Cushion sea stars Patiriella regularis are usually not bright coloured. If they are they still have a certain dirty look. This one was different … colourful, bright and clean. It was a big surprise when I was returning from a winter dive in Otarawao Bay, Mahurangi Harbour. Keywords: sea star “sea star” starfish cushion “cushion […]

Kelp Ecklonia radiata dominates in northern waters of new Zealand. Though it is much smaller than giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera, bladder kelp in NZ) so it cannot form kelp forests similar to those in California or Tasmania, it creates fascinating habitats, especially in the areas with steep rocky reefs. Keywords: rocky reef “rocky reef” rock […]

Sandy bottom on a cloudy day reminds me of a desert, there is nothing there just sand. I feel alone yet so alive, perhaps because the lack of presence of other living creatures allows me to fully appreciate the fact ‘I am’. Keywords: undersea desert “undersea desert” sandy bottom underwater barren sand deep ocean “sea […]

Blue cod, along with some other fish, is a bird of the sea. It doesn’t float, it’s “heavier” than water. It has to use its “wings” (read fins) to gain lift force to get off. When it stops flying it lands on the bottom or whatever happens to be under it … kelp for example. […]

They are everywhere. You can see a well camouflaged moving shell from a distance … it moves faster than its original owner would be able. If you get closer you can see legs and antennae. But you must get really close to be able to admire the details … the “fur”, the beautiful combination of […]

Look at these colour varieties. The same skin (it looks prickly but is relatively soft) but such a contrast of colour and pattern. Though I usually find cucumbers that are dark brown-red, covered with a layer of silt and overall blend with the surrounding environment, some individuals are of a bright colour and pattern and […]