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12/25/05
Was hoping to dive on Christmas Eve but the surf is up in a big way! So, we've kept dry this weekend. Merry Christmas everybody!
Doug Brennan of Saipan writes:
Hi Bob,
I managed to sneak out for a Christmas Dive. Just for the heck of it, I took a picture of the shells that ended up in my bag. Thought it might go well with the report, to give folks an idea of a reasonably good day of shelling. All are dead finds.
Merry Christmas!!!
Doug
Thanks Doug! Looking at the loot from your picture, it includes: Casmaria ponderosa, Conus pulicarius, Conus sp. (sponsalis?), an immature Cymatium flaveolum , what appears to be an immature Erosaria dillwyni?, Erosaria poraria, Harpa armouretta, Imbricaria olivaeformis, Ipsa childreni, Lyncina carneola, L. isabella, Nassarius graniferus, Oliva annulata, Pustularia childreni, P. margarita, Terebra sp. (columellaris?), and Vexillum cumingii. This is a GREAT report and I hope our readers enjoy it as much as I did. Here goes...
Saw your note to report, so here it comes...4 months worth on a dive by dive basis...
Since our last report in mid-August, we have managed to make about 40 more dives. While we are still finding a wide variety of shells, most are in fair shape at best. As such, we will just report on the really nice dead finds and the occasional live shell taken. The dead finds are so nice, it doesn't make sense to collect many live ones.
August 27 - a large Pustularia cicercula, 4 Lyncina carneola, 2 Pustularia margarita, 5 reddish-purple Erosaria poraria and a Gyrineum roseum. I did see a nice, live Distorsio anus, but left it there.
August 28 - (2 dives) several Oliva annulata, a Lophiotoma acuta, one Ipsa childreni, a couple of Conus glans (nucleus?), a beautiful Conus tessulatus, a dark Erosaria labrolineata and a very nice Luria isabella. Followed by a dark Colubraria tortusa, another Ipsa childreni, a beautiful Pustularia cicercula, a pretty Conus pulicarius, a few more fresh Oliva annulata (including an all white specimen), a Bursa cruentata, a Staphylaea nucleus, 2 Lyncina carneola, 2 Terebellum terebellum, a Conus rattus and a Conus lithoglyphus.
September 3 - 2 dives in the same spot after the passing of Typhoon Nabi...about 20 Ipsa childreni. Of those, only about half a dozen are in really good shape. 4 of them are incredibly fresh and look live taken, without drill holes. 6 Annepona mariae. Of those, only 2 are really fresh and glossy. Other Cypraea found were 2 beautiful Pustularia cicercula, 2 Staphylaea staphylaea, a couple of Staphylaea nucleus, 3 Pustularia bistrinotata, a few Luria isabella and a juvenile Erosaria dillwyni. In the "others" category...2 large (@48mm), live Strombus dentatus and a beautifully marked, live Strombus wilsonorum. Conus found were a legatus, lithoglyphus, bullatus, tessulatus and a lividus. And of course, a bunch of other neat dead stuff like 3 Colubraria tortusa (one is tiny!), a few Terebellum terebellum, 2 Strombus gibberulus, a Mitra olivaeformus, 2 Nassarius papillosus (again, one is tiny!), 2 Oliva annulata, a neat little live Fasciolariidae (wrong, Costellariidae Vexillum microzonias bilineata (f)...a new shell!!!), a little Terebra subulata and a Cantharus wagneri. Of note were a few Lambis truncata on the huge sand field, close to the coral wall in 65 to 95 feet. I did see a fair number of live Oliva annulata and live Strombus microurceus. Too bad not every dive can be this good.
September 4 - The only two shells worth logging into the collection were a gorgeous, fresh dead Pustularia margarita and a tiny Conus (no idea of the ID). Other dead Cypraea collected were a clandestina, mariae, beckii, irrorata, fimbriata, teres, cribraria, poraria, isabella, maculifera, 3 more margarita and a carneola. All are reasonable specimens, but nothing to write home about. I also found a brightly colored Conus pertusus. It is a nice shell, except for the chipped lip. Right below exit, in about 15 feet of water was a cute little live Charonia tritonis, about 100mm. It was hiding back in a small hole. I left it there to grow big and eat all the Crown of Thorns starfish in the area. There is a little white tipped shark that has been hiding out under a rock for several weeks, it is still there. Diving beats the heck out of sitting on your butt and watching TV.
September 10 - (2 dives) 9½ Ipsa childreni (one had a clean break from front to back and fooled me when I reached for it), 3 Annepona mariae, a Pustularia cicercula, 4 Pustularia bistrinotata, a Staphylaea nucleus, an Erosaria labrolineata, a Hirundo neglecta, a Blasicrura teres, a Lyncina carneola, 6 Luria isabella, an Erosaria moneta and a Talparia talpa. Other family shells collected were a Conus obscurus, Conus glans, Conus tessulatus, Conus pulicarius, Terebra affinis, 3 Strombus microurceus, a Mitra olivaeformus, a Mitra nubila(?), a Nassarius graniferus, a Cantharus wagneri, 2 Strombus gibberulus, 3 Terebellum terebellum (one is spotted - terebellum punctulorum), 4 Oliva annulata, a Vexillum turben, a Vexillum costatum and a Bursa cruentata. I also saw several live Lambis chiragra, live Strombus lentiginosus, a group of live Strombus luhuanus, a live Terebra subulata, a live Terebra guttata, dozens of live Oliva annulata and Strombus microurceus. A highlight of the dive was watching a school of Atulai (a form of small mackerel) cloud near me. They are about a foot long and there were thousands of them.
September 11 - The waters are calmer, snuck out for a cliffline dive. It started well with the sighting of a good-sized, live Mauritia mauritiana lying in a trough along the wall. It was left alone. A Lyncina carneola and Conus legatus later, the dive was over. A second dive at another spot was a little better...2 very pustulate Pustularia cicercula, a Terebra affinis, a Conus planorbis vexillum, a Conus pulicarius with unusual markings, a tiny Notodusta punctata and another one with nice markings. I almost forgot the Nassarius graniferus, fresh with a pinkish dorsum.
