Ocean Safari Blog

It’s amazing how big these barrel sponges (Xestospongia testudinaria) can grow. This species is found in the Philippines, Australia, western and central Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Caledonia.

In Alor, Indonesia, many fishermen still use bubu, traditional fish trap made of woven bamboo and rattan. They come in variety of shapes, but the one I saw was cylindrical with one open end that is narrowed inward. The fish swim inside through the narrow and elongated entrance. Once inside, the fish rarely finds its way out. The fishermen just drop them in without lines or floats, wait a few days, and then simply swim down to retrieve them.

I will admit... the water is still a bit cold, but what's a little bit of chills when a view like this is waiting for you?

Happy Valentine's Day!

I was astonished by the size of these soft coral in Forgotten Islands. The whole reef was teeming with fish. Such beautiful colors.

I guess it's like a feeding frenzy... when a group photographers find some thing of interest and gather around. In this case, the object of interest is a blue ring octpus! The poor little guy must feel totally freaked out from all the strobes and lights descending upon him from the heavens.