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one hundred rabbitfish were in the coral gardens
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date: 26/6/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: High whispy clouds, calm and clear conditions
Air Temp: 23.0ºC
Wind: Variable winds 5 knots
Water Temp: 22ºC
Water Visibility: 20m+
Sea State: Calm
Surface conditions were as smooth as they come on the waters surrounding Lady Elliot Island today with not even a breath of wind. The water was turquoise, perfectly clear and looked amazing.
The glass bottom boat steamed out west of the island in the direction of some humpback whales that were seen breaching and doing fin slaps on top of the water. Everybody was very excited but Mother Nature can be fickle and the whales disappeared not to be seen again. It did however mean that guests were able to get a rarely seen full view of the whole island and being such a picturesque day the photo opportunities were magnificent. Coming back into the lighthouse area turtles were seen surfacing all around the boat, their heads coming above the waterline to take in some fresh air before swimming away in the crystal clear water. The glass bottom boat went to the coral gardens to go snorkeling where the visibility was even better and the reef was alive with fish. The blue-green chromis were very active underneath the boat and were entertaining to watch as they gobbled up the plankton in the water. A school of perhaps one hundred rabbitfish were in the coral gardens are the whole time and their blue and gold colouration appeared vivid in the bright sunshine.
The divers enjoyed both sides of the island today with many nudibranchs found on the coral bommies. These tiny creatures are incredible to see. They are generally very brightly coloured making them a prime target for underwater photographers and today was no exception. Divers with cameras had an absolute field day and identified five separate species. Divers saw a variety of the larger wildlife as well with the leopard shark and hawksbill turtle being the main highlights.
On the night stalk guests were fortunate to see one of the last land hermit crabs for the season before they go off into hibernation for the colder months of the year. The group also saw a lot of green tree frogs next to the staff accommodation looking pretty cute. As the group crossed back over the airstrip they gazed into the vast southern sky. Nick identified a few of the main constellations and also explained how to read due south using the Southern Cross. It was a spectacular evening with the moon a tiny sliver and the Milky Way as bright as ever and was very nice just enjoying the balmy temperature.
There is not much about this place that isn’t special so come out and get amongst the beauty of Lady Elliot Island. It will most definitely offer you an experience you will not forget. |
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gold lined rabbitfish - J Howard
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