September 18 - The school of Atulai were close to the reef again and Ken Hart managed to get a few photos of them. Poking around in the sandy rubble I saw several live Lambis chiragra and a couple of live Strombus pipus. The pipus were juvenile and not taken. Jason Schroeder told me about finding a couple of nice ones out there about a week ago. Collected were a couple of Oliva miniacea, a Conus tessulatus, a couple of Cypraea nucleus and childreni, a Cassidae ponderosa, a Terebra subulata and a Terebellum terebellum. On the second dive, I found a couple of neat looking Vexillum (Ziba?), both live, at about 75 feet. There was a live Nassarius graniferus crawling over some small stones at about 70-feet. They are fun to watch. I also picked up a beautiful little Harpa amouretta and a Strombus haemostoma.
October 1 - a fair Ipsa childreni, a Scabricola desetangsii (recently identified by Steve Norby and Bob Abela from Guam, previously noted as Mitra nubila), a Nassarius graniferus, a nice little trochus and a little Conus. I haven't been able to ID the cone. It is about 20mm, light brown in color with dark spiraling lines from top to bottom. The shoulder is sharp and the spire is raised without any markings on the spire. I didn't recognize it in the Manual of Living Conidae, but I believe it is a small Conus quercinus. I saw a good-sized octopus scooting along the sandy bottom in 75 feet. I turned towards it and caught up with it as it reached a large pipe. It fluffed up, changed color and texture to look just like the seaweed growing on the pipe. Amazing!
October 2 - My 100th dive of the year!...looking along a wall down to about 120 feet, I bumped into an octopus hiding in a hole in the wall at about 60 feet. I wasn't really interested in it. I heard regulators, looked up and saw a group of tourists swimming near by, so I called them down to see the octopus. They seemed to enjoy the colorful show. Shells...Cypraea - a few nice Pustularia margarita, a beat up Erosaria dillwyni, 2 Pustularia cicercula, 3 nice Erosaria poraria, a beautiful juvenile Erosaria helvola, a cute little Gyrineum roseum, a tiny Harpa amouretta, a little Dove shell, 2 Clanculus, a tan & brown Ranellidae and two Fasciolariidae.
October 16 - poor visibility but a few shells - Ipsa childreni and Annepona mariae, 2 Pustularia cicercula, a Cymatium nicobaricum, a Vexillum exasperatum, a Conus capitaneus and Conus tessulatus.
October 22 - visibility was still poor at our main spot - Harry Blalock is back in the water after a long absence - he found the shell of the day, a gorgeous Annepona mariae. Not much else out there. A word of advise, don't dive with a headache.
October 23 - a Casmaria erinacea erinacea, a tiny Conus tessulatus, a Conus arenatus and a big Trivia (if there is such a thing). I still didn't learn from yesterday not dive with a headache! Harry came up with 3 Annepona mariae and a very nice Erosaria dillwyni, along with a bunch of other stuff. I guess I was just looking in the wrong spots. I did get to watch a sea turtle flipping around for a while. They are always a treat to see.
October 30 - Harry wanted Pustularia margarita and he got them...13 of them. Several are fantastic. He also got a great Terebellum terebellum lineatum. I found some great dead shells...Blasicrura teres, an Erosaria erosa (dark green dorsum but no base blotch), a near gem Conus coffeae, a live Cantharus pulcher; a neat little Conus textile, a great little Conus obscurus and an odd little Bursidae. The Conus coffeae was covered with periostracum.
November 5 - 3 Lyncina leviathan, a Mauritia maculifera, an Erosaria caputserpentus and a Erosaria poraria.
November 6 - 3 really nice Erosaria poraria, 5 beautiful Luria isabella, a great little Blasicrura teres and a Lyncina carneola. Dive 2 produced a fair Strombus wilsonorum, an Annepona mariae and an Ipsa childreni.
November 12 - a fair Blasicrura goodalli fuscomaculata, Conus varius, Conus legatus and a Pectinidae Mirapectin mirificus. The Pectin is a beauty. It has loads of spikes, with bright pink and orange markings. A dive highlight was a two-foot long sea turtle no more than two-feet from me. As it came towards me, I waved my hand at it. It turned back and gave some tourists a photo opportunity. I saw at least one flash as I turned back to look for shells.
November 13 - Mostly a tourist dive with Jason's friends Marcy and Wayne. The water was rough, but with Jason, Harry and I, we were confident we could get the visitors in and out safely. We did and had another memorable close encounter with a sea turtle. This time at less than a foot away. I did find a very nice dead Lyncina vitellus.
November 20 - a Buccinidae Colubraria nitidula, a Strombus luhuanus, 2 beautiful Luria isabella, a Pustularia bistrinotata, a Conus boeticus and a Columbellidae Euplica borealis. Harry scrounged up a few Ipsa childreni, an Annepona mariae, a Pustularia margarita and a very nice Muricidae Pterynotus laqueatus.
November 24 - a Naria irrorata, a Palmadusta ziczac, Pustularia margarita, Pustularia cicercula, Pustularia bistrinotata, Notadusta punctata, Conus legatus, Conus glans(?) and a host of other more common shells. I did see a new baby shark in the area. I found him lying near some large rocks on the far side of the sandy area. I showed him to a trio of tourist divers. The next thing I knew, there were about 10 divers around him taking photos. The dive guide had a big smile and thanked me as I exited. On a side note: I found a nice little dive light on the way out. It is a "Mini Q40" from Underwater Kinetics. It was lying on the bottom in about 40 feet of water.
November 26 - a beautiful Talparia talpa lying right on top of the sand at the end of a tunnel. I thought it was very fresh dead. It wasn't until I got out of the water that I realized it was still alive. Also an Ipsa childreni, a Nassariidae Nassarius graniferus, a nice sized Distorsio anus, a live Muricidae Nassa serta, a live Terebra triseriata (cumingii?) and a Strombus wilsonorum.
