unidentified invertebrate

[scottfiji]

This picture was taken in Los Angeles county, 35ft depth

It might be a bryozoan. Let me know what you think! A genus would be nice....

http://www.scubapost.net/gallery/Marineland0325/UnidentifiedCloseup?full=1

thanks alot!,
Scott

 

[maractwin]

Looks kinda like feather duster worms. Did they disappear if you wave your hand near them?

-Mark

 

[scottfiji]

Looks kinda like feather duster worms. Did they disappear if you wave your hand near them?

-Mark

they didn't disappear. They sort of look like plastic.

I edited my original post, the picture is now a closeup so you can see the organism in greater detail. take a look again and let me know what you think.

 

[scottfiji]

I just found out what they are. The answer surprised me! Lets see if anyone else knows - a beer in Southern Califorina for the 1st right answer....

 

[archman]

I'll take either an entoproct or ectoproct for one dollar. I'm not sure enough to venture a ten-dollar bid... I don't even dive in California.

 

[scottfiji]

I'll take either an entoproct or ectoproct for one dollar. I'm not sure enough to venture a ten-dollar bid... I don't even dive in California.

that was my first guess also, and I was wrong...btw, these guys are found in various parts of the world, not just cali...

of course, if you come to so-cal, I'll buy you a beer anyways.

 

[maractwin]

How about Phoronis (horseshoe worm), a bryozoan?

 

[archman]

How about Phoronis (horseshoe worm), a bryozoan?

Phoronis belongs within the phoronid clade, not the bryozoan one. But I think you have a winner. Dang, I forgot all about this crummy little phylum. I'll second maractwin's guess, and even venture upon a possible species P. vancouverensis. I've never see a live phoronid, but the anatomy in my texts conform to the things in the photo.

 

[scottfiji]

Phoronis belongs within the phoronid clade, not the bryozoan one. But I think you have a winner. Dang, I forgot all about this crummy little phylum. I'll second maractwin's guess, and even venture upon a possible species P. vancouverensis. I've never see a live phoronid, but the anatomy in my texts conform to the things in the photo.

That is correct. I owe each of you a beer.

Phoronis ijimai is a synonym for P. vancouverensis, according to a phoronid website I looked at, so either is correct.

They are pretty cool looking, eh?

 

[archman]

I want one.