🚀 go-pugleaf

>>I was recently diving at Point Lobos in California at a dive spot
>>called Coal Shute.  It is a wonderful place to dive with a
>>multitude of sea life.  Coal Shute is interesting diving because
>>of the many caves in the area.  In one of the caves that my dive
>>partner and I entered, there was a large animal.

>>Its head was as big as my chest, and the body extended back into
>>the dark.  We approached within 7 or 8 feet and put a light on it.

>>It had many smiling teeth, and light from its eyes shown back reflected
>>from the dive light.  I was lucky enough to have my nikonos with me and
>>took a couple of pictures.

>>I thought it was a variety of grouper that had strayed into the area
>>because of its size, but it had the head of a California Moray.

>>Does anyone know how big these things get?  Its body was hidden behind
>>rocks and difficult to see in the dark, but the head of this monster
>>was awesome.  

>>Rod Rucker

>Rod,

>I may be able to help you in your quest to find a name for this
>LARGE ANIMAL you saw, but first I need to ask a few questions.

>1. Do you drink before you dive?

Yes, heavily.  Its the only way to stay warm in the 52 degree water.

>2. Were you at a depth greater then 100 feet?

No, its too dark at one hundred feet.  In addition, no amount of
drinking (see above) could induce me to enter a cave in water deeper
than one hundred feet.

>3. How small is your chest?

The circumference in inches match the IQ of red headed divers.

>4. Has your dive partner ever been known to turn on you?

Only in caves where there are large Morays.

>5. Would you please describe SMILING TEETH?

Hold up mirror, think of an enjoyable encounter, then look at mouth.

>6. Did you take pictures of this LARGE ANIMAL?

Yes

>7. Do you think it was (a) a LARGE ANIMAL (b) a MONSTER
>   or (c) a awesome monster with smiling teeth that is also
>   a large animal.
   
Actually, all three are accurate descriptions.  It would be
called a large animal from a distance of 10 feet, a monster
from a distance of 5 feet, and an awesome monster with smiling
teeth (see above definition of smiling teeth) when viewed from 
a distance of 3 feet.

>If the pictures turn out you may be able to find a book
>at a local dive shop that will answer your question, if not
>please answer the above questions.

Your suggestions was a good one.  When comparing the picture, the
creature was identified as a large California Moray.

>By the way divers should always carry a knife, if sharks are around
>you cut your partner (never dive with someone that can swim faster
>than you) and swim for the boat.

Ray, do you ever have trouble finding a dive partner?

Rod Rucker