Thriving Oceans

Just a quick thanks and what better way to celebrate the Holidays than with the traditional Hawaiian tree…floating in the ocean of course.   I am looking forward to exploring the world of ocean conservation and wildlife with you in 2010.

Echinoderms have quite a range of body shapes that include those drawn out with arms like starfish, spherical as displayed by sea urchins, and branched/feathered such as sea lilies.  There are approximately 6000 species in the phylum Echinodermata, many of which are protected by spines.  In the crown of thorns starfish, the poisonous spines protect it from predation as it feeds on coral polyps.

Let’s send out some positive ocean vibes and get a jump on the weekend with a photo session of one of my favorite sea creatures…Seahorses!

Seahorses belong to the genus Hippocampus which includes more than 47 species.  Showcasing a multitude of colors and sizes, they  are adept at camouflaging themselves amongst seagrasses, coral reefs and mangroves in the shallow tropical and temperate waters throughout the world.  And for those keeping track the Leafy Sea Dragon rounding up the session belongs to the genus Phycodurus, but but nonetheless is still a seahorse relative…