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Cockscomb Oyster covered with Red Encrusting Sponge, at the base of a tubular Demosponge. This is probably a species of Verongia. The grouping is attached to a large Black Coral Tree. Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman Island - Depth 175 feet or 53 meters |
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| * At a depth of about 175 feet (53
meters) we came upon the pictured environment. A large Cockscomb Oyster,
probably (Lopha cristagalli,) was located at the base of a
tube sponge, most likely a Verongia sp.. The sponge itself was attached
to a Tree of Black Coral (Antipathes sp.,) and was dotted
with nibble marks left by fish. The
Oyster was covered with a red Encrusting Sponge, and presented a
striking appearance. From the distance of a few feet, the oyster displayed a vivid mantle, but also an extreme sensitivity to the pressure waves produced by approaching divers. Perhaps this fact explains the considerable size it was able to reach. Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman Island - Depth 175 feet or 53 meters |
