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big eyed trevally
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date: 20/5/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Overcast
Air Temp: 23.3ºC
Wind: SE/NE 10-15 knots
Water Temp: 24ºC
Water Visibility: ~20 m
Sea State: Calm
Favorable winds continue here at Lady Elliot but the sunshine went into hiding today.
It didn’t matter though because the snorkeling was still sensational and the marine life was as wild as ever. The big-eyed trevally were forming incredible schools out at second reef completely surrounding guests. It is an amazing feeling to have all your senses immersed in the life of the reef and for many people having that many fish spiraling around them was mind blowing. Guests loved the bright yellow butterfly fishes and the very impressive angelfishes. They were fascinated that the fish seemed so nonchalant about them being there. They went about their business munching on the coral polyps not even glancing sideways at the awe struck visitors. A strong current picked up through the morning and brought with it some hungry manta rays. Coming past the lighthouse bommies there were loads of the giants just swooping up and back enjoying the abundance of plankton.
Due to rainy weather the historical tour took place in the education centre in the form of a slideshow presentation. Guests found it very interesting and were fascinated to see the evolution of the resort from one A-frame building to what it is today. They agreed it was great the resort has stayed discreet and the amazing wildlife is left to call the island their own.
The night activity was reef bingo and there were some very keen players. The guide explained a little bit about the creatures of reef bingo to the guests and many of them were able to add their own little anecdotes, particularly about the black napped tern. This tiny white bird is nesting at the end of the airstrip at the moment and it is fiercely territorial. One guest explained that they had been swooped when they inadvertently approached too close and laughed saying that “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog”.
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big eyed trevally - J Howard
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click to download flash player