November 27 - 2 Oliva miniacea, 2 Oliva annulata, a Harpa amouretta, Conus tessulatus, a Terebra affinis, an Erosaria labrolineata, an odd Terebra (succinea?) and a tiny little Murex.
December 4 - a fair little Annepona mariae, a beautiful Pustularia margarita, a couple of Luria isabella, an Erosaria poraria, a little Miter and a little dove shell (Pyrene flava?).
December 11 - two little dove shells, a Vexillum (Ziba?) with spikes all over it, an orange/white Latrius(?) and a neat little Vexillum (aureolineatum?).
December 17 - a 13.4mm Erosaria beckii, a nice little Pectin, a Fasciolariidae and a tiny Bursidae. I gave away a bunch of shells to a group of tourists from Guam. One of the ladies in the group was a shell collector and knew the names of many of the shells. I was impressed. I gave her and the kids a handful of nice dead finds - Luria isabella, Erosaria poraria, a few Purpuradusta fimbriata unifasciata, a Coffee Bean Miter, a Cymatium pilaere, a tiny Charonia tritonis (less than two inches) and a bunch of Conus (miles, lividus, coffeae and sponsalis).
December 18 - My dive was shortened by a problem with the o-ring on my tank. Just as I was about to cross the reef, the o-ring blew. I lost about 1000 pounds of air. Standing in the waves, it took me a minute to secure the tank and shut off the valve. The shortened dive only produced a nice little Erosaria helvola, a beautiful Pustularia cicercula and a great Luria isabella.
We will make a few more dives this year and will check in with another report in a few months. Safe Diving!
Doug
12/18/05 - Agat Bay
What follows is another long (though not complete) list of dead shells found by Bob Abela and Fred Schroeder over the course of three dives in Agat Bay after recent heavy seas. We just work up and down the "rows" of sand and pick up the nice stuff from the surface at about 55 ft. There were also a fair number of bivalves that I need to get to work on identifying. They've been getting neglected and I will be sure to start giving them more attention.
Steve Norby had been out here earlier in the week. I don't have a listing of his finds but, in conversation, he mentioned many of the same species. Kevin E dove at another location in Agat Bay and mentioned finding several dead Annepona maria, Erosaria dillwyni, and Ipsa childreni.
Shore diving along the northwest shores is not too good right now. Surf's up! This is typical for this time of year and over the next couple of months, most of our shore diving will be limited to the more protected southwest area, predominantly around Agat Bay. There are times when even these areas may get kicked up from nearby storm activity. The water also starts to get a little cooler with a noticeable drop of 2 or 3 degrees, mostly from cold water upwells.
AUGERS
Hastula lanceata - a few. (BA)
Terebra crenulata - one nice one. (BA)
CONCHS
Strombus (Canarium) microurceus - several with nice color. (FS)
Strombus (Canarium) mutabilis - several with nice color. (BA, FS)
Strombus (Canarium) wilsonorum - a number of them. (BA, FS)
Strombus (Dolomena) plicatus pulchellus - a large one. (BA)
Strombus (Gibberulus) gibberulus - many. (BA, FS)
Tridentarius dentatus - a number of them. (BA, FS)
Terebellum terebellum - many. (BA, FS)
CONES
Conus eburneus - several of many. (BA, FS)
Conus generalis - a few. (BA, FS)
Conus leopardus - one large bugger. (BA)
Conus litteratus - one. (BA)
Conus pulicarius - several of many. (BA, FS)
Conus quercinus - several. (BA, FS)
Conus muriculatus - a couple. (BA, FS)
Conus mustelinus - one, faded. (BA)
Conus striatus - a couple. (BA, FS)
Conus tesselatus - many. (BA, FS)
Conus textile - one small, worn. (BA)
COSTELLARIDS
Vexillum (Costellaria) coronatum - several of many. (BA, FS)
Vexillum (Costellaria) gotoense - just one, rare! (BA)
Vexillum (Costellaria) exasperatum - several of many. (BA, FS)
Vexillum (Costellaria) intertaeniatum -several of many. (BA, FS)
Vexillum (Costellaria) leucozonias - one, large. (BA)
Vexillum (Costellaria) cf. obeliscus - several. (BA, FS)
Vexillum (Pusia) bilineatum - a small lot. (BA, FS)
Vexillum (Pusia) crocatum - several. (BA, FS)
Vexillum (Pusia) cumingi - a surprise live find! (BA)
Vexillum (Pusia) unifasciale- several. (BA, FS)
DOG WHELKS
Nassarius comptus -one, dead. (BA)
Nassarius concinnus - several of many. (BA, FS)
Nassarius sp. - possibly N. crematus? (BA)
Nassarius sp. - possibly N. nodiferus? (BA)
FALSE TRITONS
Colubraria tortuosa - just a few. (BA)
HARPS
Harpa armouretta - one. (BA)
Harpa harpa - A real beauty! The find of the day! (FS)
MITERS
Domiporta filaris - several, small. (BA, FS)
Domiporta granatina - a small lot. (BA, FS)
Domiporta praestantissima - several. (BA, FS)
Imbricaria conularis - several of many. (BA, FS)
Mitra cardinalis - a nice mature adult. (BA)
Mitra (Nebularia) bernhardina - a couple, large. (BA, FS)
Mitra (Nebularia) rubiginea - a couple, large. (BA, FS)
Mitra (Nebularia) tuberosa - a couple. (FS)
Mitra (Nebularia) turgida - a small lot. (BA, FS)
Mitra (Strigatella) pellisserpentis - just a few. (BA, FS)
Mitra (Ziba) fulgetrum - several of many. (BA, FS)
Mitra (Ziba) verrucosa - several. (BA, FS)
Neocancilla clathrus - a small lot. (BA, FS)
Scabricola desetangsi - a fair number. (BA, FS)
