Category: Fun Facts

The Colorful World of the Peacock Mantis Shrimp

25/10/2023

If you've never heard of the peacock mantis shrimp, you're in for a real treat! These striking and enigmatic creatures are like the rock stars of the ocean, and they go by the scientific name Odontodactylus scyllarus. Let's dive into their vibrant world and uncover the answers to some of the most burning questions about these incredible marine marvel...
Before we get into the fun facts, let's give credit where it's due: the Latin name. Odontodactylus scyllarus may sound like a mouthful, but when you break it down, it makes sense. "Odontodactylus" translates to "toothed finger," and "scyllarus" is a reference to the Scylla, a sea monster from Greek mythology. So, in a way, the scientific name hints at the mantis shrimp's formidable appendages and its mythical aura.

In the world of marine biology, peacock mantis shrimp are the embodiment of beauty, strength, and mystery. Their striking appearance, lightning-fast strikes, and superhuman vision make them a true wonder of the ocean. The more you learn about them, the more you'll realize that there's never a dull moment in the colorful world of the peacock mantis shrimp.
So, the next time you think of oceanic wonders, don't forget to give these marine rock stars the attention they truly deserve! Whether you're a marine enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of the seas, the peacock mantis shrimp never fails to captivate and astonish with its kaleidoscope of colours and extraordinary abilities.

4 incredible fun facts about the peacock mantis shrimps!

** Mantis Shrimp Fun Fact #1: The Peacock of the Sea**

The peacock mantis shrimp earns its dazzling nickname due to its vibrant and iridescent coloration. These marine gems come in a range of spectacular shades, including vibrant greens, blues, and fiery reds. Their bodies are adorned with intricate patterns, making them a true art piece.

** 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!

Curious mantis shrimp in Koh Lanta National Park

Peakock mantis shrimp and amazing coral reef

** Mantis Shrimp Fun Fact #3: Color Vision Extraordinaire**

Mantis shrimp vision is the stuff of science fiction. While we humans have three color receptors, these oceanic superheroes have sixteen! They can see polarized light, ultraviolet, and colors that are beyond our comprehension. This super-vision helps them spot prey, predators, and mates with astonishing clarity.

** Mantis Shrimp Fun Fact #4: Mantis Shrimps are Neither Mantis, nor Shrimp

While the name "mantis shrimp" might suggest a curious fusion of a praying mantis and a shrimp, they're neither related to mantises nor actual shrimp. These captivating creatures belong to the stomatopod family, a group of marine crustaceans that have evolved into a unique and independent branch of the evolutionary tree. So, the next time you're pondering their peculiar moniker, just remember that mantis shrimps are in a league of their own, defying conventional categories in the animal kingdom.

An interesting life cycle

Mantis shrimp have a fascinating life cycle. Fertilized eggs are attached to specialized swimmerets on the female's abdomen using a sticky secretion. The female protects and fans the eggs, ensuring oxygen circulation and preventing the growth of harmful fungi or bacteria during the incubation period, which lasts several weeks.
Once ready to hatch, the female releases the eggs into the water, where they become tiny larvae known as nauplii. These larvae go through multiple developmental stages, feeding on plankton and small organisms until they reach maturity, just like other crustaceans. We can see them very regularily on our blackwater dives. After reaching maturity, they settle on the reef.

Very small larval mantis shrimp on blackwater dive

This alien face is a larval mantis shrimp

This little alien will become a beautiful mantis shrimp

Smasher vs Spearer Mantis Shrimp

The raptorial appendages of the mantis shrimp have different shapes depending on the species. Some have claw-like appendages known as "spearers," while others have appendages that resemble hammers, giving rise to the name "smashers."
The peacock mantis shrimps are "smashers" and are particularly fascinating because they can strike with a force greater than most other animals, despite their relatively small size. It is believed that this incredible punching ability is a result of the mantis shrimp's unique muscle structure, which combines spring-like mechanisms with a locking mechanism to store and release energy rapidly.
Below are a few photos of Spearing Mantis Shrimp (Lysiosquilla maculata). They are much lighter in colour and live in a vertical burrow in the sand, while peacock mantis shrimp prefers rocky areas on the reef.

