The Naked Clam

[Merry]

You're a taskmaster, Frank.

Tough to imagine a naked clam. Actually, it's more of an inside-out clam, as its shells are reduced in size and lie within the thick, globular mantle. I found this unique bivalve while diving Haggerty's crane with the decapod expert, Mary Wicksten. As I was taking these images, Mary swam over and identified it as Chlamydoconcha orcutti, Orcutt naked clam.

It's a pretty efficient creeper with its strong, muscular foot. Approx. size 1 inch.

At first sight I thought it might be a Berthella californica.

Nudis seem a little scarce down here lately.
Mexichromis porterae

This past weekend at Marineland, I mostly shot fish.

 

[Ozwald]

Phew....not what I was expecting, good thing

 

[FrankPro1]

Excellent find and photos! Semi-translucent white pigmented subjects are so hard to expose correctly. Superb compositions! Really like the Painted Greenling shot as well. The splashes of color on the kelp frond contrasts perfectly with the Greenling's speckled motley.

The last time I got wet was with you and Phil @ Phil's reef. With finals this week and an Arizona escapade on the close horizon it looks like I'll be staying dry for at least another couple weeks. Keep diving and keep posting! I need to dive vicariously through you two until life settles down.

 

[Tanked]

Very misleading thread title, but cool pics.

 

[fnfalman]

So weird!!!

 

[Craig Hoover]

I like the treefish shot best. They seem to hide in crevices when I am around.