Conero Logbook 2015
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The season began late (in June), but also finished late (in December) thanks to a mild winter and an unusual calm sea for this period. Water temperatures at the end of year similar to those in autumn. After few years a bit difficult close to the coast, finally there was again a gorgeous “blooming” of fan worms.
June: diving in the southern dive sites of Conero.
The gorgonian (Leptogorgia sarmentosa) a sort of “hundreds stars hotel” for many tiny organisms. Then the appointment with one of the smallest nudibranchs in our area, the featherweight Onchidoris neapolitana always well camouflaged over the bryozoan Schizobrachiella sanguinea on which it feeds and on which skeleton it lays the eggs.
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July: the “Nudibloom of the year”.
Almost every year (but not necessarily in summer) a species of sea slug appears on our reefs in much greater quantity than usual. Then in the following years it decreases gradually. For example, 2014 was the year of Discodoris rosi, also in 2015 it was very much present, but certainly in a smaller amount. Without any doubt, 2015 was instead the year of Felimida krohni. Especially in July at the Trave area, there was a real invasion. Another constant and frequent presence in July, it was the sacoglossa Thuridilla hopei.
August: sea crowded with boats, most of the dives made at Trave, the “classics” became subjects.
Flabellina affinis e Cratena peregrina and nudibranchs apart, my other “classical subjects” as well.
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September: the month of Calmella cavolinii.
Also this year it was everywhere along the Trave. Despite its tiny size it is easy to see, thanks to its habit to live in clusters on the hydrozoan branches on which it feeds.
October and November: Conero and musky octopuses.
Autumn is synonymous of musky octopuses, this is the period of their highest concentration. Sometimes it is easier to see them in October and sometimes, like this year, it is possible to see many of them until the end of November. Anyway, it is always an amazing show.
December: when diving opportunities usually become rare.
In 2015, December was very atypical, warm with sun and calm sea. So atypical as to allow a very unusual number of dives. However, in this period our reefs are not rich of organisms to be observed.
The Locust lobster (Scyllarus arctus) was the only constant presence.
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Look forward to the next season, with the hope of being able to dive more than the year just ended and with the certainty to enjoy new shows and to take home wonderful memories.
Questo articolo è disponibile anche in:
Italiano (Italian)
