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A beautiful black nudibranch with bright blue trimming
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date: 8/6/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Sunny
Air Temp: 21ºC
Wind: SW/SE 10-15 knots
Water Temp: 23 ºC
Water Visibility: ~20 m
Sea State: Chop
The sun was out again making for a glorious morning here on the Great Barrier Reef.
Conditions at the Lighthouse were still a bit choppy but the Manta Rays were in wild abundance with the glass bottom boat there to capitalise. They were being beautiful as usual, gliding through the water in big arcs, occasionally breaking the surface and some were even somersaulting along the fast moving current. Guests absolutely loved the display. The glass bottom boat then cruised over to second reef where it was a bit shallower and guests could get right among the life of the reef. Plankton feeding fish were right through the water column creating a beautiful canvas of colour behind the turtles that were casually swimming by.
Guests that went diving today were absolutely immersed in mantas. They were all around the lighthouse bommies making for an unforgettable underwater experience. The Project Manta Research team is here on the island at the moment and they had a great time identifying individuals to better understand this enigma of the ocean. A beautiful black nudibranch with bright blue trimming also fascinated guests on the dive. The name of these remarkable creatures literally means naked gills because it is clearly visible on the dorsal surface of the nudibranch. The other exciting discovery was a large and very elaborately patterned textile cone shell that was wedged into a coral bommie. This slow moving mollusk catches fish with a poisonous harpoon and although feeding wasn’t observed, guests were able to have a close look at the anatomy of this marvelous creature.
With light winds, it was a great afternoon to relax at the coral gardens with a sunset platter, and those that did soaked up the sun and the atmosphere of this beautiful island. When the sun eventually set it was breathtaking with the clouds looking like the scales of a fish. The clouds changed through a beautiful spectrum of bright yellows to deep blood reds making for incredible photo opportunities.
Guests then enjoyed a beautiful buffet dinner before playing a fun game of reef bingo in the bar. It was another unforgettable day here at Lady Elliot so come out and experience the Great Barrier Reef in all its glory!
Special Guests:
Project Manta Research team |
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Sunset - Jess Howard
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