Cayman - Picture of the Day

[cgills]

I haven’t seen regular Caribbean Giant Anemones in the Cayman Islands; however, have observed several Sun, Corckscrew and Branching Anemones. Interesting is that critters commonly seen living in Giant Anemones elsewhere across the Caribbean Basin are adapting or perhaps settled and maybe equally as comfortable making a living on a different type of anemone.

Here is a Spotted Cleaner Shrimp - Periclimenes Yucatanicus... I guess it’s because it was first spotted in the Yucatán Peninsula, enjoying life on a Sun Anemone. The Cayman’s are the only place I’ve seen this critter living on a Sun Anemone.

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Hi,
FWIW we do have the Giant Anemones in Cayman. Perhaps not as prevalent as they once were, but still around. Off hand know of a couple of them at LHPT just before and a bit deeper than mini wall, to the right facing the sea from the dock. TR has one off the mini wall ,on one of the coral mounds, just to the left, after passing thru the arch on the mini wall headed towards Hepps, that has been there for years.CC has them as well just back from mini wall.

 

[cgills]

Unfortunately, although we have the Giant Anemones and the Squat Anemone shrimp and Spotted Cleaning shrimp that like to co habitat with them,
our Diamond Blennies pretty much disappeared with the Lionfish invasion.

 

[Ricardo V.]

Excellent. I’ll have to keep looking for them. Diving in the Cayman’s is superb and it’s so close to us in FL. A couple of NOAA scientist were conducting a study on lifespan of certain type of giant anemone, trying to prove that they don’t die of old age, but can continue regenerating and would live so long conditions allowed. I’m not sure if they finally wrapped that up, with a proof or disproof. Interesting idea nevertheless.

 

[EastEndDiver]

All taken on North Wall.

 

[EastEndDiver]

Moray just grabbed and octopus it managed to get away but lost a tentacle in the battle.

 

[cgills]

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All taken on North Wall.

Always enjoy finding those pink tipped ones! Excellent..
Too bad for the Octopus.!!

 

[Ricardo V.]

Beautiful indeed. Happy to learn that they are present. I’m going to keep looking and exploring. Not that I need much reasons to visit, but that’s a good one to help justify a prompt return.
Cheers,
Ricardo

 

[cgills]

Highlights of 50 minute Pipehorse encounter

 

[ConchyJoe]

Yep, that pink Anemone is still at TR.

 

[EastEndDiver]

More great pics posted !!!!!!

Keep them coming !