We got VERY lucky again on Golf Ball Reef last weekend. Thordisa rubescens mating and laying eggs.

From the measurements we took of the egg ribbon, Dr. Jeff Goddard concluded that the embryos are 110-125 microns (relatively small), which is consistent with planktotrophic development. This means the hatching veligers swim off into the water column where they remain and develop for some period of time.

Felimare californiensis, just recently found on the mainland.

Felimida macfarlandi duo.

Keep an eye out for the Spirorbid polychaete worms that blanket the kelp fronds now.

Spirorbid worms

Pea-size Norris top snail

There's no limit to how small animals can be in the kelp. Check out the juvenile crab under the snail.

Dr. Jeff Goddard suggested that these are juvenile slipper snails, Crepidula norrisiarum, later to be found on Norris top snails.

Polycera atra

A ridiculous number of Polycera atra were mating and laying eggs at 20 feet in the kelp.

Barely visible to the naked eye, amphipods scuttle around the kelp fronds.

Yes, there's even MORE happening on kelp. Amphissa versicolor snail eggs.

Ancula gibbosa

Cadlina limbaughorum

• Amazing Images! n.t. Patrick 11:45:48 06/21/16 (0)
• Re: Uncommon Sightings and Creatures in the Kelp Divebum Don 23:13:41 06/20/16 (0)
• Re: Uncommon Sightings and Creatures in the Kelp seahunt 19:09:32 06/20/16 (0)
• Re: Uncommon Sightings and Creatures in the Kelp Kathy K 09:47:20 06/20/16 (0)
• Re: Uncommon Sightings and Creatures in the Kelp Chris 08:27:11 06/19/16 (1)
  • Re: Re: Uncommon Sightings and Creatures in the Kelp Merry 11:33:48 06/19/16 (0)