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Reid Brewer cutting the opening ribbon to the exhibit.Many visitors came to the opening night on March 19.March 19, opening night. 99 visitors.The Rose Star (Crossaster papposus) is also found throughout the Aleutians. This species has a distinctive color pattern radiating red, orange and white. This species feeds on bivalves, ascidians, nudibranchs and other seastars. Photo by R. BrewerThe Lightning Chiton (Tonicella submarmorea) has distinctive white spots on its mantle with a zigzag pattern on its valves. This species is found throughout the Central and Western Aleutians. Photo by R. BrewerThe Crimson Anemone (Cribrinopsisfernaldi) is distinctive from other anemones by the chevron-like shapes found on opaque tentacles. This species often provides shelter to shrimps or crabs. Photo R. BrewerOrange Tip or Clown Nudibranchs (Triopha catalinae) feed primarily on bryozoans and are found all along the Aleutian Islands. These two nudibranchs embrace a Six-Armed Seastar (Leptasterias). Photo R. BrewerThe Striped Sun Star (Solaster stimpsoni) has very distinctive orange and gray bands. This species preys upon sea cucumbers and is found throughout the Aleutian Islands. Photo R. BrewerThe Cookie Star (Ceramaster arcticus) alights over some compound Ascidians. This species is easily identifiable by short, triangular arms and a lack of spines. Photo R. BrewerForests of Dragon Kelp provide refuges for fish and invertebrates. The diver in the background is approximately 50 meters away. Photo S. HarperAn Aleutian Spiny Seastar (Hippasteria spinosa) stands out on encrusting coralline algae. This species is usually a shade of orange or red and is easily identified by its elongated dorsal spines. Photo S. HarperThough sea anemones like these are related to jellyfish, they are also predators on them. Photo S. HarperGreen Sea Urchins (Strongylocentrotus) graze down a kelp forest. This species is very important in the Aleutian nearshore ecosystem. Occasionally urchins become so numerous that they consume all the kelps in the area, excluding most other organisms, making an urchin barren. Photo R. BrewerThe Sea Nettle Jellyfish (Chrysaora fuscescens) is a common inhabitant of the pelagic realm of the Aleutian Islands. The bell of these gelatinous predators can span 20 cm (12 inches) across with tentacles that can reach 2.4 meters (8 feet). Photo H. ChenelotThe Sunflower Seastar (Pycnopodia helianthoides) dwarfs most other seastar with sizes reported larger than a meter. Pycnopodia usually has between 22 or 24 arms and feeds on a variety of invertebrate prey. This species is known be both a predator and a scavenger. Photo R. BrewerSoft Corals are found throughout the Aleutian Islands nearshore. Recent research observing sponge and coral gardens has spurred recent media interest and fisheries protection areas. Photo R. BrewerThe Rainbow Star (Orthasterias koehleri) has banded red and white rays (arms) with prominent white spines. Rainbow Stars are known to eat bivalves, chitons, and sea squirts and are often taken as prey themselves by Northern Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris). Photo R. BrewerIntertidal kelps are an important component of the nearshore ecosystem. In addition to providing protection from direct sunlight and would-be predators, several species of kelp are an important shelter and food resource. Photo M. LindbergThe Opalescent Nudibranch (Hermissenda crassicornis) has distinctive white lines on its head and orange-tipped cerate (gills). This species feeds mainly on hydroids and anemones and incorporates undischarged nematocysts (stinging cells) from their prey into their cerata. Photo R. BrewerRed King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) as shown here can be difficult to manage white SCUBA diving. Adults of this species can grow to as large as 26 pounds. Photo R. BrewerThe Oval-Anchored Stalked Jelly (Haliclystus stejnegeri) is actually a jellyfish that prefers to wait for its food to pass by rather than swim and drift aimlessly in pursuit. This species prefers surge-swept areas and is usually found attached to algae or rocks. Photo S. HarperThe Bread-Crumb Sponge (Halochondria panicea) is a ubiquitous organism that is found along the Aleutian Islands. This encrusting species can be found in large patches and is eaten by some species of seastars and nudibranchs. Photo S. HarperThe Orange Hermit Crab (Elassochirus gilli) is prominent throughout the Aleutian Islands. Interestingly, the species of hermit crab uses its large right claw to seal off the door to its home once it withdraws inside. Photo S. HarperMrs. Andersen's 1st Grade Class visited the new exhibit on March 23. Reid Brewer lead them through the gallery while teaching the students about each individual creature on display.Reid Brewer imparted his knowledge of the marine life under the Aleutian seas to Mrs. Andersen's 1st Grade class.Visitors to Unalaska for the WAIS Conference visit the Museum for a tour on March 25. ~35 people attended.WAIS Conference visitors enjoy the display.
Marine Life in the Aleutians: Underwater Photography
March 19, 2010 - October 9, 2010

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