2009 06-24 SB Channel
A close look at krill preparing to meet their maker. The blue bump in the middle is a Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) lunging sideways at the krill, just about ready to break the surface. Image 1 of 4. A close look at this photo (enlarge to 2X or 3X) reveals masses of krill leaping out of the water trying (in vain) to escape. You can hear them click.
Krill (Thysanoessa spinifera) captured in the Santa Barbara Channel among the lunge-feeding Blue Whales. These specimens ran between 1.25 and 1.50 inches in length. Image taken in my lab.
Krill (Thysanoessa spinifera). Captured in plankton net - same day, same place as all the lunge feeding! This specimen is about 1.5 inches in length. Image taken in my lab.
Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) emits a burst of bubbles underwater after the big lunge gulp.
Deformation of the tips of the tail fluke make this Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) an easy individual to recognize. Eric "EZ" Zimmerman calls this whale "747" because the tail looks like it belongs on a jet. More images of this whale can be seen in the next gallery (2009 06-25).
Apical fronds of Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera).
Head and big 'ol eyeball of a krill (Thysanoessa spinifera). Note the numerous hairs (setae) all over the limbs which are used to collect smaller species of phyto- and zooplankton for food. Image taken in my lab.
