A gammarid amphipod -Ampithoe humeralis

[Trace]

Here are some shots Ampithoe humeralis, an amphipod that nests in a kelp blade that is folded over. I have been seeing these at the mini-kelp forrest at "La Jolla Shores". After getting the info on them from Ed Parnell, I started looking for the nests and found plenty of them in the rapidly disappearing little bit of kelp. The light spot in the kelp blade is a nest.
Trace

[nwscubamom]

Thanks for posting these! Nice clear photos of the young 'uns too.

- Janna

[Leslie Harris]

Beautiful macro work Trace. I wish I could do as well with my microscope. For future reference, it's now Peramphithoe humeralis.

[Trace]

Janna, Leslie thanks! Change the name, I can't even pronounce it!!
Trace

[Leslie Harris]

Don't blame me, I work on worms!

[scottg]

Tracy, incredible stuff! Especially the 2nd photo. I highly recommend people click on the photo to view it "large size".

I have yet to see an Amphipod nest.

Leslie, thanks for the new genus.

[Keri Wilk]

Woahhhh, Tracy - Very cool shots. If you don't mind me asking... what camera gear were you using? Always interested to hear what sort of super macro gear people are using.

Thanks,

Keri

[Trace]

Scott, Keri thanks! Keri I still use an old Nikon D70s and 60mm lens, nothing was added to the lens and these are not cropped shots.
Trace

[Kevin Lee]

Hi Gang... have been wondering for a long time what the heck this is:

http://tinyurl.com/292qe9a

On viewing Tracy's great pix, am thinking it's the same critter? i.e. Peramphithoe humeralis?

Cheers, k;-)