Underwater Photography

[Reach]

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

First time I have spotted ragworms.
Anyone know anything about them? I can't find much info online.

These look like bearded fireworms. Spiny barbs will sting so want to avoid any contact!

They are very cool looking and the fine details of the branched side "gills" are always intriguing. Nice shots, BTW

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Reach

These look like bearded fireworms. Spiny barbs will sting so want to avoid any contact!

They are very cool looking and the fine details of the branched side "gills" are always intriguing. Nice shots, BTW

You are right. These are bearded fireworms not ragworms. Your knowledge is enviable. This is such new territory for me.

This is what Wikipedia has to say about their toxicity:

"The bearded fireworm is a slow creature, and is not considered a threat to humans unless touched by a careless swimmer. The bristles, when flared, can penetrate human skin, injecting a powerful neurotoxin and producing intense irritation and a painful burning sensation around the area of contact. The sting can also lead to nausea and dizziness. This sensation lasts up to a few hours, but a painful tingling can continue to be felt around the area of contact. In a case of accidental contact, application and removal of adhesive tape will help remove the spines; applying isopropanol to the area may help alleviate the pain."

Good reason not to stand on any reef when snorkelling! Good thing too that I kept my distance .

SWL

[Seaworthy Lass]

More bearded fireworm photography today , this time in macro mode. Because I wasn't under a dark ledge, I had more success than previous attempts using macro.

This was a beautiful creature, although I guess my opinion would change if it swung its waving head in the direction of my fingers :




Pinprick sized eyes are visible in this shot. Vision if existent must be pretty limited:

[Reach]

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

More bearded fireworm photography today , this time in macro mode. Because I wasn't under a dark ledge, I had more success than previous attempts using macro.

This was a beautiful creature, although I guess my opinion would change if it swung its waving head in the direction of my fingers :

Nice macro detail on your photos! I agree that they have a captivating beauty. On the downside they do eat and damage corals.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Reach

Nice macro detail on your photos! I agree that they have a captivating beauty. On the downside they do eat and damage corals.

Your first photo shows a bearded fireworm so very similar to the ones here in the Med. Beautiful shot.
Reach, what is the structure in your second photo?

I stayed in way too long today and came back shivering. I think I am developing a fetish for worms . The best shot today:

[Reach]

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

Your first photo shows a bearded fireworm so very similar to the ones here in the Med. Beautiful shot.
Reach, what is the structure in your second photo?

I stayed in way too long today and came back shivering. I think I am developing a fetish for worms . The best shot today:

Love macro photography ~ addictive isn't it?

My second photo is the underside of a bearded fireworm (bristles "in") eating the soft coral that you see floating behind it.

This one was very large; I've seen them at 10-12" although most are more like 3-5".

Stay warm! We're bracing for the next cold front tonight (ugh), but slowly making our way south finally.

[Reach]

Finally got back in the water this week after arriving Abacos & camera still works.

After a false start on the first snorkel (note to self: remember to recharge your battery!), a few underwater friends posed for the camera yesterday.

Happy!!

[Seaworthy Lass]

Michele, that is fabulous! I am happy for you.
I needed a fix of more photos .

Water temp is colder here now, so my snorkels are just brief to check and photograph our anchor.

I am looking forward to lots more photos from you over the coming months.

SWL

[LakeSuperior]

I know I am coming in sideways with freshwater shipwrecks but I can't help myself. Here is a shot from the Tioga wreck in 25 feet of Lake Superior water.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by LakeSuperior

I know I am coming in sideways with freshwater shipwrecks but I can't help myself. Here is a shot from the Tioga wreck in 25 feet of Lake Superior water.

It is getting colder here now, so I don't want to know what the water temperature was, or it will have me rushing to fill a hot water bottle .

Great photos!

SWL

[LakeSuperior]

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

It is getting colder here now, so I don't want to know what the water temperature was, or it will have me rushing to fill a hot water bottle .
SWL

Two days ago the water temp was 41 deg F (9 deg C) at 100 feet. It is slowly cooling down in this El Nino warm spell we are having.

[Reach]

Originally Posted by LakeSuperior

Two days ago the water temp was 41 deg F (9 deg C) at 100 feet. It is slowly cooling down in this El Nino warm spell we are having.

Nice photo, wreck depth of view & textures

Water temps are 78 deg F here and I was worried about being too cold

Camera is still wet from today's snorkel. I love that there's always something interesting to see!

[Prairie Chicken]

Now that I'm back home to hi-speed internet I've just taken the time to catch up on this thread. Great photos to all! And I love the macro shots!

[daletournier]

Manta rays Komodo national park 3 days ago.

Sent from my GT-N7105T using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Ocean Girl]

Here are some from Bahamas. I only know how to post one picture per post, sorry.
E