This morning, I stepped onto the dock and was immediately greeted by nature’s symphony. A massive heron squawked “Grrrakk!” as a young lemon shark gracefully swam by. Small fish darted playfully through the water, splashing against the lowest steps. On the beach, a little heron hunted for worms, while a pelican observed from above. Not […]
Category: Invertebrates
The Spotted sea hare along the shoreline
Today, while strolling along the beach near Lr3, we encountered a remarkable Spotted Sea Hare gliding gracefully through the seagrass. These fascinating marine creatures play a vital role in maintaining the health of seagrass ecosystems by feeding on algae. With their soft, rounded bodies adorned with dark spots and brownish-yellow mottling, they camouflage seamlessly with […]
A napping octopus
This week we built some temporary planters in the shallows intending to transplant our mangrove seedlings into them. Because the heavy wave action from tropical storm Sara knocked over a block, we decided to move them closer to shore. As we moved the blocks, we disturbed the sleep of a beautiful Caribbean Reef octopus. He’s […]
Land crab molts
Today we were exploring high ground about 60 feet from the water’s edge and came upon a fresh molt from a land crab. As with all crustaceans, land crabs must molt as they grow, so they shed their old shell. While their new shell hardens, they are very vulnerable. This molt was still pliable, and […]
Land crabs
One of the first animals to greet you at Lr3 is the land crab. You might not know they’ve said hello because they scamper back into their hole as soon as you approach, but the network of their dens can be easily seen. Ranging in size from coin sized to small cat, colors from fluorescent […]
Breeding time for land crabs
On this special day, we watched dozens of crabs emerge throughout the day and head towards the beach together. They migrate between their burrows and the coastline, especially during the breeding season, which starts in June. It was surreal to see them confidently strolling by not paying any attention to us.
Lesser brown scorpion
While moving lumber, we uncovered a small (young) lesser brown scorpion. So glad I was wearing gloves! There are a few hazards on Long Caye and this relatively small scorpion species with its brownish coloration and distinctive compact body structure is one of them. Although its venom can immobilize prey, it is generally not dangerous […]
Spiny lobsters in the shallows
During a snorkel on November 29, 2024 at Half Moon Caye, we spotted 3 healthy spiny lobsters among the coral heads of the shallow waters. Such a treat! Usually the larger animals are found in deeper waters, while diving. Adult female spiny lobsters lay thousands of tiny eggs, which they carry under their tails. These […]
Hunting box jellies
This morning we watched dozens of Atlantic box jellies hunting with the small bait fish in the shallows next to the dock. About 3cm by 5cm each, they gently floated around trying to catch something in their trailing tentacles. In my junior year of college, I heard a student tell a story about being stung […]
Hermit crab
Hermit crabs are fascinating crustaceans that exhibit the unique behavior of inhabiting discarded shells. Unlike other crabs, hermit crabs have soft, exposed abdomens that need protection, so they use empty snail shells to shield themselves from predators and environmental elements. As they grow, they continuously seek larger shells and often compete with other hermit crabs […]