ID help: Growth in Wolf Eel's mouth

Fish & Invertebrate sightings and descriptions, hosted by resident NWDC ID expert Janna Nichols (nwscubamom).
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derekcs
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ID help: Growth in Wolf Eel's mouth

Post by derekcs »

At Sund Rock yesterday, we saw a wolf eel laying out in the open along the south wall at ~60 ft. He was definitely still breathing but didn't react much to us. It had some visible injuries on its mouth. And then when I looked more closely, there was a cluster of something growing on the roof of its mouth. They look like hydroids maybe? What exactly are they and under what circumstances would they start growing in a wolf eel's mouth? How bad shape was this wolf eel in?
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dlh
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Re: ID help: Growth in Wolf Eel's mouth

Post by dlh »

It looks a little bit like an Urchin, perhaps it's go stuck and has gotten a bit fuzzier as it degrades?

I tried to upload another photo but the forum is rejecting all my pictures right now...
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YellowEye
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Re: ID help: Growth in Wolf Eel's mouth

Post by YellowEye »

Interesting sighting Derek, especially the hydroids in mouth.

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dlh
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Re: ID help: Growth in Wolf Eel's mouth

Post by dlh »

I think they are hydroids! I zoomed in more and it's pretty clear.

Was that lunch or is it growing in there? Is this something you've seen before?

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ScubaJess
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Re: ID help: Growth in Wolf Eel's mouth

Post by ScubaJess »

Gross and awesome and sad!!! Wow poor baby!!!!
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