Mantis shrimp camouflaged on the coral reel

Mantis shrimp well camouflaged in the sand

Now, let's answer some of the most common questions people ask about peacock mantis shrimp:

**1. Can peacock mantis shrimp see more colors than humans?**

Humans have three color receptors (red, green, and blue cones), allowing us to perceive a wide range of colours.
Peacock mantis shrimp have an astonishing sixteen (or more) colour receptors, enabling them to see colours beyond human comprehension, including ultraviolet light and polarized light.
In the underwater realm, the peacock mantis shrimp's eyes are a true anomaly. Their ability to see a rainbow of colors and polarized light sets them apart as one of the ocean's most visually gifted inhabitants. In comparaison, horses or dogs, are called dichromatic, meaning they have two primary color receptors or cones in their eyes. Less than humans and much much less than Mantis Shrimps!

Another great Frank's shot of a peakock mantis shrimp

Supersonic Vision!

Bullet fast punch!

**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!

**3. Are peacock mantis shrimp dangerous to humans?**

While their punch can shatter shells and glass, mantis shrimps aren't a threat to humans. However, it's wise not to bring your fingers too close to their powerful hammers!!!

**4. How do peacock mantis shrimp communicate with each other?**

These mantis shrimp often use a combination of visual signals and body language for communication. They display various color patterns and postures to convey information about their intentions, such as territorial disputes or courtship rituals.

**5. What are some interesting behaviors of peacock mantis shrimp?**

Peacock mantis shrimp are known for their meticulous burrowing behavior. They construct intricate burrows with multiple chambers, which serve as both protection and a place to ambush unsuspecting prey. They are also quite territorial and will fiercely defend their burrows.

**6. Can peacock mantis shrimp regenerate their limbs?**

Yes, peacock mantis shrimp have a remarkable ability to regenerate their limbs if they get injured or lose one during battles or accidents. Their powerful resilience is another testament to their extraordinary adaptations.

**7. Where can you find peacock mantis shrimp in the wild?**

Peacock mantis shrimp inhabit the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, particularly in the tropical coral reefs. You can often spot them in rocky crevices and burrows along the seafloor. While amazing and incredible creatures, Mantis shrimps are not rare in our dives and and our guides see them on every single one of our Andaman Sea adventures.

Wanna know more about the Marine Life of the Andaman Sea? Check out this page for reference!

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10 Remarkable ways Scuba Diving Can Transform Your Life!

18/10/2023

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Diving isn't just Fun! It's Good for you!!!

"Ever dreamt of embracing your inner James Bond or conquering personal challenges? Scuba diving offers you all this excitement and more! If you've been contemplating taking the plunge and are curious about the incredible ways it can enrich your life, keep reading!"

DIVING IS GOOD FOR YOU!

Ghost pipefish, seafan and soft coral

1. Dive into an Alien World

Our oceans, which encompass 70% of our beautiful blue planet, are a gateway to an entirely different universe waiting to be explored. This underwater realm mirrors the diversity of life on our planet, with its own unique set of rules and inhabitants. The best part? You don't need a rocket ship to embark on this thrilling journey. Just grab your scuba gear and meet unbelievable alien-like creatures!"

Funny textures, transparency, glitters, bioluminescence...

So many interesting shapes and colours...

Incredible patterns...

2. Dive into a world of Tranquility: The World of silence is the perfect break from the everyday hustle

2. Dive into Tranquility: A Break from the Everyday HustleScuba diving offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Beneath the waves, you're in a world where you can't chat on your phone, respond to emails, tend to daily chores, or get caught up in the usual adult responsibilities. It's your opportunity to disconnect, unwind, and simply breathe in peaceful serenity!

Enjoy the world of silence

... enjoy the feeling of weightlessness that melt all stress away...

3. Dive into a World of New Skills (Including Levitation!)

During your scuba diving journey, you'll acquire some seriously cool super powers, but perhaps the coolest is mastering weightlessness. Using only your breath, you'll experience the sensation of being suspended by invisible threads, floating in a gravity-defying dance like an astronaut, all without leaving our beautiful Earth!

