Uncommon, unexpected, and irresistible.

[Merry]

I sure got a kick out of these subjects - most were found at Golf Ball Reef (Palos Verdes Peninsula).

Presenting all three species of our coastal fringeheads:
Onespot fringehead snapping up a shrimp.

Yellowfin fringehead (barge)

Yellowfin fringehead (crane)

Sarcastic fringehead

Coralline sculpin

Heptacarpus franciscanus male (ID thanks to Greg Jensen and Kevin Lee) Females are solid red, which effectively conceals developing eggs under her carapace.

Heptacarpus franciscanus males

Kevin found this cryptic Rostanga pulchra. Its color and texture beautifully matches the sponge food source. Try looking for them on red sponges and you'll be thrilled if you find one.

Phil and Kevin pointed out these tiny amphipod kelp curlers.

Lamellaria diegensis. This is sort of an inside-out snail. Part of the body remains outside the shell. ID thanks to Kevin Lee.

Don't know which species of lamellarid this is. The body resembles a white tunicate and part of the shell is visible.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I believe your second Lamellaria is Marsenina stearnsi.
Female Heptacarpus franciscanus. Notice the solid plates covering the abdomen, thought to be used for concealing eggs.

 

[TSandM]

So much fun, the heptacarpus pictures! I'm not certain, but I think we have them here, and if the females are FULL of eggs, you can still see them. When I get home, I'll look for the photograph I got of a gravid one.

 

[Merry]

Would love to see your photo, Lynne.

Shrimp drive me nuts. So tough to photograph, plus identification can be a challenge because of their color morphs. If that wasn't enough, some of the little rascals can actually change color.

Hot off the press is Gregory C. Jensen's book, "Crabs and Shrimps of the Pacific Coast", available on Amazon. Two-hundred and forty pages, color photos, loaded with info and new species...thank goodness. Also includes an e-guide on CD.

 

[TSandM]

Yes, they are frustrating -- so quick and skittish, too! I tend to lump shrimp into "coonstriped, horned, and other".

 

[fnfalman]

Once again, incredible macro shots.

The "action" shot of the fringehead and shrimp is bad ass!!!