Visit to Hawaii anchialine pools

[DrKirk]

I’m vacationing in Hawaii, so today I visited some of the anchialine pools where opal ula live. Here are some photos of the habitats, as well as the few opal ula I was able to see on the rocks. It was exciting seeing the habitats as well as the individuals.

Kirk

[i<3Opae]

Which park is this?

[DrKirk]

Makalawena Beach, Kekaha Kai State Park

[MrsT]

Thank you for all the lovely pics DrKirk.
I'm wondering the last pic, what type of plants in there? or are those all algae?

[i<3Opae]

Cool!!!

[DrKirk]

Thank you for all the lovely pics DrKirk.
I'm wondering the last pic, what type of plants in there? or are those all algae?

I believe it’s the sea grass, Ruppia maritima.

[MrsT]

Thank you for all the lovely pics DrKirk.
I'm wondering the last pic, what type of plants in there? or are those all algae?

I believe it’s the sea grass, Ruppia maritima.

Do Opae love those? Too much of nutrient causing them overgrown.

[Vorteil]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[DrKirk]

Today I visited a opae ula pool at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii. The population is thriving, probably because there is no fish present. It was great to see so many swimming in the water as well as grazing on the bottom.

[MrsT]

Thank you again DrKirk for the pic. Look at those algae pic 4 it's a heaven place for opae ula

[DrKirk]

Most of the anchialine pools I visited had introduced mosquito fish, and consequently I didn’t see shrimp. I’m glad the Four Seasons Resort is doing a good job of conserving this population.

[i<3Opae]

Thanks Dr Kirk for posting the pics!

[Mustafa]

Thanks a lot for sharing! Great pics!