Sarcastic Fringhead
Neoclinus blanchardi

These beauties (?!) hang out in holes in the mud on the bottom -- or anything else they can find that has a nook, cranny or hole -- looking out as the world passes by.  Aggressive and fearless, they will charge at -- and bite -- any intruder, including divers.  Most, however, just sit there watching you watching them.  For fun, try placing a mirror in front of one...

Sarcastics can reach 1 foot in length, although most are about 3" - 8" long.  They range from Central California to Central Baja California.

Lens: 60mm macro
Film: Sensia
Location: La Jolla Shores, CA
©1999 Garry McCarthy