Just like Astronauts, become a levitating explorer!

Learn new skills!

Divers have super-powers!

4. Dive into a Confidence Boosting world!

Scuba diving pushes your limits and equips you with the ability to handle various situations with poise and calmness. These newfound skills will accompany you back to the surface, bolstering your self-confidence.
"Breath, think, act" will help you solve so many problems both above and below the waves and is a recipe to melt stress away!

Breath, Think, Act...

... & problems melt away...

5. Dive into the Diving Community: a Not-So-Secret (bit oh-so-cool) Society

When you become a diver, you become part of a vast, global community that transcends age, nationality, sexual orientation, social backgrounds, and lifestyles. It's an incredible way to connect with people who are different yet bound by a shared passion. Dive in and expand your horizons!

Even baby divers...

Are happy divers!

6. Dive into Happines: Diving is the best Therapy!

Ask any diver, and they'll vouch for the therapeutic magic of diving. Even if you start a dive in a sour mood, chances are you'll resurface feeling more relaxed, happier, and chattier. The combination of mindful breathing, escaping the daily noise (see above), immersing yourself in natural wonders, and bonding with fellow divers is a surefire recipe for boosting your mood and serotonin levels.

SO HAPPY!

Try dive therapy... IT WORKS!!!!

7. Dive into Fitness Effortlessly

If the thought of hitting the gym, jogging, or any form of strenuous exercise makes you cringe, scuba diving is your kind of activity! (more on this on this blogpost!) While the diving philosophy often encourages conserving energy to maximize air consumption and enhance the diving experience, scuba still burns calories and offers a heart-healthy workout. Plus, lugging around those tanks might even give you some unexpected biceps!

And we expand! And we relax!

Effortlessly! □

8. Dive into Knowledge: The Ultimate Conversation Starter (become a Marine Life Geek

Prepare to amaze your friends at dinner parties with quirky and fascinating facts about the underwater world. From the incredible strength of mantis shrimps to the bizarre mating rituals of nudibranchs, you'll have a treasure trove of captivating tales to share. If you like fun facts about Marine life, don't miss out on this blogpost...

Nudibranch Pikachu... Don't catch it!

Mantis shrimp

9. Dive into Thrills and Chills

For adrenaline junkies, scuba diving offers a world of excitement. Whether it's battling a strong current, meeting a big nurse sharks sleeping in a tunnel, or exploring the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescent creatures during a blackwater dive, scuba can deliver heart-pounding thrills alongside its calming moments.

Dive with sharks is so exciting!

Time to strike a pose and marvel...

10. Dive into the best addiction ever! Dive, Travel, Repeat!

Warning: Diving is highly addictive! Once you catch the diving bug, you'll find yourself scouring the globe for new destinations based on their dive sites. Your quest for the next scuba adventure will lead you to uncharted islands and hidden archipelagos, all in pursuit of those unforgettable underwater moments. Get ready to fall in love with every minute of your aquatic explorations!

No better addiction than Scuba Diving!

Dive, travel, repeat...

Did you like this blogpost? Be sure to leave us a comment below and tell us how Scuba has changed your life...
A few articles that might interest you here: Most popular

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Your First Time Night Diving ? How To Stay Calm And Collected.

9/10/2023

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First Time Night Diving : How To Stay Calm And Collected

Diving at night is a "Same Same but Different" experience from diving during the day.

The main difference is that instead of being able to see all around you in every direction, you’re surrounded by darkness and can only see what’s illuminated by the beam from your diving light but you actually see colours much better with this torch during the night than without torches during the day and the reef can appear vibrant with colors at night with bright coral polyps coming out of their skeletons to feed.

Night diving can be a daunting prospect, but there are a few things you can do to ease yourself into this unique experience, so you can feel prepared and relaxed when you take to the water.

It’s Not All that Scary!
Diving at night can seem scary at first. The more you think about it, the more deep sea monsters you probably imagine. But diving at night can offer an added touch of magic and because you will feel alone in your "bubble of light", it will quickly become your favourite meditation time!

