More Coral and Fish
One more picture of the beautiful coral reef with countless reef fish at Forgotten Islands. Such an amazing dive.
Coral, Fish, Coral, Fish...
Coral, fish, coral, fish… I found myself in this endless, amazing garden. The current was up and the fish had come out to feed. Floating in the middle of all this, with the soft morning sun filtering in through the water, I felt like I was in heaven. Definitely one of the best dive in my life! Forgotten Islands, Indonesia
Plant or Animal?
Bennett’s feather star (Oxycomanthus bennetti) is widespread in the Indo-West Pacific region. With the cluster of feather or fern like arms on a long stem, a crinoid looks like a flower, but it is not a plant. It is an echinoderm, related to brittle stars and sea urchins. The name “crinoid” derives from Greek word krinon, "a lily", and eidos, "form”. The feathery arms are used to trap detritus and plankton in the water.
My Dive Buddy in Action
Here is my great dive buddy, biologist Jose A. Castellano, in action during a dive at Forgotten Islands. He is contemplating how to compose his shot in this clutter of life.
Curious Fish
This male Mexican hogfish (Bodianus diplotaenia) was so curious about my big dome port that it came to give it a kiss. The female seemed to be more cautious. She followed him at a little distance.
