GB-443-QNR 
expeclied to see the same octopiis In it, smiggled back half oirt of sig^t. 
But he wasn't there, and the re& sponge that had been a knob four inches 
hi^ now extended a foot or more beyot^ the opening. A colony of anemones 
on one face of the coral mound appears to be aboiit the same. A cave at 
the base of on® boulder which used to be the dayli^t sleeping place of 
a five-foot nurse stork was vacant of stork but occupied by a lobster'. 
There were several large ones in it, as a matter of fact, and they each 
and severally pointed their antennae in my direction whenever I came by, 
like cows facing a strange dog. And then one of them batted me on my bare 
shins (much to ny surprise), came completely out of his hiding place, Mdjled 
up the side of the mouto of coral, and disappeared into a new den. This 
action made no sense to me but it may have held some leaning for the cray- 
fish. I gave him a chance to repeat his performance by putting ny hand 
up to his antenna® in the new shelter. But he only backed off out of sight. 
One piece of bravado was enough for one day, pit)bably. 
The only really conspicuous change in this bit of reef is the lack 
now of gorgonians. There used to be some fine growths of pluses and many 
sea fans. Now there are purplish fans only, and no pliimes at all. 
They seem to be the first things to go when the little reefs begin to 
deteriorate. I wonder why. 
Tto fish pox>ulation appears to be in pretty good balance. Many grunts, 
squirrels, three-spotted goatfish, ato parrots — these so far have been 
quite tiasild, and I have been able only to see them back aiK>ng the rocks. 
They will couffi out soon, I should imagine, as soon as they realize that 
