Southwold Slugfest June05


After our serious 'study' on the submarine we were out again on Sunday to dive the Mascotte and 'Ammo Wreck'. Sadly for fans of twisted metal I went slug hunting and ignored the wreck - typical! Many thanks to Dave and Ken for grown up boating duties.

This may not look like much but apparently its irresistable - to slugs...<br>
P6190078.JPG 		This is a Janolus Cristatus nudibranch. There were lots off Weybourne last year.
P6190087.JPG 		This one is a a Coryphella Lineata - as you can see it likes hydroids too.
P6190092.JPG 		Like watching a lion bring down an antelope isn't it?
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The lobster in the boiler doesn't have much interest in slugs
P6190096.JPG 		You wait all day for one and then two come along at once!
P6190098.JPG 		This really is a a big one of these, but if divers started taking hydroids they could become endangered...
P6190101.JPG 		The dark lines up its cerata are apparently digestive glands
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As you can see the slugs can get frenzied!
P6190111.JPG 		Much of the surface of wrecks is covered with small anemones. From a distance without a torch they don't show up much.
P6190114.JPG 		Like the hydrois they blend in with the silty growth on the metalwork until you light them up
P6190125.JPG 		Had to include this one - you can see its Mohawk crest (called a caruncle!)
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If you were Mrs slug you'd be delighted if Interfauna delivered a bunch of these
P6190141.JPG 		The anemones aren't so picky, they just grab whatever goes by
P6190161.JPG 		The second shift get ready to replace us
P6190173.JPG 		Our company for the dive Cambridge BSAC and one of those flashy new PADI dive boats in the background
P6190178.JPG
Rob Spray.