Basking stars bloom at night

What can you see on night dives and not on day dives

Some sea creatures are nocturnal and can only be seen at night.

Eels come out on night dives

For example, it is pretty common in our waters to see giant moray eels hunting at night while we usually only see their heads popping out of a hole during the day. At night they are often seen free swimming and foraging for food and so are many crabs that hide in the reef during the days.

Moray eel searching for food at night

A beautiful moray head in the dark

And so do crustaceans, they love going out at night...

Crustaceans are also crawling out of their crevices in all types and shapes during the night and you will be amazed by the shinny eyes in the dark like stars in the sky.

slipper lobster, never seen during the day!

spinny lobster some out at night

Lobsters like to hide during the day and go hunting at night when they can be seen out crawling on the reef. Same goes for the shrimps whose eyes shine bright red at night.

Tapestry Shrimp

Durban Dancing shrimps

You wouldn't believe the crabs we see at night, camouflaging as much as they can with their surroundings!

decorator spider crab

this sponge crab, attaches a sponge (or piece of coral) to its back to "hide"

Baskin stars only come out at night and in the maze of their arms, you can find these cute little shrimps.

There are all types of cool hermit crabs too... living in a discarded shell. The anemone Hermit crab (bottom right), lives in symbiosis with anemone attached to its shells giving it some protection.

Have you ever taken a closer look at their eyes! I love them so much!!!!

hermit crabs showing his beautiful colors

The mollusk family also have a few night ownls!

In the molusk family, you will see plenty more nudibranch, sea slugs and shells coming out as well. It is not uncommon to sea shells during the day but they only come alive at night, at which time you can see them with their body out feeding or moving around.

most shells are nocturnal

For example here, a giant Triton shell eating a seastar

A cute nudibranch

In the Nudibranchia family, you will meet some nocturnal creatures, such as the gorgeous Spanich dancer (here again, it is quite common to see spanish dancer's eggs during the day, but while big, we never see adults around during the days).

spanish dancers are nocturnal nudibranch swimming with a lovely flamenco skirt...

spanish dancers are pretty big nudibranch only seen at night

What cephalopods come out at night?

Cephalopods are also mostly nocturnal creatures and while squids can be seen schooling during the day, they rarely come as closed as individuals attracted by our torches at night.

Pygmy squid are only seen during night dives

Squid are a lots more photogenic at night!

One of the most fascinating things about diving at night is seeing the coral bloom. Coral polyps come out at night to feed, extending their tentacles to catch plankton and other small organisms. The coral's nocturnal activity gives the reef a different vibe and reveals a new dimension of beauty. Not only does your torch give you the correct colours back but Night diving is an exciting opportunity to witness the reef come alive and experience the coral world in a more Awaken way!

On your first night dive, you may also experience the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence and feel like harry potter gave you his special wand! When the water is touched or disturbed, it appears to light up, as if by magic.
This effect is caused by plankton and can only be seen in certain locations and at certain times: in Thailand it can be seen pretty much every night but will be stronger at times.

These experiences are unique to night diving and add extra excitement and fun to your diving excursion.

Prepare For Your Night Dive

Preparation is key when it comes to any kind of diving. But for diving at night, it can be even more important.

Before you head out for a night dive, it can be a good idea to dive at the same spot during the day. This can give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of the underwater landscape, environment, and the type of conditions you might experience.

As well as diving in the same location during the day, you could also dive at the same spot at dusk or dawn. This can allow you to experience the dive site when there is limited light, but just enough that you’re still able to see most things around you.

Diving during dusk could help to ease you into the night diving experience, as it will get dark gradually during your dive.

While you can see a wide view of the underwater landscape on a dive during the day, your night diving experience will be much different as you usually only look within the beam of your torch.

You’ll be able to pick out more detail in a smaller area, offering a new perspective and letting you discover new sights. That’s in addition to the nocturnal creatures that you might not have seen during a daytime dive.

Pack Your Diving Lights

As well as your essential diving gear, you will need to consider the additional items that you’re likely to need to dive in the dark.

