Where do fish go when they hatch?

[Pablo]

Even before I got to dive, pools where a place of intense discovery. Still today I love to visit tidal pools at the light of a torch. In NZ I've seen more activity than ever with octopuses, float worms, moray eels, endless crustaceens and obviously fish. They normally ignore my presence by the edge of the pool, and displaying they normal interactions.
The other day I saw a few of the most weird looking fish larvae... I think they where eel fry or tuna-riki as Maori call them.
Kurdos for your work...

 

[blumon]

Shadow-K...just want to add my compliments on the work that you're doing. I too was introduced to the underwater world as a child exploring the rocky tide-pools of distant shorelines. I began with a clear bottom bucket that, when partially submerged in a pool, became a "window" by which to observe colourful anemones, soft corals and nurseries of fish.I remember following an Octopus all over a tide pool on one occasion until the tide came in and I found myself stranded and had to be rescued! It's a pity that there isn't more encouragement by our elders to get kids down to these tidepools and introduce them to the wonders of the Sea.
On another note and more of a suggestion...PATAGONIA (the clothing outfitter) offers financial aid to various nature projects around the world - Google their website and see if there is some possibility of assistance from them. Also, have you considered using your pictures to publish a calendar of sorts that you could offer as a means to raise funds to offset your expenses? Perhaps by directing this towards educators (teachers) with some discovery-type projects included - like making a clear-bottom bucket, or including a check-list of creatures sighted - you might be able to stimulate some interest for what you are doing???
I sure hope you that you won't always be alone in your endeavour.
Regards. B

 

[Shadowkiller]

Well, the work continues, with some interesting stuff cropping up.

Below are pics of a rarely/never seen species of clingfish (Gobiesocidae). It may be an undescribed species with a new distribution record, or a new species entirely.

I was lying in the rockpool for about half an hour watching the feeding behaviour of several fish species near a Caulerpa bed, when something caught my eye. I tend to trust my gut when this happens and a few minutes of careful examination revealed a weird lump on a piece of weed. I reached out and the little guy transfered to my hand! Somewhat of a mistake for him, as he was "collected" a little later. Very specimens of these fish have ever been collected, and the Victorian Museum has already put their hand up for a loan from "my" museum (Australian museum).

But yes, very interesting..

Also: Im glad so many people share my passion for rockpools, they are great place to introduce beginners to the wonders of our oceans, and I think the best place to learn about ecology and behaviour. After all, the fish cant go anywhere!