Florida-dwelling sometimes-artist, kinda-photographer. Nefarious, notorious sunfish devotee. My heart belongs to the sea. Ichthyologist soon-to-be, hopefully. Activity not guaranteed. We'll see what the tide brings in, aye?https://bsky.app/profile/squidpastry.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/squidpastry.bsky.social/post/3ldmpjjde3k2z#fishmas day 17 + 18! Dwarf seahorses are truly tiny, with adults only reaching a meagre 2 inches. Meanwhile, lined seahorses are monsters in comparison. Occasionally reaching a mighty 7in, they will consume anything small enough to fit into their mouths- this includes small fish. #25DaysofFishmas19 Dec 2024 01:23 +0000at://did:plc:fo7isk7i6rdw77qfoo3kvs67/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldmpjjde3k2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/squidpastry.bsky.social/post/3ldmp47dgfs26#crustmas day 18 (and 17) - double feature! Pink shrimp can attain respectable sizes, with large individuals measuring up to about 10 inches long. Speaking from experience, they grow fast! The flat bodies of green porcelain crabs allow them to hide in very narrow spaces. They're quite secretive.19 Dec 2024 01:15 +0000at://did:plc:fo7isk7i6rdw77qfoo3kvs67/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldmp47dgfs26https://bsky.app/profile/squidpastry.bsky.social/post/3ldhlmkc5bs2uFor day 16 of #fishmas, another sunfish- a warmouth (Lepomis gulosus). It is a tough species, capable of surviving temperature extremes and oxygen-depleted water. As long as there is enough small prey (it is not choosy) and enough plants to hide in, it is happy. #25DaysofFishmas17 Dec 2024 00:29 +0000at://did:plc:fo7isk7i6rdw77qfoo3kvs67/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldhlmkc5bs2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/squidpastry.bsky.social/post/3ldhlczd57227Ancinus depressus, the flat pillbug, for day 16 of #crustmas! This is a wonderfully rectangular, flat isopod that likes the sandy, shelly substrates of nearshore marine habitats, particularly beaches. When threatened, it rolls into a ball. It's flat, broad shape means it can only try it's best.17 Dec 2024 00:24 +0000at://did:plc:fo7isk7i6rdw77qfoo3kvs67/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldhlczd57227https://bsky.app/profile/squidpastry.bsky.social/post/3ldfdrhu5e227The formidable barbfish, Scorpaena brasiliensis, is the star of day 15 of #fishmas. The venom sequestered within each fin spine is potent, and causes a laundry list of nasty symptoms, not to mention severe pain. The 'cool' factor is undeniable. #25DaysofFishmas16 Dec 2024 03:04 +0000at://did:plc:fo7isk7i6rdw77qfoo3kvs67/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldfdrhu5e227https://bsky.app/profile/squidpastry.bsky.social/post/3ldfdqy23yk2uA hairy hermit crab, Paguristes karenae, for day 15 of #crustmas! True to it's name, this species is covered in a thick coat of luxurious brown fur. Additionally, this species was described recently, only two years ago. I think they're really, really cute...16 Dec 2024 03:03 +0000at://did:plc:fo7isk7i6rdw77qfoo3kvs67/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldfdqy23yk2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/squidpastry.bsky.social/post/3ldctlelcf22rAnd for day 14 of #fishmas, spotted sunfish (not the Mola kind...) The spotted sunfish is an endemic to the southeastern United States, primarily Florida. These individuals live inside of a flooded sinkhole, where they are one of the only few species of fish present. #25DaysofFishmas15 Dec 2024 03:08 +0000at://did:plc:fo7isk7i6rdw77qfoo3kvs67/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldctlelcf22rhttps://bsky.app/profile/squidpastry.bsky.social/post/3ldcsqyeft22rIt's the 14th day of #crustmas! Today, a seasonally appropriate peppermint shrimp (Lysmata boggessi). This species lives in seagrass beds, oyster reefs, and in sponges unlike many species in the genus. Their vivid color and way of moving, swaying back and forth, make them popular in aquariums.15 Dec 2024 02:54 +0000at://did:plc:fo7isk7i6rdw77qfoo3kvs67/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldcsqyeft22rhttps://bsky.app/profile/squidpastry.bsky.social/post/3ldagwiz46c2rIt's day 13 of #crustmas! This is the blue spot hermit, a small hermit crab that doesn't surpass a few centimeters. Named for their prominent blue spots on the inner surface of their arms, their eyes and antennae also take on a bluish hue. The feathery antennae catch small pieces of floating food.14 Dec 2024 04:17 +0000at://did:plc:fo7isk7i6rdw77qfoo3kvs67/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldagwiz46c2r