MONTEREY BAY - THE INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL KELP FOREST

Macrocystis pyrifera - Giant Kelp  - Grows more than 2 ft per day,
 creating a diverse and wondrous habitat for a multitude of sea creatures, both large and small - from grey whales, sharks and rays to several species of algae

Strawberry Anemones - This abundant, colonial, red-to-pinkish  soft coral reflects pinpoints of light from its knobby-tipped tentacles, creating a brilliant image and  making it a favorite of photographers.

Opalescent Nudibranch - There are well over a thousand species of nudibranchs, many of which are extremely colorful.  They are sometimes called "fatally attractive" - advertising the venom whichin several species is  "ingested but not digested" and tranferred to  special structures on their backs.  These "sea slugs" are favorites of underwater photographers. 

Horn Shark - Used for defensive purposes, the horns are located in front of each dorsal fin.

​Red Sea Fans -  Plantlike in appearance, they are very much animals in nature, related to the corals and jellies.

The Giant Keyhole Limpet (L) is a primitive gastropod snail related to the abalone. The "keyhole" is used to release wastewater.  This species has several biomedical uses and its population may be threatened.  Another nudibranch species, the Sea Lemon (R) uses its file-like tongue, called a radula, to probe and cut out tasty morsels of sponge. 

 Half ray, half shark in appearance,  the Pacific Angelshark is an attack/ambush predator, often burrowing in the sand and waiting for its prey to pass over.  Catfish-like barbels projecting from its mouth, are used for taste and feel.

The colorful Garibaldi,  the largest member of the territorial damselfish family, is the state fish of California. 

The China Rockfish is one of more than 100 species of rockfish that have a wide diversity of size, color, and habitat (ranging from intertidal to depths of over 1,000 ft.)

Jellies are truly beautiful and fascinating to watch.  Most do not sting, and you just have to be a little careful.  Always carry a bottle of vinegar on-board, as it really does break down the toxin.