One of the most important pieces of equipment for night diving is your primary diving light. This will allow you to see in front of you, helping you to navigate the underwater world in the dark. It will also help you to view shipwrecks and sea creatures during your dive.

Wonderful sea fans on a night dive

Your light should be bright enough (with enough lumens) for you to easily see where you’re going under the water but it doesn't need to be the brightest light on the market as that will be bliding to you/ your buddy and the sleeping fish you may encounter! The width of the beam can also be another consideration and will likely depend on the conditions where you plan to dive.

A light with both a wide beam and spotlight can be useful, especially if you want to be able to get a close-up look in tight spaces.

Think about the length of time you plan to dive to help you select a light with an adequate battery life.

For night diving, you should also have a secondary light in case your primary light fails. This one should still be bright enough to enjoy the end of the dive and to signal your position to the boat once you reach the surface.

Another useful light for safety and visibility is a tank light. This lets your diving partner know where you are and vice versa. These lights are usually small LED lights and can either be flashing or a continuous light but it is actually pretty impossible to loose your dive buddy at night unless he turns off his diving torch (and even then, he/she will be able to see you very well!)

Round Up Your Diving Buddy

A diving partner can be even more essential for a good night dive, as you can help to keep each other safe and share your underwater finds!

Before you enter the water, make sure you both know each other’s communication signals, including light signals. This means you can reassure each other and alert each other in an emergency.

It can be a good idea to dive with a partner who has experience with night diving, especially if it’s your first time and to use the same dive gear, as finding your marks on new equipment is harder in the dark.

Choose A Shallow Dive Spot

A shallow diving site with little to no current is ideal for your first night dive.
Seeing the bottom from the time you jump in the water can help to reassure you on the way down rather than crossing a patch of dark water until you reach the reef.

The MV Smiling Seahorse diving platform

Know The Hazards

It can be helpful to do a little research on the nocturnal marine life in the area where you plan to dive. This can give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of potential dangerous marine animals that you may encounter.

In Myanmar for example, we have a lot of crocodile needled fish right under the surface, and they get pretty spooked and disoriented if divers jump on top of them with lights shinning right in their eyes. This would be the biggest hazard you will encounter here as they might go straight at the light, not seeing you are behind it and their beak is pretty sharp! Turning off your light to jump in is the easiest way to avoid this collision as they will easily see and avoid you! You can then turn on your dive torch before descending.

Be careful at the crocodile needled fish!

Be careful if there are crocodile needled fish in the area!

Crocodile needle fish aren’t the only ones reacting like a deer in the headlights and giant barracudas hunting at night can look pretty scary when they turn towards your torch with their sharp-teethed-smile! Lighting yourself with your torch is the best way to show them that you are indeed a human behind the light and they will do just like during the day: they will run away from you!

Just like during the day placing your hand on a scorpion fish can end painfully! The best way to avoid this kind of injury is to keep good buoyancy control and avoid touching anything!

How long does a night dive last?

You don’t need to dive for as long as you do during the day, especially if it’s your first night dive but you can. Discuss this during your briefing with your dive guide and dive buddies and agree on a hand signal to say “you had enough” or “you want to stay a little longer”. You may be surprised once you get used to the darkness, you may actually want to make it longer than you planned. As night dives are pretty shallow it is quite common to come back to the boat with some air in your tank and far from reaching NDL.

Cool in the sunset...

Ready to jump!

Night diving is usually done on a the reef. But there is also a new way to dive at night, offshore. Have you heard about Blackwater diving? It is a night dive in the open ocean over hundred of meter of water, we do not look at blooming coral on these dives but they let you witness some of the most mesmerising "ocean babies" including all types of larvae, cephalopods and crustaceans living in the open seas.

The Smiling Seahorse is the only liveaboard in Thailand offering Blackwater diving on every cruise, but most liveaboard offer the more traditional night diving on the reef.

Pelagic octopus: Paper Nautilus

Deep sea fish: Tripod fish

On blackwater dives, you can see all the marine life we see on the reef at its larval stage but also some fish never seen on the reef, such as deep sea creatures or pelagic such as the paper nautilus or tripod fish that usually lives at depths of hundreds of meters.

