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a Whiptail Ray sit right underneath the boat
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date: 25/3/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Sunny | Air Temp: 27.5°C | Wind: SE 15/20 knots | Water Temp: 25°C | Water Visibility: ~15 m | Sea State: Chop
Great to see some more sunshine here in the Capricorn bunker island group today.
The glass bottom boats were lucky to have a Whiptail Ray sit right underneath the boat when it was moored up at second reef. The ray glided in and settled on the sand before partially burying itself and let the guide discuss its amazing anatomy. Guests were interested in the spiracle which is located just behind the ray’s eyes which is a specialized orifice that allows water to wash over it’s gills while it remains stationary. Of course there was discussion about the danger of stingrays and this was put to rest by the guide.
The divers came across a Crown of Thorns sea star that was very large at around 50cm across, feeding at the Coral Gardens. These highly evolved creatures are a perfectly natural part of the reef system and here at Lady Elliot we only have a very small population so its sighting didn’t raise too much concern. It was a great chance for guests to get right up close and view this dangerous but interesting creature. Also on the dive guests came across the giant Maori Wrasse which is the largest species in the wrasse family. One guest said it was the most beautifully coloured large fish he had ever seen while diving.
On the guided reef walk guests were fascinated by the tiny Hermit Crabs found in the various turban shells close to the shore. Once the guide pointed out one - the children in the group started finding them everywhere giving everybody a good chuckle. Also a rarely seen sea slug was seen grazing on the reef. The guide initially thought it was a sea hare but upon further investigation revealed it was something completely different. Just goes to show every day is a new discovery out here at Lady Elliot Island!
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Hatchling release - Jenni Fox
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