Weeks of dense phytoplankton near shore have made visibility challenging, but this weekend, zooplankton finally reappeared. Tiny larvaceans, as well as other squiggly larval things, are mopping up the microalgae. Pretty soon I may have to abandon bottom-dwelling Phil for the water column.

Phimochirus californiensis

Juvenile chestnut cowry, Cypraea spadicea

Also a juvenile chestnut cowry with mantle fully extended.

Need ID for these tiny anemones that live on the underside of rocks.

Check out kelp fronds! They're starting to support life other than the ever-present bryozoans. Navanax enermis A young one in its mucous tube.

Navanax eggs

Perhaps a young Heptacarpus franciscanus?

This juvenile Polycera atra hasn't yet developed its full color.

Brilliant color variation of the yellowfin fringehead, Neoclinus stephensae

Yesterday, we left beautiful conditions on Golf Ball Reef for a second dive at Malaga cove. We were on a hunt for Felimare californiensis (formerly Hypselodoris californiensis). Until Mary Goldman found one at 35 feet off Malaga in January, this elegant nudi had all but disappeared from our mainland.

The visibility was as poor as the surface portended, with lively surge to cap it all off. Phil and I each spent over an hour and a half looking for the stunning opisthobranch, but it took Kevin's keen sense to find two of them feeding on a gray sponge.

Felimida macfarlandi on amethyst.

Doriopsilla albopunctata

Calliostoma supragranosum possibly?

• Re: Think small. Chris 01:18:05 07/08/14 (0)
• Re: Think small. Kevlar 23:50:26 07/07/14 (0)
• Re: Think small. Patrick 14:38:28 07/07/14 (0)