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The Ocean's Most Fascinating Macro Creatures Captured on Video

| Published On April 25, 2017
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The Ocean's Most Fascinating Macro Creatures Captured on Video

The muck of Indonesia hides some of the most intricately detailed and magnificently colored creatures on the planet. These tiny macro critters live fascinating lives, whether they're protecting eggs in their mouth or blending in with the local scenery.

Every week, Evan Sherman of Seasick Productions features another macro video from Bali or Ambon on Sport Diver's Facebook page in our Macro Monday series. Check out these highlights from Sherman's video series so far and some of the interesting facts that go along with them.


Want to hone your macro photography skills? Sign up for Sherman's workshop in Bali.


Nudibranch Feeding

Ever seen a nudibranch eat? These carnivorous little guys use their radula (tongue-like feature) to feed.


The Striped Bumblebee Shrimp

The striped bumblebee shrimp must molt its exoskeleton in order to grow, and it maxes out at the size of a jelly bean.


Paddle-Flap Scorpionfish

Want bizarre? The rhinopias — aka the paddle-flap scorpionfish — is sure to put a little wow factor in your dive.


Cuttlefish Vision

Not only does it look cool, but the cuttlefish's W-shaped pupil also allows it to see forward and backward at the same time!


Octopus Feeding

That's one big appetite. Watch as this tiny octopus uses multiple arms simultaneously to feed at night.


Zanzibar Whip Coral Shrimp

What is it? Commonly known as the Zanzibar Whip Coral Shrimp, this crustacean matches its body color to the coral on which it lives.


Jawfish Mouthbrooding

Whoa, now that's a mouthful! Male jawfish care for their eggs by mouthbrooding, which keeps them hydrated and clean.


Anemone Hermit Crab

Anemone hermit crabs definitely have cool homes — why have a plain shell when you can have one that is embellished?


Coleman Shrimp

Can you spot it? Two (look really close) Coleman shrimp reside within this fire urchin.


Snowflake Moray Eel

It may look like a big ol' eel, but this snowflake moray is small. How small? The grains of sand above its nostrils give it some scale.


Shortfin Lionfish

Normally shades of red and brown, the shortfin lionfish can have green coloration on rare occasions. Very cool!


Nudibranch

Here's some good trivia: The name nudibranch is derived from the Latin words nudus and branchia, which means "naked gill.”


Mantis Shrimp

In addition to smashing and punching things, the mantis shrimp's clubbed claws are used to secure its clutch of eggs.


Harlequin Shrimp

Harlequin shrimp love to eat starfish (observe the guy on the left). In fact, starfish are the sole source of nutrition for these stunning little fellas.


Poison Ocellate Octopus

No joke! The poison ocellate octopus — also known as the mototi octo — is believed to be the most venomous octopus in the world.


See more of Sherman's work in The Not So Silent World