The Yellowline Arrow Crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis) is one of the strangest crabs I have yet to encounter. Spider-like in appearance, these very relaxed and often friendly crustaceans live under small rocky overhangs and crevices, picking at little morsels …
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The Bearded Fireworm, so called as when disturbed they puff out and fluff up a display of bristles that can easily penetrate and snap off in the skin. This causes a mild to painful burning sensation that one is best …
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The Cushion Sea Star (Oreaster reticulatus) is one of the largest Caribbean Starfish (to use the old name, as Sea Star is now the accepted variant!), but it is also very interesting to see the genetic variants that …
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As I have said in some of my past gallery posts, the detail on the underwater world that can be seen if one looks close enough never ceases to amaze. Rose Lace Coral (Stylaster roseus) is one …
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The Sun Anemone (Stichodactyla helianthus) is a little different from most other anemones as it has really short stubby tentacles, and can grow together in what might almost be classed as colonies, forming large mats that can cover …
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The Solitary Disc Coral (Scolymia wellsi) differs from the majority of other stony corals as it does not form colonies of polyps, instead living an independent existence, free from all the ties of colony life. In terms of …
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Responsible for probably one of the most impressive coral formations you are likely to see while diving, Pillar Coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus), as its common name suggests, can from impressive pillars if given time and the right conditions. Pretty …
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Oddly enough, sea cucumbers are close relatives of the sea urchins, belonging to same Phylum (Echinoderms), all members of which share some interesting features, including a hard internal skeleton composed of calcareous plates called ossicles, and five way …
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One of the most ornate Caribbean gastropods, the Flamingo Tongue (Cyphoma gibbosum) is also one of the most vicious. It creeps around the reef environment, and consumes corals, favouring sea fans and sea rods. Slithering up its structure, …
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