February 4, 2006

Blackeyed hermits (Pagurus armatus) often move quickly and with seeming
purpose. Likely, this is the reason why they're popular hosts for freeloading
barnacles such as the ones seen here. Of course, tracking a speeding crab with a
long focal length lens can be difficult. And, true to popular conceptions of
crab disposition, these hermits quickly tire of posing for pictures and are apt
to protest by hunkering down in an unphotogenic stance.

    "Breakwater", Monterey Bay, California
    February 4, 2006






This showy snailfish (Liparis pulchellus) lacks the purple stripes
displayed by other specimens.  However, I think this animal's oddly scalloped
upper lip still makes it a worthy photographic subject.

    "Tanker Reef", Monterey Bay, California
    February 4, 2006



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