Scabricola (Swainsonia) casta - several of many. (BA, FS)
OLIVES
Oliva carneola - several of many. (BA, FS)
Oliva miniacea - several of many. (noted a few live specimens as well) (BA, FS)
WENTLETRAPS
Epitonium sp. - possibly Epitonium (Laeviscala) sandwichense ? (BA)
TRITONS
Cymatium (Gelagna) succinctum - several. (BA)
Cymatium (Monoplex) aquatile - one large one. (BA)
Cymatium (Septa) hepaticum - a couple. (BA)
Cymatium (Septa) rubeculum - a couple. (BA)
TUSK SHELLS
Dentalium sp? - unidentified though common, took several nice ones. (BA)
BITS & PIECES
Conus pertusus - piece of the body whorl. (BA)
Lambis crocata - the lowermost "digit." (BA)
Phalium areolata - piece of the body whorl. (FS)
Strombus bulla - several pieces of the outer lip. (BA)
Strombus pipus - piece of an outer lip. (BA)
12/11/05 - Adelupe Point (snorkeling)
Conus striatus - under rubble, in sand, ~5 ft. (BA)
12/10/05 - Apra Harbor
Bistolida stolida - fresh dead, subadult, lacks pattern, 15 ft. (BA)
Mauritia eglantina - "rusty" colored specimen, ~15 ft. (SN)
Purpuradusta fimbriata - under rubble, ~15 ft. (BA)
Scutarcopagia linquafelis - dead, small, with pink rays, under rubble, ~15 ft. (BA)
noted: Conus aureus - small, under rubble, ~15 ft. (SN), Vexillum cf. cavea - small, under rubble, ~15 ft. (SN)
12/08/05 - Apra Harbor
Leporicypraea mappa - two, under rubble, ~25 ft. (BA, FS)
Erosaria erosa - under rubble, ~25 ft. (BA)
Vexillum crocatum - two, each dead, one is large and dark red, ~ 20 ft. (BA)
noted: Lyncina carneola - under rubble, ~25 ft. (FS), Cymatium lotorium - heavily encrusted, under rubble, ~20 ft. (BA)
12/07/05 - Agat Bay
Annepona maria - several dead, in sand, ~30 ft. (BA, SN)
Ipsa childreni - several dead, in sand, ~30 ft. (BA, SN)
12/06/05 - Agat Bay
Duplicaria raphanula - dead, in sand, ~50 ft. (BA)
Oliva annulata - dead, small, freak (slightly twisted aperture). ~50 ft. (SN)
12/04/05 - Facpi Point
Conus bullatus - dead, good condition, in sand, ~80 ft.(SN)
Conus luteus? - in sand. ~80 ft. (SN)
Harpa harpa - another one! in sand, ~80 ft. (KE)
Mitra aurora floridula - a large gem. in sand, 80 ft. (SN)
noted: Conus imperialis, Mitra papalis, M. cardinalis and Lambis truncata. (KE, SN)
12/04/05 - Agat Bay
Pterygia fenestrata - dead, in sand. (BA)
11/27/05 - Facpi Point
Conus bullatus - three small specimens, in sand. ~75 ft. (JS)
Purpuradusta microdon - one, under rubble. ~70 ft. (BA)
noted:
Conus magnificus - large, nasty crack on body whorl, under rubble, ~70 ft. (BA)
Lambis truncata - a number of them with coral growing on their backs. (BA, FS, JS)
Strombus taurus - a number of "old beaters." (FS, JS)
11/24/05 to 11/27/05 - Agat Bay (noteworthy finds from a number of dives by Steve)
Cymatium vespacium - dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Harpa major - dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Stombus plicatus pulchellus - dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Subcancilla interlirata - dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
11/20/05 - Apra Harbor
Cymatium aquatile - one, under rubble, ~40 ft. (BA)
Leporicypraea mappa - three, under rubble. ~40 ft. (FS)
Staphylaea staphylaea - one, under rubble. ~30 ft. (BA)
11/13/05 - Agat Bay
Conus obscurus - dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Harpa major - dead but very nice, in sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Strombus fragilis - dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Vexillum amandum - dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (DW)
Vexillum (Costellaria) cf. obeliscus - several dead, on sand, ~55 ft (DW)
noted: a live Lambis crocata on the sand with broken 'outer' fingers. Appears to have rolled down from the reef and something was trying to get at it. Would have been very nice. (SN)
11/06/05 - Facpi Point
Conus bullatus - several more in sand, ~75 ft. (3 FS, 2 SN)
noted:
Mitra papalis - several live, in sand. (BA)
Mitra cardinalis - just one with a thin lip, live, in sand, ~75 ft (BA).
11/05/05 - Adelupe Point (snorkeling)
Harpa armouretta - reef flats, under rubble, in sand, 2 ft. (BA)
Lyncina lynx - a dwarf, reef flats, under rubble, 2 ft. (BA)
Pterygia crenulata - reef flats, under rubble, in sand, 2 ft. (BA)
11/4/05 - Agat Bay (night dive)
nothing collected though a few noteworthy shells:
Charonia tritonis - guessing it was around 10", very deep within a reef crevice, ~40 ft (BA)
Turbo pentholatus - out grazing, ~20 ft (KE)
Terebra guttata - fair size, repaired break on spire, on sand, ~30 ft. (KE)
and a small cuttlefish, midwater, ~30 ft. (BA)
10/30/05 - Some impressive finds!
Orote Cliffs (dive 1)
Chicoreus saulae - one live. (FS)
Conus cylindraceus - one live. (FS)
Conus legatus - a small one, under rubble. (KE)
Homalocantha anatomica - one live. (SN)
Facpi Point (dive 2)
Conus bullatus - three live, in sand, ~75-80 ft. (2 KE, 1 SN)
Harpa harpa - one live, deep in a sandy pocket, ~75-80 ft. (KE)
noted: Strombus taurus - several live though in poor condition, ~75-80 ft. (FS)
Agat Bay (snorkeling)
Lienardia mighelsi - under rubble, along reef edge, 5 ft. (BA)
Vanikoro helicoidea - on reef, under rubble, 2 ft. (BA)
10/16/05 - Agat Bay - beware, this is a rather long list!
