Two Unusual beach sightings – November 2023

The following two images were taken by Jo Brown, who also referred them to the Queensland Museum for identification. The Experience Coordinator from the Discovery Centre offered the following opinions.

…the first image (red and white) could be a solitary ascidian, which are filter feeding organisms that attach to rocks and hard substrate and come in a variety of shapes, solitary/colonial forms and colours. But there is also a possibility that it is a limb of a sea slug, such as Melibe japonica, which are able to drop their appendages if disturbed. 

The second picture spheres are likely eggs of a marine mollusc such as a snail or octopus, but identification is difficult. These round objects could also be a group of colonial ascidians with very small openings. Very unique finds!

Thanks again, Qld Museum!