This is a Flamingo Tongue. It is a snail that lives on soft coral that it snacks on all day long. It is sought after by underwater photographers because of its colorful shell. It is about 1.25” long.
Photograph of the Week
This is a frogfish, and you don’t have to go to some exotic far-away destination to see one. This particular one I found at Stetson Bank about 60 miles southeast of Freeport, Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. Stetson Bank is one of three dive-able banks that are part of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Diving here is not for the novice diver as wind, waves and current can be unpredictable. But it can be well worth it. Stetson Bank has very little coral but lots of fish and other wildlife. Because of the lack of hiding places, most nocturnal creatures can be seen during the day. The other two banks that are part of the sanctuary are mostly hard corals with the occasional Manta Ray, Hammerhead Shark and Whale Shark sightings.
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This was taken on Makogai Island in Fiji. We were visiting a local village on the island that operated a turtle farm. Unfortunately, I heard the village was destroyed in a hurricane recently. It will be interesting to see what has changed when I go back.
Photograph of the Week
This anchor was uncovered by Hurricane Wilma in October, 2005. The picture was taken in March, 2006.
Photograph of the Week
This photograph was taken in Truk Lagoon in 2010. The wrecks in the lagoon are covered with various corals and anemone.
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Amazingly, no one fell in.
Photograph of the Week
During my most recent trip to Africa…just kidding. I’ve never actually been to Africa. Maybe someday. Anyway, this giraffe is at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center down near Glen Rose, Texas.
Photograph of the Week
You know it is a healthy dive site when you can barely see your dive buddy through the schools of fish. Fiji has some of the most beautiful and colorful soft corals on the planet, IMHO. I can’t wait to go back next year.
Photograph of the Week
Not much to say about this picture. I just happen to like it. It is a close-up of the “feathers” on a Feather Duster Worm.
Photograph of the Week
These are stalactites in an under-hang within the Great Blue Hole in Belize. The hole is about 1000 feet across and 400 feet deep. It is much bigger than the Lost Blue Hole in the Bahamas. But, the one in the Bahamas has more marine life around it. The existence of these stalactites indicate that this hole was above water at one point in history. That is the only way they could have formed. It is believed that this was once a vast underground cave system that collapsed when sea levels rose during the last ice age.