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The rabbitfish were schooling around the shallow bommies
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date: 24/7/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Sunshine!
Air Temperature: C
Wind: SE 15-20 knots
Water Temp: 21C
Water Visibility: 20 m
Sea State: Calm
The sun continued to shine here at Lady Elliot making it a great morning for a walk around the island before a big buffet breakfast.
The glass bottom boat steamed around the western side of the island and came across some green turtles that were taking a breath on the surface making guests hoot and holler with excitement. The boat then moored up at the coral gardens where the conditions were smoother and the water clearer. The rabbitfish were schooling around the shallow bommies, their colours looking very impressive against the turquoise water. These fish have earned the nickname “happy moment” by fisherman. If you have ever been pricked by the poisonous spines that line this fishes back then you are said to have had a happy moment. The beautiful butterfly fish were busy at work nipping the coral polyps. These magnificent fish actually maintain the health of the reef by targeting the diseased and dying polyps making them not just a pretty face!
The divers had some fantastic Manta Ray experiences in the morning that were cruising close to the bottom. They also say the big, blunt headed, tawny nurse shark with its face foraging amongst the sand for invertebrates to eat. Guests came across a loggerhead turtle that appeared to have an itch. It was under a ledge rubbing the back of its shell against the reef giving everybody a little giggle. The other amazing creature that starred on the afternoon dive was a grumpy looking sea snake. It had obviously had a bad day because normally these creatures are very placid. This one although not aggressive had compressed its body shape and was not impressed by divers approaching it, so they just took some photos and watched at a distance for a time until it retreated out into deeper water.
In the afternoon one guest told a guide they had seen the white bellied sea eagle with a sea snake in its beak! It was an incredible spectacle they said, and they watched it sit on the lighthouse and consume it. Perhaps that’s why the other sea snake was in such a foul mood!
In the evening Jess presented her Whales of Lady Elliot Island presentation. It was great to learn about these mysterious giants and see some of her fantastic whale photos.
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gold lined rabbitfish - Jess
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click to download flash player