wildlife inventory and issues affecting kawaihae coral reef
These tiny 1/4 to 1/2 inch translucent long-armed shrimps, Cuapetes grandis are quite extraordinary when seen more closely. One particular shrimp is carrying eggs.
I used an Olympus TG6 with the Underwater Microscope setting with the flash at 1/13 power.… Read more “long armed shrimp”
Kawaihae reef has spurs that point outward to the west. These are finger-like reef features that grip the sand in between. Sometimes there are narrow canyons that wind through the spurs and onto the deeper water. At this location, the Porites monticulosa, (plate and knob) corals take up residence.… Read more “porites monticulosa ,plate and knob coral, uncommon”
A juvenile Holothuroidea whitmaei – black teated sea cucumber was spotted near the pylons. This species is listed as an endangered species. The adult form is very different from its juvenile stage. Conservation Status: Endangered (EN) (IUCN Red List)
… Read more “holothuroidea whitmaei- black teated sea cucumber juvenile-endangered species”