Craig Tooley went tide pooling at a recent low tide. He wrote, “I got this picture in one of the tide pools near Green Cove. So fun to see them anytime, but having the little hitchhiker hermit crab added just a little extra smile to my face.” Craig photographed a new-to-me nudibranch, also called a sea slug. They come in many different colors and shapes. Jan Roletto of NOAA confirmed that Craig’s photo shows a San Diego Dorid, Diaulula sandiegensiss.

They have irregular dark rings or spots arranged in two rows on their backs. They are an uncommon find this far north and they feed on sponges. To see a tiny hermit crab on this nudibranch is a treat.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

No fog today, though there are some wispy clouds overhead. It's pretty darn warm - close to 90 degrees.