CONES
Conus leopardus - one, dead, average size, on sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Conus litteratus - one, dead, fair condition but large, on sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Conus quercus - several, fresh dead, with periostracum, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA, SN)
COSTELLARIDS
Vexillum (Costellaria) gotoense (compares with Robin & Martin)- two, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (FS)
Vexillum cf. gotoense - one, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (FS)
Vexillum suluense two, one is large & nicely marked, dead, on sand, ~ 55 ft. (BA)
Vexillum unifasciatum - one nice one, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA)
CONCHS
Euprotomus bulla (SN)- one in good condition, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Lambis lambis - a nice male, live, on reef flats, ~5 ft. (SN)
Strombus microurceus - two black specimens, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA, FS)
Strombus pulchellus plicatus - one, a nice specimen, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Terebellum terebellum forma lineatum - one, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Terestrombus fragilis - two, one very nice, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
COWRIES
Bistolida ursellus - two, dead & faded, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA)
Erosaria labrolineata - one, dead, subfossil? (yellowish gloss), on sand, ~ 55 ft. (SN)
Erosaria dillwyni - one, very dead, in sand, ~ 55 ft. (BA)
Ipsa childreni - one in very good condition, dead, in sand, ~35 ft. (KE)
Lyncina carneola - one, dead, subfossil? (yellowish gloss), on sand, ~ 55 ft. (SN)
DOG WHELKS
Nassarius comptus - several dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (BA, SN)
Nassarius sp. - appears to be a dark color phase of N. concinnus. one, dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (BA); Another? (SN)
Nassarius papillosus - one, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
FALSE TRITONS
Colubraria cumingii - several, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA)
HARPS
Harpa armouretta - a few, one is fresh dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (BA)
Harpa harpa - several, one in fair shape, in sand, ~55 ft. (BA)
MITERS
Domiporta granatina - several in good condition, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA, SN)
Domiporta praestantissima - several nice ones, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA, SN)
Mitra pyramis - unexpected rare, live find! On sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Mitra rubiginosus - a couple, dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (SN, FS)
Mitra ustulata - one subadult though with a nice spire, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA)
Neocancilla clathrus - several small but nice, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA, SN)
Pterygia fenestrata - a nice one, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Scabricola desetangsii - several nice ones, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA, SN)
Subcanilla verrucosa - a couple nice ones, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
MOON SNAILS
Natica sp. - a lovely orange specimen, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
TRITONS
Cymatium aquatile - one large one, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA)
Cymatium (Gelagna) succinctum - several dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA, SN)
Distortio anus - several, a couple very nice, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA, SN)
TURRIDS
Lophiotoma acuta - several, good condition, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA, SN)
Xenuroturris cingulifera - several, good condition, dead, on sand, ~55 ft. (BA, SN)
WENTLETRAPS
Epitonium sp. - dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (BA)
Bits & Pieces: small part of body whorl from a small Conus auricomus (BA) & a small Conus bullatus (BA), siphonal canal & columella of a large Cymatium bibbeyi, broken up Cymatium pyrum (SN) & piece of what may be Harpa major (SN), spire of Mitra cardinalis (BA)
Also noted during dives: Erosaria erosa - several alive on shallow reef (~5 ft), under rubble. (SN), many dead Nassarius concinnus, Terebellum terebellum forma nebulosum (typical form on Guam), Oliva mineacea, Strombus gibberulus
...I can go on but that's enough for now!
10/23/05 - Apra Harbor (snorkeling)
Bistolida stolida - kept one of two, underneath rubble, ~10 ft. (KE)
Mauritia eglantina - dwarf specimen, underneath rubble, ~10 ft. (KE)
noted: Bistolida hirundo - large but immature, underneath rubble, ~5 ft. (BA)
10/16/05 - Apra Harbor
Conus aureus - six live...Wow!, one fresh dead, under rubble, ~15 ft. (KE)
Distortio anus - under rubble. ~15 ft. (KE)
Leporicypraea mappa - live, under rubble. ~15 ft. (KE)
Staphylaea staphylaea - live, under rubble. ~15 ft. (KE)
10/15/05 - Apra Harbor
Cymatium (Gelagna) succinctum - live, under rubble, 53 ft. (BA)
Terestrombus fragilis - live, under rubble, 25 ft. (BA)
...and a bunch of ol' fishing lures, weights, etc. :) (SN)
noted during the dive: CONCHS - a subadult, dwarf Lambis lambis; (SN) COWRIES - Erosaria erosa (BA, SN), Mauritia eglantina (BA, SN); DOVE SHELLS - Euplica deshayesii (BA).
10/14/05 - Piti (night dive)
Too close to the preserve boundaries to feel comfortable about collecting, so just looked. Noted during the dive: CONES - Conus pulicarius; COWRIES - one large Talparia talpa (BA), one Cypraea tigris (BA), one large Notadusta punctata (BA), many large Luria isabella (BA, KE), several immature Mauritia (broad profile suggests they were M. arabica and not M. eglantina) (BA, KE); DOG WHELKS - Nassarius concinnus (BA, KE); MITERS - Mitra ferruginea (BA).
10/09/05 - Agat Bay (several dives at various locals)
Domiporta granatina - live, in sand, ~75 ft. (SN)
Lambis scorpio - fresh dead, on reef, ~40 ft. (SN)
Lycina argus - fresh dead, on sand, ~40 ft. (KE)
Neocancilla clathrus - a couple live, in sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
Subcancilla salisburyi - one live, in sand, ~75 ft. (FS)
Terebra pertusa - ilve, in sand, ~75 ft. (SN)
Vexillum amandum - dead, in sand. ~55 ft. (BA, FS)
Vexillum (Costellaria) cf. obeliscus - dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (BA, SN, FS)
Vexillum suluense - dead, in sand, ~55 ft. (SN)
noted during dives: CONES - Conus pulicarius, C. tesselatus - live, in sand, ~40-75 ft; AUGERS - Hastula lanceata - live, in sand, ~50-75 ft; MITERS - Cancilla (Ziba) fulgetrum - live, in sand, ~60-75 ft, Domiporta filaris - small, live, in sand, ~75 ft; Swainsonia casta - live, in sand, ~55 ft; OLIVES - Oliva carneola - live, in sand, ~75 ft, O. miniacea - live, in sand, ~55 ft.
