This sense of‘ same-but-different’ was a source of constant fascination; at every turn we would spot something and exclaim underwater( through a flood of excited bubbles)“ It’ s just like ours back home – only it’ s not!” Sponges, sea squirts, sea pens such as sea whips and Pennatula … all forms we recognised but in unexpected colours or sizes larger-than-life.
The fish life, on the other hand, was decidedly distinct from what one might encounter in the UK. Instead of wrasse and pollock, the most common mediumsized fish were several species of Sebastes, known as rockfish. Also virtually ubiquitous were the fearsome-looking lingcod( Ophiodon elongatus) whose considerable size( often 4-5ft) and large powerful jaws gave them a somewhat intimidating appearance. Despite this, they were very approachable and showed no fear of us, allowing us to get right up close and in their faces for photos.
Lingcod and giant plumose anemone, Sund Rock, Hood Canal
Our most memorable experience with these toothy denizens was a night dive at Mike’ s Beach Resort. The house reef holds various artificial structures such as a couple of small wrecks housing a large population of lingcod. Being ambush predators, they are usually happy to lie waiting in
the dark, ready to pounce on an unwary smaller fish or spot-shrimp that might wander past. Lingcod can also be quite territorial, however, and when disturbed by a blundering diver with a torch, they had no reservations about getting right up in our faces in return!
Diamondback Tritonia White lined Dirona – seen on many dives
Northern kelp crab on oyster bed, Flagpole
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