The Scottish government has welcomed the results of marine life surveys carried out off Scotland's mainland and island coasts during 2011.

Marine biologists photographed and documented a wide range of wildlife, including this sea loch anemone-covered horse mussel.

A bizarre and rare sea creature called amphioxus was recorded in Orkney.

Staff from Heriot-Watt University were among the experts involved in assessing life in the sea and on the seabed.

Colourful species recorded included flame shells. This one was photographed by Scottish Natural Heritage.