Hydroids corbulae

[Rikisub]

Something quite attention - grabbing to divers are that kind of "feathers" that cover some boulders of rock: they are hydroid colonies, and, on each branch of the "feather" live tens of little polyps. The species of the genus Aglaophenia produce reproductive polyps called gonophores that are protected by specialized branches called corbulae. On the first photo, you may see some colonies of Aglaophenia pluma underwater (UW photography). The yellow grain of rice - like structures are corbulae. On the second photo, one of these corbulae at 5x, taken with a JML 21 mm. The curved branches rolled to protect the gonophores (the white structures inside) can be clearly seen. The third one is a stereo.
I wish you like them or, at least, you find them interesting. Best regards!

IMG_7399 by Rikisub, en Flickr

corbula 1 by Rikisub, en Flickr

2017-08-31-09.48.52 ZS stereo_000 by Rikisub, en Flickr

[Saul]

Very impressive underwater macro set. Other pictures on Flickr also

[Rikisub]

Thank you Saul!

[Harald]

Hi there Rikisub,
Underwater macro Amazing
Love these images, great details and light.

Very well done!

Thanks for sharing and keep em coming

[ChrisR]

Great to see! Thanks.