October

About October – 2018 Underwater Paparazzi Calendar

While one might think at first glance these beautiful wrasse family fish are serenading each other or having a deep conversation, that’s not quite the case! The first interesting fact about this fish is that they are protogynous. I know, what the heck is that, right? Well it means that they are all born female and the largest individuals become male due to hormonal changes triggered by social cues. Females are a dull pinkish color with white chins and undersides while the males have the dark markings that you see above with the white chins. They live in a harem like environment where one male will travel with a bunch of females. So what’s really going in the above photo is two males attempt for dominance. I know, I know. Boys will be boys. 😀 But like all things in the ocean, these wrasse play their part and are an intricate part of the ecosystem by eating urchins to help the kelp thrive and create shelter and food sources for other creatures.

I thought the scallop was a perfect addition to spooky October with those creepy eyeballs! Yes! Scallops have eyes!! Like 60 of them that line their mantle! They detect light, dark, and motion… and will also judge you on your buoyancy. 😀

I love the sarcastic fringeheads! They look like a goofy cartoon. Don’t be fooled by its muppet like first impression though! They are content in their homey little holes till a predator gets too close, then look out for it to transform into an alien! The mouth can expand 3 times larger than its head to ward off predators or to establish dominance. This is another species that care for the babies too. So beware of the protective papa fringehead and his eggs! He’s definitely not being sarcastic. 😀

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