Beyond Nova Scotia’s ocean shore lies the world of inner space. This marvelous world is seen by few except divers, who brave our cold waters for just a glimpse of its wildlife inhabitants. The rest of us only see evidence of undersea life when it is washed ashore or edible forms appear on our dinnerplate. Yet, how far these experiences remove us from the pulse of life beneath the surface of the waves.
The best way to observe a fish is to become a fish.
~ Jacques Cousteau
The spiny sculpin, shown at top, is an odd-looking fish that can survive out of water for hours at a time as long as it stays wet. Another bottom dweller is the flounder shown below. Amazingly, one of the flounder’s eyes gradually drifts from one side of its body to the other. The body of the fish eventually turns on its side, where both of its eyes come to rest on ‘top.’
Crustaceans, such as this spider crab, are also found on the sea floor, scavenging for food.
Hermit crabs search the sea floor for empty shells that they may use to protect their vulnerable bodies from predators. They don’t possess the hard exoskeleton common to most true crabs.
The seafood section in Nova Scotia’s grocery stores often hold live lobsters in a tank. The trapped lobster, shown above, seems destined for such a place. Like many crustaceans, it possesses the magical ability to regrow its asymmetrical claws.
Among the most attractive creatures to be found off our coasts are the carnivorous sea anemones, which look deceptively like plants.
Many thanks to Wayne Joy and my son Simon Bell for granting permission to share these beautiful photos taken on a recent dive. Both Wayne and Simon are members of the Shearwater Scuba Club.
Images copyright Wayne T. Joy / Simon Bell.
Flandrum Hill 