Embarking on an expedition through the enchanting North Andaman waters was a voyage that transcended borders, uniting nine avid ocean lovers from the far reaches of America, France, Germany, Holland, and China. Their journey unfurled a tapestry of experiences that melded cultural diversity with the unifying language of underwater marvels.
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The odyssey commenced with a thrilling dive into the depths of the Surin National Park, a trove of marine splendor. The check dive, revealed an expanse brimming with vibrant corals and teeming reef inhabitants. The mesmerizing underwater landscape was a sight to behold, a kaleidoscope of colours painted by nature's brush.

A swift transition to the renowned Richelieu Rock escalated the expedition to an exhilarating crescendo.

This dive site, a perpetual marvel, was a cornucopia of visual wonders. The explorers were enveloped in a paradise of soft corals, cascading curtains of glass fish, and a bustling metropolis of barracuda and long-nosed emperor fish, escorted by the regal blue-fin trevally. The symphony of marine life danced before their wide-eyed wonder, etching an indelible memory in their hearts.

The journey then led the intrepid voyagers to the captivating haven of the Similan National Park. Here, an immaculate aquatic sanctuary awaited, adorned with an array of marine treasures.

The keen-eyed adventurers were treated to a visual feast - encountering the whimsical nudibranches, elusive lobsters, and a breathtaking array of fishes that painted the waters with their vibrant hues.

Each dive was a chapter in an unfolding saga of underwater opulence, a communion with nature's raw magnificence. The diverse group of thrill-seekers shared not only the joys of discovery but also a bond forged through the shared awe of the ocean's secrets.​

This escapade into the depths of North Andaman's aquatic realm not only kindled a passion for adventure but also fostered a profound respect for the uncharted mysteries concealed beneath the ocean's surface.

​The voyage was not merely an excursion; it was an immersive journey that sparked a collective thirst for further exploration and a testament to the captivating allure of our planet's underwater wonders.

** Mantis Shrimp ​Fun Fact #2: Super Smashers of the Ocean**

Peacock mantis shrimp are not just pretty. They are ferocious predators with a pair of specialised front limbs that can strike with the speed of a bullet! Their clubs can deliver blows with the force of a .22 caliber bullet, and they use this power to break open the shells of prey like crabs and snails they love. The mantis shrimp's hunting prowess is so legendary that it's even been known to break aquarium glass. It's not a pet you'd want to mess with!

**2. How fast is the peacock mantis shrimp's punch?**

The peacock mantis shrimp has one of the most powerful and fastest punches in the animal kingdom. It possesses specialized appendages called "raptorial appendages" that it uses to strike its prey. These appendages, also known as "smashers," are highly dexterous and possess incredible strength.
When a peacock mantis shrimp strikes, it accelerates its "hammer like appendage" at an astonishing speed of 23 meters per second. This unbelievable speed generates an impressive amount of force, with some estimates suggesting that it can exert up to 1,500 Newtons, which is equivalent to a bullet being fired from a .22 caliber rifle!

The yellow-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis platurus) is a true marine snake (hydrophiinae family) who leaves a pelagic life and never goes on land! We have only encountered this snake durong our blackwater dive, offshore, never on the reef.

True sea snakes comprise as many as 53 species whilst the partially terrestrial Laticauda or sea kraits comprise five species only.
 
Both can be found in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, particularly in regions such as the Coral Triangle, the Andaman Sea, and the Great Barrier Reef.
 
Curiously, they are not found in the Red Sea, Atlantic Ocean, or Caribbean Sea. Their distribution ranges from coastal shallows to deeper offshore waters, and they exhibit various ecological adaptations to their preferred habitats.
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Both true sea snakes and sea kraits inhabit the sea, but sea kraits can also be observed on land while true sea kraits are true pelagic.
 
Both sea snakes and Sea kraits feature a flattened tail that help them swim, but Sea kraits' bodies are cylindrical enabling them to crawl on land, while sea snakes are ribbon like bodies making them even stronger swimmers.
 
On average, adult sea snakes (including sea kraits) measure between 1 and 1.5 meter in length.

Snakes, much like turtles are reptiles not  fish, they must periodically swim to the water's surface to replenish their oxygen supply before descending back to the depths of the reef.
 
While many sea snakes (including sea kraits) need to resurface every half an hour to breathe, certain species of sea snakes (including the yellow-bellied sea snake) possess an extraordinary ability to remain submerged for up to eight hours.
 
This superpower is made possible by their unique capability to absorb approximately 33% of their required oxygen and eliminate around 90% of carbon dioxide through their skin. The nostrils of a true sea snake (positioned on top of their snout) have the ability to close when the animal is underwater.

Like many marine species, sea snakes and kraits face various threats due to human activities and habitat degradation. Pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction pose significant challenges to their survival. Some species are also at risk from accidental bycatch in fishing nets. It is crucial to raise awareness and take steps to protect these remarkable creatures and their delicate ecosystems.

Well, it turns out that it's much easier for them to "taste" molecules in the water than in the air. Talk about a handy adaptation!
 
But wait, there's more! Sea snakes have a nifty trick up their scaly sleeves when it comes to dealing with salt. Since they ingest salt along with their prey, these clever creatures have special sublingual glands located beneath their tongues. These glands work like magic, allowing the sea snake to remove excess salt from its blood and expel it with a flick of the tongue. It's like having a built-in salt filter – pretty impressive, right?
 
Now, when it comes to sea snake vision, scientists are still unraveling the mysteries. While it seems that their vision plays a limited role in hunting and finding mates, sea snakes have other extraordinary sensory abilities. They possess special mechanoreceptors that help them sense vibrations and movement, giving them a heightened awareness of their aquatic surroundings. Some sea snakes even respond to pheromones to identify potential mates.