Plant or Animal?
Bennett’s feather star (Oxycomanthus bennetti) is widespread in the Indo-West Pacific region. With the cluster of feather or fern like arms on a long stem, a crinoid looks like a flower, but it is not a plant. It is an echinoderm, related to brittle stars and sea urchins. The name “crinoid” derives from Greek word krinon, "a lily", and eidos, "form”. The feathery arms are used to trap detritus and plankton in the water.
My Dive Buddy in Action
Here is my great dive buddy, biologist Jose A. Castellano, in action during a dive at Forgotten Islands. He is contemplating how to compose his shot in this clutter of life.
Curious Fish
This male Mexican hogfish (Bodianus diplotaenia) was so curious about my big dome port that it came to give it a kiss. The female seemed to be more cautious. She followed him at a little distance.
Lucky Diver
Roca Partida, the smallest of the four Revillagigedo Islands, is considered by many divers as the most beautiful dive site in Mexico. Look at this diver who is diving into the maniac storm of fish. So lucky!
My Watercolor
Diving isn’t always about seeing the marine life. Sometimes looking up at the surface from below can make your dive a memorable one. On one of the dives at Forgotten Islands, I looked up to see this amazing abstract art created by reflection on the surface of the water.