Get in touch to book your next holidays and try Night diving with us!

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Napoleon, the emperor of warm seas

30/5/2022

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If you are passionate about colorful reefs, you probably know the Napoleon fish! Also called giant wrasse or humpback wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) it is an emblematic tropical reef fish and although on average it is 60 cm, it can reach up to 2.30 m long and weigh over 200 kg!

Napoleon's cocked hat.

Napoleon, what a funny name ?!
This labrum owes its name to its hump, which recalls Napoleon's cocked hat.
Its scientific name, however, Cheilinus Undulatus, means "wavy lips" in reference to the full lips of this pretty fish.
Long live the Emperor Napoleon!

The wrasse lives mainly in the Indo-Pacific region, where it lives in the waters of 48 countries between 0 and 100 meters deep. This wrasse has an exceptional life expectancy: 25-30 years, and some individuals studied have even lived for fifty years!

The Napoleon fish is a Trans!
During its development, the giant wrasse will change sex. We then speak of successive hermaphroditism. All giant wrasses are born female and reach their sexual majority around the age of 7. Some individuals would then become males around their fifteenth year. Their appearance changes: they drop the red-orange of their scales for a more or less bright blue-green color, and their legendary bump develops and becomes more pronounced with age.

Male Napoléon fish

The humpback wrasse diet: defender of the coral reef...
Napoleon plays an important role in the ecosystem of coral species. Indeed, giant wrasses are one of the few animals that can feed on the purple acanthaster or Christ's crown (Acanthaster planci), an invasive starfish species whose diet consists almost exclusively of coral. It also feeds on mollusks, crustaceans and other poisonous species such as box fish or sea hares.

However, the napoleon is in danger.
Now protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1973), its population is estimated to have halved over the past 30 years. Its fishing is prohibited in many countries, but it is not always controllable, and this animal is still abundantly fished in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.
In addition to their pretty colors, giant wrasses have the misfortune of being very tasty and are considered a luxury treat in Hong Kong where some businessmen are willing to pay 2000 USD to wow the gallery by eating a pair of lips!

Now protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1973), its population is estimated to have halved over the past 30 years.

Please don't feed napoleons!
No more than other species for that matter ... Tourism poses a certain risk for the Napoleon wrasse population. At some tourist hot-spots, animals are baited by food thrown by boats, in other places, dive guides feed them hard-boiled eggs to amuse tourists.
The fish become dependent on these baits and no longer distrust boats or humans.

If you liked this article, please share it and if you have any other info on this magnificent emperor, leave us a comment below!

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All about the magnificent Ribbon Eel

14/3/2022

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The Marine Drag Queen

ribbon eel the drag queen of the seas blog post

Scientific name : Rhinomuranea Quaesita

The ribbon Eel is the only member of its genus. Scientists thought for a long time that there were 3 types of ribbon eel, the black, the blue, and the yellow species. But now we know they form a unique species changing sex and colour during its lifespan!

1) ITS HABITAT

Ribbon eels can live up to 20 years, and can grow up to 1 meter long. The biggest individual observed measured 1,30 m.

You can find the Ribbon eel in sandy areas around reefs and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It can be found in very shallow waters down to 60m.
It usually stays in the same cave for months or even years and two individuals (usually adult males) can be seen sharing the same hole.

Adult male Ribbon Eel out of his hole blue yellow ribboneel underwatercreature snake

Ribbon Eels are rarely sighted out of their hole

2) ITS BEHAVIOR

The ribbon eel is a carnivore which preys on small fish and other animals that swim too close to their hole.

They can be generally observed poking their head out of their hole waiting to catch prey as it wanders past.

3) ITS COLORATION TELL ITS AGE AND GENDER

Ribbon eels are first males: black with a yellow dorsal fin

Maturing individuals become female : a blue and yellow ribbon eel

Yellow Ribbon Eels are older female, ready to find a mate

Every individual is born as male.
Juveniles and sub-adults are black with a yellow dorsal fin. When they reach adulthood, they keep the yellow fin but the body turns blue and starts developing female reproductive organs.
When they reach their full size, they turn into female and change their color to complete yellow.
They will then find a mate, lay their eggs, and die within a month.

