Merry
Contributor
The yellowfin fringehead, Neoclinus stephensae
Relatively shallow, sandy dive sites offshore Palos Verdes are sparsely populated with boulders no larger than an old-style TV. As you swim by these unassuming rocks, note any bit of movement or irregularity. With careful scrutiny you may find this spunky fish peering out at you from its home in the rock face.
Between 1.5 and 4 inches long with a mop of cirri dangling over each eye, the yellowfin fringehead looks like the miniature rock star of fish. When feeding, the little fish darts out from protective cover to snag a morsel, then snaps back in place like a rubber band, faster than a photographers shutter finger. Their dynamic behavior makes them a barrel of fun to shoot.
Yellowfin fringie with megaloma worm.
Yellowfins are attentive and wary, but after several minutes of acclimation to the foreign structure of a camera rig and the bizarre creature behind it, they usually allow a stealthy approach.
They come in a variety of colors, ranging anywhere from red to gray, AND can change color to match their surroundings. (Paul Humann, 1996).
Relatively shallow, sandy dive sites offshore Palos Verdes are sparsely populated with boulders no larger than an old-style TV. As you swim by these unassuming rocks, note any bit of movement or irregularity. With careful scrutiny you may find this spunky fish peering out at you from its home in the rock face.
Between 1.5 and 4 inches long with a mop of cirri dangling over each eye, the yellowfin fringehead looks like the miniature rock star of fish. When feeding, the little fish darts out from protective cover to snag a morsel, then snaps back in place like a rubber band, faster than a photographers shutter finger. Their dynamic behavior makes them a barrel of fun to shoot.
Yellowfin fringie with megaloma worm.
Yellowfins are attentive and wary, but after several minutes of acclimation to the foreign structure of a camera rig and the bizarre creature behind it, they usually allow a stealthy approach.
They come in a variety of colors, ranging anywhere from red to gray, AND can change color to match their surroundings. (Paul Humann, 1996).
