Rocksucker Photo by Richard Sherley Rocksucker Photo by Richard Sherley Reticulated kelp louse Photo by Richard Sherley	Rocksucker (Chorisochismus dentex) The rocksucker is the largest member of its family, and while rarely seen, is not uncommon. It can be found in rock pools and down to at least 15m. Modified pelvic fins allow it to "suck" onto rocks, allowing them to stay put in even substantially strong surge and wave conditions. The rocksuckers wide head tapering to a very narrow tail is similar to that of some toadfishes, except that this is much less pronounced in the toadfishes, apart from them generally having a much more pleated, loose-skinned appearance. Rocksuckers feed on shells like limpets which they force off the rock by inserting their lower teeth under the shell and flipping over, using their whole body for momentum. Reticulated kelp louse (Paridotea reticulata) This elongated and large isopod is generally found on kelp stipes and fronds, where it feeds on the spores. The distribution is given as Namibia to the Cape Peninsula, but this sighting in Hermanus clearly shows that it can range further east than that. For more details on the rocksucker and kelp louse, see see "Coastal Fishes of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay", (for the fish) as well as "A Field Guide to the Marine Animals of the Cape Peninsula", (for the fish and louse), both available directly from SURG as well as better dive and book stores in Cape Town.
References: Coastal Fishes of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay, A Diver' Identification Guide, G. Zsilavecz, 2005 A Field Guide to the Marine Animals of the Cape Peninsula, G. Jones, 2008 Two Oceans, A guide to the marine life of Southern Africa, GM Branch, CL Griffiths, ML Branch and LE Beckley, 1994. Guide to the Marine Isopods of Southern Africa, B. Kensley, 1978
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