12 September 2010

Well, last week's dive was a bit of a dud from the photography perspective (strong currents at both Maubara and Dili Rock East (both west of Dili) meant that more time was spent 'holding on' rather than taking photos. Being 'photographically challenged' means that I need either slow moving critters or slow moving water in order to have a chance at a good shot. So there is no chance of seeing the white-tip Reef Shark or the (Hawke's Bill?) Turtle here. There were challenges today too at "Dirt Track" and K41. On the way east, we saw a whale (probably a Humpback) every close to the shore as well as a turtle on the surface at Lone Tree. Not a bad start to the day - we hadn't even made it into the water! But there were interesting nudies here and there. The star of the day, however, was a variation on the "warty ones". Everywhere seemed to contain these.

A "warty one" (Phyllidiopsis shireenae)? But this is black and white. Exposure was difficult because of all the white but this is the best I could do.

But is it the same as this one seen at K41. Note the black Rhinophores.

Is it the same or different. Perhaps just some regional variation. These look very similar to the common Nudibranchs below.

These seem very similar to the common Nudibranchs below (which were notably absent today) and I wonder if there has just been a colour change for the day. I'm sure that some of you branchsters out there will know.

We didn't see many of these today (which is unusual) Phyllidia elegans?

K41 has amazing critters on the wall and I cannot stop shooting this one with the crazy patterns on the case of the tentacles (I'm sure there is a technical name but it eludes me right now).

Also see the last shot for the day. "Sammy" discovered this immature (Ragged) Scorpion Fish at K41 going west, in the rocks at about 8/9m.

Essentially impossible to see but the obvious things are the eye (top right) and the poisonous spur (centre). Ouch! Even this small (about 15cm) this guy is really dangerous. Much bigger Ragged Scorpion Fish (up to 60cm) are in abundance at Pertamina Wharf right in Dili.