Different view of the usual Spotted Ratfish

[nwscubamom]

We had our REEF survey day at Saltwater State Park yesterday. The last time I'd dove the new reef was when it was REALLY new - back in early February, when it had been down for about a week. So the contrast was amazing between then and now. Just 7 short months ago. Lots of juvie rockfish, tubesnouts, sunflower stars, sculpins, coonstripe shrimp, and....RATFISH!

Here's how we usually see them:


As I was hanging back and observing one, suddenly it swooped up and flew over my head!


(you can see the tubesnouts in the background faintly)


Never had a great view of the underbelly of a ratfish before - until now. Check out those nostrils!

- Janna

[Penopolypants]

Whoa! What a cool angle! I had no idea their mouth was so far under. Nice shots!

[gcbryan]

Great shots Janna!

[Dusty2]

Not only a great angle but great focus and depth of field. NICE!

[dieseldude]

Very cool-good job being ready to grab the shot. Definitely a different looking mouth. I have a hard time getting a Ratfish shot that doesnt have glowing eyes. I got some night shots friday night & it looks like the beam of death is coming out of their eyes.
Spooky! Once again we see why you are the "critter master".
Sorry I missed the survey get together. Someone decided it was my turn to work saturday. I wonder if I can weasle out it next time based on religous beliefs. Is scuba a religion?
MJ

[Pez7378]

Janna, those are simply amazing shots! Definately a "different view".

[Jenbowes]

Neat! "Ratfish" makes much more sense to me now, after seeing a shot from below. From above, I didn't think they looked much like rats, at all.

Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing!