for a second dive at Malaga cove. We were on a hunt for Felimare californiensis (formerly Hypselodoris californiensis). Until Mary Goldman found one at 35 feet off Malaga in January, this elegant nudi had all but disappeared from our mainland.

The visibility was as poor as the surface portended, with lively surge to cap it all off. Phil and I each spent over an hour and a half looking for the stunning opisthobranch, but it took Kevin's keen sense to find two of them feeding on a gray sponge.

 photo FelimarecaliforniensisDSC_6610_zps5ffb7534.jpg


Felimida macfarlandi on amethyst.
 photo FelimidamacfarlandiDSC_6510_zpsf9d49a3f.jpg


Doriopsilla albopunctata
 photo DoriopsillaalbopunctataDSC_6381_zpsab3301f2.jpg


Calliostoma supragranosum possibly?
 photo CalliostomasupragranosumDSC_6470_zpse5a44362.jpg





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