|
|
Barnacle
Side view of Philippine Strombus. This shell, the second
collected, proved to be a male (by disection).
New stations were selected in an area off Koko Head [to see a map, click here (Koko Head is at bottom), then use your
browser's BACK function to return]. These places were, at first glance, dull and uninteresting. The more frequently we
visited them, however, the more life could be seen. Shells in great variety were found, from the largest to the smallest.
Cassis cornuta were quite often seen, as were Conus leopardus and Conus quercinus. A very large Cypraea gaskoini was picked
up at one of the sites. At another, a very small Terebra achates was fanned out of the sand.
With deep water very close to the shore it is not surprising that strong ocean currents are also found near shore. Usually,
when the trades are blowing, currents flow the strongest toward Kaena Point. But the currents are tidal in character and,
therefore, flow in either direction. The strongest current will be found at the top of the drop-off in about ten fathoms (60
foot) when the water is moving toward Kaena Point. Estimated velocities of up to three knots have been reported in this area.
This is about three times faster than an average skin or scuba diver can swim. The watch word for this area is "be careful."
Along the north shore to the east of Kaena Point there are a great many rocks and coral boulders at or just below the surface
of the water. Whenever there is any wave activity diving along the shore is very difficult and sometimes hazardous. Several
shoal areas will be noted rising from depths of 40 to 60 feet. The tops of these are sometimes productive for Cypraea tigris.
Other species found along this section of the north shore include Conus ebraeus and pennaceus in shallow water near shore In
deeper water Cypraea leviathan, talpa, tessellata, and sulcidentata have been collected many times. The cowries collected
have all been found in coral heads according to the records.
At Kaena Point, on both the north and west shores, a number of shells have been reported. Several divers from the Pearl
Divers Club have reported collecting Cypraea tigris, sulcidentata, tessellata, isabella, and all of the more common cowries,
from this area. Among the cones, ebraeus, flavidus, lividus, miliaris, spiceri, and chaldaeus have all been reported.
The Kaena Point area is also a wonderful place for a diver to collect lobster as a fringe benefit to his shell collecting. In
addition the caves are quite heavily populated with several varieties of fish, including the moray eel and several lesser
known species of eel. Sharks are seen in this area only occasionally.
barnacle,pearls,cyprea pappa,terebra maculata,maxima clam,craft shells,conus marmereous,shellcraft,gifts,barnacle
Barnacle leis pukka black agate raw shells cyprea pappa telena vergata white pectin nobiles troca sprial polished natural body jewelry shell tiles gifts distrosioanus coco shells violet oyster shell heishe murex treremis brown-lip shell.
barnacle
Shell
Bracelets
|
