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Sunday - reef life in abundance
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date: 28/9/2008
Author:Laura Smith
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Sunny | Air Temp: 25°C | Wind: SE/NE 5/10 knots | Water Temp: 23°C | Water Visibility: 40m | Sea State: Calm & Glassy
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
The morning started with a blazing sunrise signalling a warm and sunny day ahead, the noddies awoke and headed to the horizon while the buff banded rails were ready for another day of scavenging.
The reef rangers today were excited to be making their very own masks of the animals we find on the land and waters that surround the island; with the afternoon ending in some education about crustaceans and their role in the environment.
The glass bottom boat was of great delight today for all those who attended with dolphins hanging around for three hours off second reef and many different species of fish hiding within the corals. The most interesting fish of the day being a trumpetfish; these species are laterally compressed elongate fish with a long snout and minute teeth, they are bright yellow when swimming and can rapidly change colour to a light grey with a black tail so as to blend in. The trumpetfish is slow swimming relying mainly on stealth and camouflage to sneak up to unsuspecting prey which usually consists of small fish; the way the trumpetfish catches its prey is quite interesting using a pipette style sucking the prey in. The trumpetfish will typically catch its fish in a vertical position; however it has figured out a much better way to get up close to the prey; often observed closely swimming beside larger fish then darting out from behind.
The guided reefwalk saw guests heading out to the lagoon flat and immerse themselves in a world of reef flat education. The sea cucumbers were out in force with all species sighted; a decorator urchin was also spotted although very well camouflaged with small pieces of coral skeleton stuck to its body, this is done so as the urchin is inconspicuous whilst hiding during the day. A sea snake was also spotted quite shallow however the species is unconfirmed with the snake disappearing in a few seconds flat, the sea snakes are typically sighted in deeper water so it was quite a surprise to reef walkers.
The island discovery and fish feeding for the afternoon was a big turnout with guests heading out to the lagoon front having a look at the hardy vegetation that has established itself in the salty environment. Octopus bush, Casuarinas, Pandanus were all found before they all headed towards the tropic birds hiding on the ground away from harm; on the way we were lucky enough to catch sight of some white-capped noddies, buff-banded rails and pacific golden plovers. The birds were very active and interesting today however it was then time to head to fish feeding at the fish pool where our fishy friends were awaiting their treats. Diamond scale sea mullet, moon wrasse and sergeant majors all floundered in the shallows and darted into the feeding zone as soon as the fish meal hit the surface.
The divers today were lucky enough to see some larger aquatic species with silver-tip reef sharks and a lonely manta ray swimming through the water with such power. The first dive was at the Severence wreck with a 40 metre visibility this was the best time to head out and explore the 17 foot yacht that washed onto the reef flat in 1999. The afternoon dive took place at the lighthouse and three pyramids which was a nice leisurely dive with the current.
Today has surely proved to be another truly special day on our magnificent coral cay!
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Reef boat tour - Laura Smith
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