Found Rics in Keys

[SoFloReefer]

I was just down in the keys for four days. We were mostly fishing but I wanted to do at least one dive to see if I could spot some Rics. I dropped on the edge of a reef and swam up from 26 ft to as shallow as 15. I have dived the keys several times and never noticed any Rics on much healthier reefs so I was focused on looked just for them. Towards the end of the dive, with less than 1000 psi left, I spotted a spot on a small coral head with some green Rics. I then found some other spots near by where rics were growing in the sand. It seems to me like many of the rics do well growing on the sand bed. I took a couple for my tank and then surfaced. I also spotted my first lion fish in the wild. It was a big one and non of the smaller fish swimming by seemed concerned. I'm going to get a spear gun so in the future I can shoot one if I see it. For those wondering about FWC regulations concerning Ricordea Fl. collection, one person can take two a day, only using a flexible blade knife (a putty knife is referenced), and only a very small (think pea sized) piece of rock at the foot can be taken. I also collected a Sargassum crab when I was 20+ miles out on the boat and he's now in my tank. Hopefully he plays nice.

 

[BANDIT ANGEL]

It's so good to live near the keys, we only got ugly,Taiwanese yumas and shrooms here.
Can you post pics of your trophys?
Thanks.

 

[SoFloReefer]

This was a 6-7 foot Barracuda that found the school of Dolphins that we were tearing up. Its the biggest cuda I've seen and was in 800 feet of water.

This was a nice inland spot we were fishing at.

Here is one of them. The other is in bad shape because I crushed it when trying to attach it. Dumb move, I know.

 

[BANDIT ANGEL]

Nice collection!
Florida is so beautiful,gotta go there some day.

 

[Patrickstar_188]

I was just down in the keys for four days. We were mostly fishing but I wanted to do at least one dive to see if I could spot some Rics. I dropped on the edge of a reef and swam up from 26 ft to as shallow as 15. I have dived the keys several times and never noticed any Rics on much healthier reefs so I was focused on looked just for them. Towards the end of the dive, with less than 1000 psi left, I spotted a spot on a small coral head with some green Rics. I then found some other spots near by where rics were growing in the sand. It seems to me like many of the rics do well growing on the sand bed. I took a couple for my tank and then surfaced. I also spotted my first lion fish in the wild. It was a big one and non of the smaller fish swimming by seemed concerned. I'm going to get a spear gun so in the future I can shoot one if I see it. For those wondering about FWC regulations concerning Ricordea Fl. collection, one person can take two a day, only using a flexible blade knife (a putty knife is referenced), and only a very small (think pea sized) piece of rock at the foot can be taken. I also collected a Sargassum crab when I was 20+ miles out on the boat and he's now in my tank. Hopefully he plays nice.

where did you go to find these ricordeas?

 

[griss]

where did you go to find these ricordeas?

Like the other Ricordea related thread you posted to and I responded, this thread is 13 years old and the original poster (OP) hasn't been on Reef Central since 2017.

If you're looking for Ricordea Florida, check out KP Aquatics they have excellent Caribbean livestock and great customer service.

 

[305 Steve]

where did you go to find these ricordeas?

if you are local to the keys stop in to The Underwater Gardener in Islamorada and they will get you setup with local ricordea
and possibly some spots to check!

 

[Patrickstar_188]

if you are local to the keys stop in to The Underwater Gardener in Islamorada and they will get you setup with local ricordea
and possibly some spots to check!

sick dude thank you!! is there like a payment or something or do i just ask lol

 

[305 Steve]

sick dude thank you!! is there like a payment or something or do i just ask lol

They sell ricordea for a really good price and im sure they would be willing to share some collection knowledge with you! plus the place is great to check out if you have the chance!

 

[Patrickstar_188]

They sell ricordea for a really good price and im sure they would be willing to share some collection knowledge with you! plus the place is great to check out if you have the chance!

Thank you I’ll be sure to check it out!

 

[griss]

Thank you I’ll be sure to check it out!

Please post an update and pictures when you get some. I'm not a huge soft coral fan but, I got my first R. Florida back in 1990/91 and they are one of my favorite corals.

 

[Patrickstar_188]

Please post an update and pictures when you get some. I'm not a huge soft coral fan but, I got my first R. Florida back in 1990/91 and they are one of my favorite corals.

Sure thing!