Red Creature with yellow horns

[scottfiji]

Like Dr Bill said, it's a Bat star for sure. It would be nice to see a frogfish in so-cal though.

 

[scubadiverjackcook]

Scott Geitler of LAdiving.org responded to my email query about the creature, as well. He agrees with Dr. Bill that it is a Bat Star. I just wish I had been able to hang around and get a better picture. If it is a Bat Star, it is the reddest Bat Star I have ever seen, live, on film, or in a book. Thank you guys for all your input.

 

[drbill]

Many of the bat stars one sees in shallow water are a lighter orange in color. However, they can be a very deep red or red-orange (as well as a whole range of other colors). Thanks Scott for the confirmation... I felt pretty certain I was right (after all, I am a marine biologist and have been diving SoCal waters for almost 40 years... sheez, I don't get no respect!).

 

[ryan115]

I agree, the first is not a flying gurnard, if the second isn't then tell me what it is?

The picture looks to be a species of Prionotus spp. or possibly but not as likely a Bellator spp. If I had to take a guess about the species not knowing where the picture is from, I would say Prionotus scitulus Leopard Searobin.

But as far as the original ID goes, Nice ID, I am not at all familiar with California waters but I need to come make a dive for some fun ID's

 

[mikerault]

If it is a Prionotus then it is in the Gurnard/Searobin family:

ADW: Prionotus: Classification

It was taken off of Venice Beach in Florida, they were all over the place...

Mike

 

[ryan115]

There are both Gurnards and Searobins in the family Triglidae but Flying Gurnards are in the family Dactylopteridae. Also based on the location it was taken I would stick with the ID of Prionotus scitulus that picture off of Venice.

 

[Rick Murchison]

... sheez, I don't get no respect!).

Sure you do! The instant I read "bat star" in your first post the little bulb went off in my pea brain and I exclaimed "of course!"
And The Lovely Young Kat gave me one of those interesting looks....

Rick

 

[drbill]

Thanks, Rick.

Of course if the OP is interested, he can get my Echinoderms DVD for a mere $35 (plus tax and shipping). Check it out:

Echinoderms of SoCal DVD