Here at Discovery Bay, we’re hard at work getting our transects, fish counts, and other assignments completed as our time in Jamaica is unfortunately almost over. One of these projects is a photo ID presentation, where we work in groups to photograph and identify as many marine organisms as possible. Due to the learning curve required to take underwater photos, as well as my camera really struggling to take clear pictures, I have had so-so success with my photography. While unfortunate, many of my photos of the rarest and most cryptic species I’ve encountered are also my lowest quality.

The tip of a tentacle, belonging to what I believe is a common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), next to a king helmet sea snail (Cassis tuberosa)

The tentacle’s owner, hiding under a coral outcropping. The eye is barely visible, along with its head and part of a second tentacle

I’m very glad my camera captured this cephalopod at all, as my snorkel buddy Neil wasn’t able to see it at all in his. While it is a shame my photographs of such an interesting and rare creature aren’t crisp, I have had better success with other cute animals. As the days before departure grow smaller and smaller, I hope to get the opportunity to photograph many more amazing tropical marine organisms before we leave!

A long-spine porcupinefish (Diodon holocanthus) peeking out from behind some turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum)

-Lillian