Marine sealife available in our seawaters

Hi folks; just thought I would share with you all some pictures. This was taken off the west coast of Ireland; namely letterfrack in connemara; co. galway.

A few of us got together few weeks back to 1) see whats available 2)collect some specimens for their native marine tank.

We were led by Pete; a native marine expert who himself keeps a 7 foot set-up in his home.

The 'island' which we made our way across to during low tide and some nearby scenery-







Making our way across in our 'commando' gears





Some pictures of what we saw (and collected)-

Orange sponge and scallop


Clingfish 'Lepadogaster candollei'


Black Goby Gobius niger


Hard at work!



More marine life-

Blue mussel Mytilus edulis, and Sponge


Chameleon Prawn Green Form Hippolyte varians


Black Squat Lobster Galathea squamifera


Mermaids' purse (Alive) Scyliorhinus canicula Egg Case


Queen Scallop Chlamys opercularis


Mermaids' purse (Alive) Scyliorhinus stellaris Egg Case,
Long-legged spider crab, Macropodia rostrata,
Brittle Star Ophiura texturata,
Painted Topshell Calliostoma zizyphinum


Sea lettuce Ulva lactuca, and Dulse Palmaria palmata beds


Seafood Platter!



Lastly picture of the team




There were many others especiallys the green and red coloured anemones that were in deeper waters and which I didnt manage to capture on camera. Also blue coloured shrimps and red clawed lobsters.

What I do know is that theres plenty to get someone started on a native marine set-up! Most of the group has one now already....does sound very tempting especially since where we are located the sea is never too far away

Great idea and a great day out collecting yer own stock. Id say you had a savage day there Andrew. Thanks for sharin all those pics man. Keep it Irish.

Thanks for sharing Andrew. Its mad to think these guys can be picked up on our coasts and free which makes it even better

A really nice set of pics Andrew sounds like a great day out. There is lots of beautiful specimens in our waters that we take for granted. Are you thinking about setting up a native tank Andrew?

You are all welcome folks and spot on...the specimens available right at our doorstep is truly unbelieveable

And no minky...im still fighting the urge

These are great pictures andrew man fair play The egg is class, a nice cat shark awaiting someone. Id say that was great crack man, with you so close to the water would you ever think of setting one up?

Andrewo you would love to be on a trawler to see what comes up in the net