Red sponge, Unidentified
Being ambush predators, lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) are relatively
tolerant of curious photographers. However, a fish that just sits on the bottom
often makes for a pretty boring picture. Thankfully, lingcod behavior is rather
predictable. With a little luck, one may be able to steer a ling into a desired
posture. This is one of my more successful examples of this. The biggest
challenge with such shots is getting the focus point correct. I have drawers
full of blurry lingcod pictures that I'm not going to show you. Another
difficulty when taking this kind of shot is that you usually only get one
chance. After that, the subject is sufficiently annoyed that you're going to
have a hard time getting close enough.
"East Pinnacles", Carmel Bay, California
January 23, 2005
A somewhat drab lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) departs a crevice framed by
a leather star (Dermasterias imbricata) and an unidentified red sponge.
"East Pinnacles", Carmel Bay, California
July 3, 2005
A young China rockfish (Sebastes nebulosus) nestles between a colony of
California hydrocoral (Stylaster californicus) and an unidentified red
sponge. One could say that this picture was actually several months in the
making. I had my eye on this sponge and hydrocoral colony for quite some time.
It's a striking background, but doesn't appear to be a particularly popular
hangout for interesting foreground subjects. Eventually, one day sunny July day
with pedestrian water clarity I ran across this cute little China. It should
have been a fantastic opportunity, but the heavy surge and the animal's
exceptionally skittish disposition made things difficult. The hole this guy was
using as refuge provided excellent protection from the glaring strobes of
inquisitive photographers, however it lacked a hideaway small enough to keep out
a lingcod or other predator. This might explain why I've not run across this
fish since my initial encounter. Interestingly enough, little is known about the
habits of juvenile China rockfish. In fact, there seems to even be some debate
about what very young ones even look like!
"East Pinnacles", Carmel Bay, California
July 16, 2005
Most people's experience with cowries is limited to seeing napkin holders
fashioned from the tiger cowries found in the south pacific. Thankfully for
them, chestnut cowries (Cypraea spadicea) are a little small for use in a
table setting. While I find their exposed mantle and polished shell interesting,
I seldom shoot pictures of them since they seem to have an affinity for boring
backgrounds. This one was kind enough to pose with some Corynactis
californica and a bright red sponge.
"Granite Point Wall", Carmel Bay, California
April 2, 2006
This pocket of California hydrocoral (Stylaster californicus) extends
well beyond the edges of this photograph. It's easy to spend an hour or more
here, floating motionless as the surge sweeps you back and forth across the
pocket's features.
"East Pinnacles", Carmel Bay, California
February 12, 2005
