Deep Cove bay

I found the plumose anemones (see previous post) on a jetty at Deep Cove bay. The jetty and bridge are overgrown with foolish mussels, Mytilus trossulus (photo above), sea anemones, hydroids, sponges and seaweeds.


Deep Cove bay is in the vicinity of Sydney. We stayed at the Gazebo bed and breakfast, in a village between Victoria and Sydney. A perfect spot for nature and culture-lovers. Have a look at: www.gazebo-victoria.com


The bay is as sheltered as the rocky shore beneath the Wickaninnish is exposed. Because of the exposure both shores are inhabited by different creatures. However, some species like the ochre star (Pisaster ochraceus) and the red rock crab (Cancer productus) are found on both kind of habitats.


The ochre star (Pisaster ochraceus) resting and searching for prey on the bridge.

The jetty seen from above. A lot of people have no idea of the creatures on and under the jetty. For example the sunflower star; a starfish that can grow to 1 meter, with 26 arms and 15.000 tubefeet! More about this starfish in a next message.


The screw of a ship overgrown with hydroids, a colony of animals related to sea anemones.


Even ropes are footage enough for sea anemones, hydroids, seaweeds etc. As you can see, the water was a bit misty and muddy.

I have snorkelled two times at Deep Cove bay for more than 4 hours. After 2.5 hours I swam to the beach to drink and eat something and to get warm: the water felt a bit warmer than at Tofino. At Tofino I measured a water temperature of 10˚ Celsius!