10/08/05 - Alupat Cove, Agana Bay (snorkeling)
Polinices simiae - a pair, reef flats, in a sand filled crevice, 2 ft. (BA).
Pterygia crenulata - reef flats, underneath coral rubble, in sand. 2 ft. (BA)
10/02/05 - Orote Cliffs
Chicoreus (Chicopinnatus) laqueatus - underside of a large boulder. ~75 ft. (JS)
Conus magnificus - small but nice, under rubble, ~90 ft. (JS)
Mitra cardinalis - in sand. ~55 ft. (SN)
noted during dives: Conus episcopatus? - under rubble, ~90 ft, some debate if it may have been C. magnificus but it lacked the pinkish undertone (it had more brown), an excellent find but outer lip was severely damaged (JS); Conus legatus - a few small ones underneath rubble, ~90 ft. (BA)
10/02/05 - Agat Bay
Ipsa childreni - several more, dead but nice. (KE)
9/30/05 - Apra Harbor (night dive)
Leporicypraea mappa - three, underneath coral ledges, 25-45 ft. (KE)
Terestrombus fragilis - one specimen, on rubble, 45 ft. (BA)
noted: Mauritia eglantina - several under rubble, 5-10 ft. (BA), Purpuradusta microdon - a good find but immature, near some yellow sponge, ~30 ft. (KE), Staphylaea staphylaea - several noted on the reef, 10-25 ft. (BA, KE).
Agat Bay - Several species continue to turn up from a few "choice" sand pits in Agat Bay. They include: ABALONE - Haliotis ovina?; CONES - Conus cylindraceus, C, glans; COWRIES - Annepona mariae, Blasicrura goodali, Erosaria dillwyni, Ipsa childreni, Pustularia bistonotata, P. cicercula, P. globulus, Staphylaea nucleus; TROCHIDS - Trochini (Clanculus) granti. MITERS - Mitra pelleserpentis, M. rubignea; DOG WHELKS - Nassarius concinnus.
Most of these have been dead for a while but many are well-preserved. The cowries often lose their gloss but a fresh specimen does turn up from time to time. Kevin E and Steve Norby have been most active with collecting from these areas.
Fred Schroeder has been collecting for years from another, nearby sandy area. It is a very good area for turning up fresh-dead finds after rough seas. These are a few recent finds: MITERS - Subcanilla interlirata (FS), Vexillum (Costellaria) suluense (FS, SN), Vexillum cf. gotoense(FS); CONES - Conus leopardus (dead, very large, unusual in that the body whorl is almost completely white) (FS). TRITONS - Cymatium bibeyi - one dead, in good condition. And a piece (body whorl) from what would have been a very large specimen (FS) .
9/30/05 - Agat Bay
Vexillum turben - a couple dead specimens, chipped lips & protoconchs broken. (BA)
9/29/05 - Agat Bay
Conus auricomus - dead, small chips on outer lip but otherwise nice & large! (SN)
Conus circumactus - dead, small but still nice. (BA)
Ipsa childreni - a few fresh dead (nice gloss, good color, unbroken tips). (SN, BA)
Vexillum recurvirostris - dead, small, body whorl with a repaired break. (BA)
9/25/05 - Hospital Point
Erronea chinensis - fresh dead, small but very nice. ~60 ft.(FS)
Lambis crocata - a very nice specimen, exposed on reef, ~60 ft. (SN)
Maculotriton serriale - under rubble, 60 ft. (BA).
Nassarius oneratus - a couple, under shallow layers of sand on exposed reef. ~60 ft. (SN)
Philbertia? sp. - under rubble pile, in sand, 63 ft. (BA)
Strombus (Tricornis) taurus - a beauty, exposed on reef but very difficult to see ~60 ft. (FS)
9/21/05 - Pago Bay
Haliotis clathrata - underneath a small rock. 25 ft. (BA)
Lienardia sp. - two under the same rock. 20 ft. (BA)
Lienardia rubida - a small but nice specimen, under rubble, 20 ft. (BA)
Staphylaea nucleus - two, each underneath rubble, 25 ft. (BA)
8/15/05 - Doug Brennan of Saipan revitalizes our reports on Recent Finds by offering this excellent report:
Sorry we haven't reported since March 15. As Bob mentions, it takes a lot of effort to keep dive logs. I can't imagine having to compile all that into a website. Since March the boys and I have made a combined total of 60 dives. Shells listed are very fresh dead finds, unless otherwise noted. Saipan shelling highlights are...
March 26 - Mitra incompta - Wing Beach, crabbed in small cave at 120 feet.
April 3 - Annepona mariae, Ipsa childreni, Mitra nubila, Cymatium flaveolum - on sand in 70 to 95 feet.
April 16 - Annepona mariae, Strombus wilsonorum, Conus bullatus - on sand in 85 to 100 feet.
April 24 - Annepona mariae, Cassis cornuta (worn, 180mm) - in/on sand in 85 to 100 feet.
May 7 - Ipsa childreni (2), Pustularia margarita - on sand in 80 to 100 feet.
May 15 - Erosaria labrolineata, Strombus pipus (live, juvenile, not collected), Strombus wilsonorum (live) - in sand at 105 feet.
May 22 - Pustularia margarita (4), Erosaria beckii (2), Cribrarula cribraria, Annepona mariae, Blasicrura teres, Notadusta punctata - in pocket rubble at 45 feet.
May 28 - Strombus taurus - crabbed in 2 feet on reef flat at night (Tinian, 110mm).
