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A green chiton attached to a half crab. We observed this alien looking commensal beast while undertaking an intertidal survey on the reefs off Hawera. It made us jump when we first turned over the rock.

These manatees were observed in the head spring of the Silver River in Central Florida. It is interesting to note that these individuals had very few propeller scars compared to manatees that we see in open saltwater areas. This may be due to the fact that boats in the river are limited in the speed they are allowed to travel. These manatees may have also simply been young.

Manatees are large, grey marine mammals which grow to be between 9-13 ft long and can weigh in excess of 3,000 pounds. Although common in Florida, this species is endangered globally. They are found in shallow coastal waters, bays and in slow-moving rivers. Florida Manatees are a subspecies of the West Indian Manatee and are distinguished from Dugongs because of the spoon shape of their tail. For more information, please visit: https://myfwc.com/education/wildlife/manatee/facts-and-information/