Kelpscape

Opalescent Nudibranch

Apparently, opalescence is a specific property of some semi-transparent materials. Light appears bluish when reflected at an angle from inside these materials, but reddish-yellow after passing through the material. Opals are an example.  This opalescent nudibranch was on the wall near Rat Rock.  Actually to me it looks like this nudibranch is lit up like a neon tube from the inside.

Zoanthids

These zoanthids were on the front, or north, side of Anacapa, near Rat Rock. They made me think of a cave covered with zoanthids that I once dived in, near Eaglehawk Neck in Tasmania.  Zoanthids are popular pets, for aquarists.

Juvenile Treefish

Juvenile Treefish are usually very wary: even more so than the adults.  This one, at Rat Rock at the West end of Anacapa Island, was curious.  After a few snaps he returned to his excellent digs nearby, but then peeked out again.  It was a game of peek-a-boo.  His lips show a little pink, the start of the full pink lips of an adult.

Ling Cod at Rat Rock

This was (and still is) the biggest ling cod I've ever seen.  At first I thought it was a leopard shark. It was in the marine reserve on the north side of Anacapa, at Rat Rock, relaxing on the bottom under a sea palm.  Despite its protected status in the reserve, it took off after I'd taken only a couple of snaps.