Once again I find myself writing about the amazing detail there is to be seen in the underwater world if one looks close enough. The diversity of life that can be found in the sea never ceases to amaze me, and the awe inspiring structures there for us to gaze at are a constant source of inspiration. Here, Caulerpa verticillata is pictured in macro, its tiny up-turned umbrella like growths revealing finely patterned detail. Of all the underwater plants and algae found in the Caribbean, Caulerpa spp. are probably among the most ornate, and ranging in designs from flat blade like species to those that look like a bunch of grapes. I am not usually a massive seaweed fan, but sometimes exceptions can be made……
As a slight digression, such exceptions can also be made for species of Halimeda algae, as seen in this post of a juvenile juvenile filefish. These species can also form some very interesting structures, but what really amazes me are the calcified skeletons that this genera have. They grow in sufficient abundance, and their structures break down slowly enough, that the washed up remains can form entire beaches….with the help of parrotfish pooh of course!
Originally posted on instagram @sea_anguilla with the text: Macro of Caulerpa verticillata nestled in a rock crevice close to Little Bay. It always astounds me the incredible detail there is to everything when one looks close up…and the wonderful micro world that exists just below the surface. Fascinating.