New Mantis Shrimp Pictures

We've been raising two young mantis shrimp that we had found while wading the flats several weeks back. This one had been occupying a hole in one of the rocks in the tank, but the other one recently found the hole and for some reason this guy moved out. We see it in several different spot in the tank - I guess it is trying to find another comfortable spot. It has been a good time to take a picture of this recluse. This crab on the other hand is always out.

You Want Some of This!!!!

You definitely see more life on the flats at low tide (while there is still water over ground). This guy wasn't too happy to see me...

Crabby

I saw this crab while walking back in from fishing - first time I've seen one like it. The coloring on it reminded me of an East Coast Blue Crab. It even had swimming fins. It's eye stalks were located near the corners of the carapace just like the smaller ones I usually find under the rocks (must me a Hawaiian invertebrate thing). This guy was really pissed at me for picking him up.

Saturday Fishing (Post Class)

I had class on Saturday again this week. So after class, I boogied on down to catch the low tide at Hickam. I had a size 9 torpedo weight tied on with an 18" flurocarbon leader and a tiny jighead. I had this setup rigged from the last session out at Kaneohe Pier (need to get deep to the zone where the fish hang out). But it prooved to be too heavy for the Hickam Flats. So heavy that I could get super far casts, but I would pick up rocks/rubble pretty consistently. This crab was in the crevices of one of the pieces of rubble. If you look closely, you can see the clutch of eggs 'she' is carrying. I'm going to start tying flies like this - the predominate species seems to be this crab and various mantis shrimp. I had one fish grab the lure I had on and fight me to about 5' apart - then it let go (it wasn't hooked). I did not see one bonefish... almost a full moon. I'm going to start taking notes on the moon cycle/presence of fish (and I'm too lazy to use a pen/paper - you'll see the notes here). Good time despite the lack of catching.

Second Day - First Time Fishing with the Epic 686 (that I built)

I went to Hickam Flats to try casting the Epic 686 I had built up back in Florida. I didn't see any bonefish/o'io - but I did see some schooling finger mullet (or something like that), a lizard fish and I even managed to catch this crab. I also saw the following: A mantis shrimp Several sea cucumbers A few pin cushion sea urchins This guy... I wonder if it is the same one (snowflake eel) I saw a couple of years back... and whole colonies of polyps (checkout the ones that were exposed to the air - this was a pretty low tide). So I didn't catch a single fish - but I did see a lot of what life uses this flat. I did drive out to check another spot - and I did see evidence of a larger predatory fish attacking the schooled up smaller ones (big splashes and lots of jumping fish). You don't have to twist my arm to make me go back.... Oh - and the rod casts wonderfully - this is going to be a workhorse for sure (in lighter wind conditions).

Look Ma - No Hands!!!

I'm not sure how this guy eats - talk about stuffing your face, or playing with your food.

If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, look where the crab's claws should be. He's got replacements budding out, but it'll be a couple of molts before they are functional.

Life's a b!tc4 ain't it????