Torpedo Ray
CW-005

Torpedo Ray
(Torpedo californica)


I photographed this "starship enterprise" at Farnsworth Banks, Catalina Island. Although the Torpedo Ray is usually a nocturnal feeder (night feeder), this one was swimming in open water at 11:00 a.m.. It seemed to like my exhaust bubbles and hung around my head for a few minutes, allowing me to shoot this picture.

About the Torpedo Ray: Torpedo rays are known also as Pacific electric rays. They do indeed emit enough electricity to light up a light bulb. Electric rays use this feature as a hunting tool and defensive mechanism. They can "ZAP" a fish and then gobble the stunned prey down. Found from British Columbia to central Baja California, Mexico. Size: to 3 feet (1 m)







Spotted Turbot
CW-006

Spotted Turbot
(Pleuronichthys ritteri)


I took this picture in 130 feet of water during a somewhat drab dive. I came across these spotted turbots and swam with them for awhile. I ended up planting my camera firmly on the bottom to get this perspective on these flat denziens of the deep. As one swam, the other followed, so I was lucky enough to get both framed in the same picture.

About the Spotted Turbot: Common inshore to 150 feet. They range from Morrow Bay to Baja California, Mexico. Size to 12" (.33 m).







Giant Kelp

Giant Kelp
(Macrocystis pyrifera)


Photographed at Ship Rock Catalina Island using a Nikonos V and 15 mm lens with one strobe set at high power and held to the side of the plant. Exposed at f11.

About Giant Kelp: Found world wide in waters averaging 50 to 60 degrees. The giant kelp grows at a fast rate of up to two feet per day!! They are kept afloat by gas filled bladders, while the plant base is mounted to a secure substrate by root-like structures called holdfasts. Giant kelp grows to more than 100 feet.








Red Gorgonian Seafan
CW-008

Red Gorgonian Seafan
(Lophogorgia chilensis)


Photographed at Catalina Island, these giant fans make beautiful subjects and are a favorite for underwater photographers. I shot this picture with a Nikonos V and 15 mm lens with one Ikelite Sub Strobe 150 held out to the side.

About the Red Gorgonian Seafan: Found in depths to 150 feet in areas where current is typically present. Each white speckle is an individual animal, so the sea fan is actually colonial. Varying conditions and predation can leave nothing more than bare branches. Range from Monterey Bay to the San Benitos Islands, Baja California, Mexico.