Keys Diving Post Irma: sand dwellers & other small creatures
Irma took almost all of the sand that used to surround the reefs with her. So what happened to the critters who make their home in the sand? It’s a great question and one I don’t have an answer to… yet.
Let’s take a look at what we’ve been able to find so far.
We haven’t been out to French Reef yet, I’m hoping there’s more sand there. Last weekend’s dives were at Snapper Ledge, Pickles Reef and Molasses Reef. All of these sites have very little sand left.
Critters I have pictures of (all photos pre-Irma):
Critters I don’t have pictures of:
- Mantis Shrimp – not found! I’ve looked in every bit of sand and haven’t found one yet. They are very shy and secretive so they’re hard to photograph. Once we watched one systematically barricade itself in its home, a pretty clear message it wasn’t as interested in us as we were in it!
- Sand Gobies & Dash Gobies – Found! Hard to photograph because there isn’t much contrast between them and the sand.
I’ll keep looking for everything and will report on my findings.
Until next time…
Stay Warm Friends!
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