The manta ray (Manta birostris) is the largest species of the rays. The largest known specimen was more than 7.6 metres (25 ft) across, with a weight of about 2,300 kilograms (5,100 lb). It ranges throughout tropical waters of the world, typically around coral reefs. They have the largest brain-to-body ratio of the sharks and rays.[Source]
As i was going through some great diving footage from Captain Ned Hill[Liveaboard-Island Dancer II]. I came across this video which is of a Sea Slug[Pteraeolidia ianthina]. Now these are by far one of the most attractive under-water creatures out there. I am always captivated….
“Nudibranchs are often casually called “sea slugs”, a non-scientific term. Nudibranchs are very numerous in terms of species, and are often very attractive and noticeable, but there are a wide variety of other kinds of sea slugs.” Source -[Wiki]
First off, here’s what Wikipedia has to say about this funky little fish
“Pipefishes or pipe-fishes (Syngnathinae) are a subfamily of small fishes, which with the seahorses form the family Syngnathidae.Pipefish look like straight-bodied seahorses with tiny mouths. The name is derived from the peculiar form of their snout, which is like a long tube, ending in narrow and small mouth which opens upwards and is toothless. The body and tail are long, thin, and snake-like.”
Source – [Wiki]
Now here’s what we say,
These little ‘fishees’ are cool. They move with the grove, and they are here in Fiji to entertain you. They usually seem to have their arms out waiting for applause. Well we give them a ‘standing O’
We are lucky enough to have some video courtesy of the Island Dancer II, a liveaboard dive operation here in Fiji. A big thanks goes out to Captain Ned Hill who has supplied us some of his own personal footage. Vinaka Mate!
p.s. We’ve recently gone out an interviewed Capt’n Ned and got some great insight into the Liveaboard scene. Ned’s one of those guys that just makes you feel like some lucky people have the best job in the world, but that they are really good at it too.