May 30 - Blasicrura goodalli fuscomaculata (2), mariae, Conus legatus - in course rubble at 65 feet.
June 11 - Pustularia margarita, Erosaria beckii - in rubble at 75 feet.
June 12 - Pustularia margarita (dead animal inside, 20.1mm), Conus legatus, in course rubble at 75 feet.
June 18 - Ipsa childreni, Pustularia bistinotata(2) - in sand at 55 feet.
June 25 - Palmadusta ziczac (live, under small rock in 105 feet), Erosaria dillwyni, Ipsa childreni (3), Conus bullatus - on sand in 90 feet.
June 26 - Strombus wilsonorum, Ipsa childreni, Palmadusta bistrinotata - on sand in 55 to 90 feet.
June 28 - Ipsa childreni (live, by Steve Norby) - in cabbage coral at 50 feet.
June 29 - Annepona mariae, Pustularia cicercula (4) (live, by Steve Norby), Chelycypraea testudenaria (live, by Harry Blalock - in live coral at 50 to 65 feet.
July 2 - Charonia tritonis - about 300mm, live in coral cave at 90 feet (not collected).
July 3 - Strombus wilsonorum (2), Ipsa childreni (3), Pustularia bistrinotata, circercula, Vexillum mirabile, freak Conus striatus (live, distinct wave-like growth line), *awesome dive with a large school of unicorn fish and turtles - on/in sand in 65 to 110 feet.
July 4 - Ipsa mariae, Pustularia bistrinotata, P. cicercula, Ipsa childreni (4), Colubraria tortusa, Terebra lanceata, Vexillum costatum - in sand at 65 feet.
July 9 - Mauritia maculifera, Erosaria poraria, E. caputserpentis, Blasicrura teres, Conus distans, miles, catus, obscurus, geographus, chaldeus (all live, nothing was collected) - on live coral reef in 4 feet.
July 30 - Erosaria dillwyni - under coral ledge in 70 feet, *up close and personal with a small black tip shark sleeping near the ledge.
July 31 - Ipsa mariae, Pustularia margarita (8), Oliva panniculata, Conus legatus - in course rubble at 45 to 75 feet.
August 13 - Ipsa mariae, Pustularia bistrinotata, Strombus lentiginosus, Terebellum terebellum, Tridentarius dentatas (live, not collected), chiragra (live, not collected) - on sand in 50 to 95 feet.
August 14 - Lyncina carneola (6), Erosaria poraria (4, dark reddish purple coloring), Pustularia margarita (2), P. cicercula, Conus pertusus (live), Gyrineum roseum (live) - under large rocks and coral rubble at 35 to 75 feet, *saw a group of Mauritia mauritiana hiding deep inside a soft white coral lined blow hole near the surface, none collected.
Safe Shelling!
4/3/05 - Agat Bay
Conus cylindraceus - dead, very large (44mm), in sand, ~35 ft. (KE)
Conus textile - live, under rubble, shallow water (~5-10 ft). (KE)
Erosaria dillwyni - dead, large, nice color, in sand, ~35 ft. (KE)
Terebellum terebellum forma lineatum - live, buried in sand, 105 ft. (SN)
Thala sp. - dead, in sand, ~35 ft. (SN)
Trochini (Clanculus) granti - dead, light red specimen, in sand, ~35 ft. (SN)
4/3/05 - Agana Bay
Purpuradusta fimbriata - live, under rubble, 40 ft. (BA)
Daphnella sp. - dead, under rubble, 40 ft. (BA)
Emarginula sp. - live, attached to underside of dead, worn Trochus shell, 40 ft. (BA)
noted: Vexillum cumingii - live but poor condition, buried in shallow sand, 40 ft.
4/2/05 - Agat Bay
Cymatium flaveolum - dead, immature (as well as a few pieces from mature specimens), in sand, ~35 ft. (KE)
Mitra bellula - dead, large, some wear, in sand, ~40 ft. (BA)
Strombus haemostoma - dead, in sand, ~40 ft. (BA)
Tellina staurella - live, in sand, ~35 ft. (KE)
3/27/05 - Toguan Bay
Conus generalis - live and dead, in sand, ~50ft. (SN)
Mitra (Mitra) mitra - live, large for Guam specimen, in sand, ~60 ft. (SN)
Pterygia crenulata - dead, in sand, ~60 ft. (KE)
Strombus (Canarium) wilsonorum - live, in sand, ~60 ft. (BA)
Vexillum sp. (gotoensis?) - dead, in sand, ~60 ft. (SN)
live species noted: Conus leopardus, Conus litteratus, Oliva miniacea, Terebra maculata, Terebra lanceata
3/26/05 - Agat Bay
Conus cylindraceus - dead, with unusual "zebra" pattern, in sand, 35 ft. (KE)
Erosaria dillwyni - several dead, in sand, 35 ft. (BA, KE, SN)
Ipsa childreni - several dead, in sand, 35 ft. (KE, SN)
Trochini (Clanculus) clanguloides - dead, in sand, 35 ft. (BA)
Trochini (Clanculus) granti - several dead, in sand, 35 ft. (BA, KE, SN)
Vexillum (Pusia) turben - dead, in sand, 35 ft. (BA)
3/25/05 - Agat Bay
Blasiscura goodali - dead, on sand, ~40 ft. (SN)
3/20/05 - Agat Bay
Nassaria acuminata - dead, in sand, 36 ft. (BA)
Trochini (Clanculus) granti - dead, red specimen, in sand, 35 ft. (KE)
3/20/05 - Agana Bay
Mauritia depressa - fresh dead, shallow water surge channels (KE)
Cypraea tigris - live specimen noted at 87 ft, among coral rubble. (BA)
...and a large Napolean Wrasse along the reef drop at 90 ft...very cool! (BA)
3/19/05 - Agat Bay
Blasiscura goodali - dead, in sand, 35 ft. (KE)
Colubraria sp. (possibly C. antiquata) - dead, in sand, 35 ft. (KE)
Conus auricomus - a fresh dead beauty (~50mm), in sand, 35 ft. (KE)
Trochini (Clanculus) granti - dead, red specimen, in sand, 36 ft. (BA)
Vexillum (Pusia) moelleri - dead, in sand, 35 ft. (BA)
3/15/05 - A list of species that Doug Brennan & sons (Dex, Daryl & Donovon) and Harry Blalock have been turning up in Saipan since the start of 2005.
AUGERS - Terebra affinis (4), T. dimidiata (2), T. felina (2), T. subulata (1), T. undulata (2)
BONNETS - Casmaria ponderosa (4)
BUCCINIDS - Cantharus wagneri (9), Pristernia nassatula (1)
CONCHS - Tridentarius dentatus (10+), S. gibberulus gibberulus (6), Strombus gibberulus gibbosus (5), S. microurceus (10+), S. thersites (1), Terebellum terebellum form terebellum (10+), T. terebellum form lineatum (2)
CONES - Conus arenatus (3), C. boeticus (2), C. imperialis (4), C. glans (4), C. lithoglyphus (5), C. obscurus (2), C. planorbis vitulinus (1), C. pulicarius vautieri (10+), C. rattus (1), C. sanguinolentus (2), C. tessulatus (10+), C. textile (1)
COWRIES - Annepona mariae (8), Bistolida hirundo neglecta (3), B. goodallii fuscomaculata (1, fair, with good color), Blasicrura teres (4), Cribrarula cribraria (3), Erosaria beckii (4), E. dillwyni (2, one is awsome!), E. helvola (10+), E. labrolineata (2), Ipsa childreni (10+ ), Lyncina argus (1), L. carneola (10+), L. vitellus (3), Mauritia arabica (1), M. depressa (2), M. eglantina (1), M. maculifera (3), M. scurra (1), Notadusta punctata (3), Pustularia bistrinotata sublaevis (10+), P. cicercula (10+), P. margarita (1), Staphylaea nucleus (4)
DOG WHELKS - Nassarius concinnus (5), N. graniferus (10+), N. papillosus (3), N. troendleorum (1)
DOLPHIN SHELLS - Angaria delphinus (3)
FALSE TRITONS - Colubraria tortusa (4)
HARPS - Harpa amouretta (3)
MITERS - Mitra olivaeformus (10+)
MUREX - Chicoreus trivialis (1) (perhaps this is C. brunneus?)
OLIVES - Oliva annulata (10+)
PECTINS - Semipallium marybellae (3)
RIBBED MITERS - Vexillum (Cosellaria) echinatum (2), V. (C.) exasperatum (10+)
TOPS & TURBANS - Trochini (Clanculus) clanguloides (3), Turbo petholatus (10+)
TRITONS - Cymatium nicobaricum (2)
TURRIDS - Liphiotoma acuta (3)
VASE SHELLS - Vasum ceramicum (3)
3/13/05 - Agana Bay
Palmadusta ziczac - dead & slightly faded, under rubble, ~55 ft. (BA)
Pterynotus tripterus - live, under rubble, ~55 ft. (BA)
3/12/05 - Agat Bay
Conus cylindraceus - dead, large, in sand, ~30 ft. (SN)
Cribrarula cribraria - fresh dead, in sand, ~30 ft. (BA)
Iredalia pygmaea - live, on rubble, ~30 ft. (BA)
Mitra (Strigatella) bellula - dead, nice and large, in sand, ~30 ft. (SN)
Trochini (Clanculus) granti - dead, several red specimens, in sand, ~30 ft. (SN)
Vexillum (Pusia) moelleri - dead, in sand, 35 ft. (SN)
Vexillum (Pusia) turben - dead, in sand, 35 ft. (SN)
...best of all, we spotted three dolphins! Or, as Kevin suggested, they spotted us!! (KE, BA)
3/5/05 - Agat Bay
Mitra (Strigatella) bellula - dead, in sand, 36 ft. (SN)
2/21/05 - Agat Bay
Terebra montgomeryi - very rare, dead, in sand. (KE)
2/20/05 - Hospital Point
Notadusta punctata - live, under coral rubble, 60 ft. (BA)
Strombus (Tricornis) taurus - exposed on reef, 55-60 ft. (BA, KE, FS)
2/18/05 - Agat Bay
Chicoreus (Chicopinnatus) laqueatus - live, night, on reef wall. (KE)
Vexillum (Pusia) recurvirostris - live, night, crawling over red algae underneath a reef ledge, ~45 ft.(SN)
2/12/05 - Agat Bay
Conus magnificus - night dive, live, in crevice. (KE)
2/5/05 - Agat Bay
Vexillum sp. - dead, on sand, 37 ft. (BA)
Strombus (Canarium) microurceus - they were everywhere, many were breeding. (BA, SN)
1/30/05 - Orote Cliffs
Chicoreus (Chicopinnatus) laqueatus - live, under large boulder. ~70 ft. (KE)
Conus legatus (BA)- two live, under coral rubble, ~70 ft. (BA)
Erosaria beckii - fresh dead, under a large boulder, ~70 ft. (BA)
Mitra (Mitra) incompta - live, under coral rubble, ~70 ft. (BA)
Mitra (Nebularia) tuberosa - dead, among rubble underneath a boulder, ~60 ft. (BA)
Stomatia phymotis - dead, under coral rubble, ~60 ft. (BA)
Trivia (Trivirostra) cf. edgari - live, under coral rubble with a heavy growth of algae. 62 ft. (BA)
1/28/05 - Apra Harbor
Bistolida stolida - fresh dead. (KE)
01/15/05 - Agat Bay
Cymatium flaviolum - dead, in sand. (KE)
01/09/05 - Agat Bay
Mitra ustulata - dead, in sand. (KE)
BA - Bob Abela, dB - Dexter Brennan, DB - Doug Brennan, DW - Dave Watts, FS - Fred Schroeder, HB - Harry Blalock, JS - Jason Schroeader, KE - Kevin E, SN - Steve Norby