Ribbon eel Larvae on a blackwater dive- Thailand 2022

It is due to their short lifespan that the female ribbon eels are rarely observed.

The ribbon is the only protandric
hermaphrodite eel, meaning they are capable of changing sex to female if there is a shortage of natural females in the environment.

Ever seen a Ribbon Eel Larvae? We regularly spot them on our blackwater dives!

Totally transparent, you would easily take them for a jelly of some sort before you see them swimming towards you with bright eyes!!

You can even see their tube gut (the stripe down the middle).

Can you guess the gender of these beautiful ones?

Beautiful ribbon eels made the show for us!

4) ITS MAJOR THREATS

.Did you know that the major threat of this species is the aquarium trade??

While writing this post, I found more websites giving advice about keeping the animal alive in captivity, or selling them, than information about the animal itself... Better to leave them in their natural habitat and observe them while scuba diving, don't you think...?

Come see them in Thailand and Myanmar while they are still around :)

Subscribe to our blog to learn more intersting facts about the wonderful Marine Life we have in Thailand.

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The wonderful garden eels: FAQ

27/8/2021

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Do you know garden eels? They are strange tropical fishes with serpentiform bodies and puffy faces with big eyes making them, overall … super cute.
They live in large colonies oscillating like whip coral in the currents and disappear like a mirage when you approach.
We will try in this blogpost to answer the question we most often get about these fish, in the form of a garden eel FAQ...

1. Who are the garden eels?
2. Why are they called “garden eels”?
3. Where do garden eels live?
4. How do they move?
5. What do garden eels feed on?
6. How do garden eel reproduce?
7. Are garden eels dangerous?
8. How do you take photo of garden eels?

Who are the garden eels?

Garden eels, together with congers make up the congridae family. The wonderful garden eel is a medium-sized fish, up to a maximum length of 40 cm. Its body has a circular shape with a diameter of about 10 mm. They dig a burrow with their tail, which they coat with mucus to avoid collapse.

Why are they called “garden eels”?

These small eels live in burrows on the sea floor and get their name from their practice of putting their heads off their burrows while most of their bodies remain hidden. As they tend to live in groups of up to a few hundred individuals, the many eel heads "growing" from the bottom of the sea resembles a plant garden.

Where do garden eels live?

Most eels live in the warm parts of the tropical oceans including the Andaman Sea. They can be observed from afar pocking out of "eel pits" in colonies on the sandy plains and slopes that border the coral reefs. They prefer areas swept by currents which bring them more nutrients. They burrow themselves in the sand, mud (or more rarely among the rocks). Unlike most eel species who are nocturnal, garden eels feed during the day and will retreat in their burrow at night.

How do garden eels move?

Although garden eels can swim freely, they prefer to bury themselves in the sand... once they are big enough to dig a hole and settle down they never leave home. The exception is during the mating season when they might come out to dig a new burrow closer to their partner...

What do garden eels feed on?

Feeding on zooplankton, garden eels catch their food drifting in the ocean current, they don't need to go far but just like plants growing higher to get more sunlight, they need to protrude from the floor to get more preys. And they do this all day! All garden eels in the colony facing the current ready for the next meal.

How do garden eel reproduce?

During mating, garden eels intertwine their upper halves, their tails remaining in their individual burrows.

Garden eels usually only leave their original burrows to get closer to their partners during the spawning season. If two males end up too close to each other, they can fight for the territory and neighboring females. During mating, garden eels intertwine their upper halves, their tails remaining in their individual burrows. Two eels can stay this way for hours during a single mating. Garden eels are pelagic spawners; they release fertilized eggs into the open water, which then float close to the surface with the current. When eggs hatch, juveniles swim freely (and get be seen on black water dives) until they grow large enough to create their own burrows.

(photo left from Pete Atkinson)

Are garden eels dangerous?

No, Garden eels are not dangerous. Their mouth is too small to bite you, they only eat zooplankton, remember? They have no venom, no spines, and very small tooth.
In fact, these little creatures are very shy and disappear underground when divers approach.

How do you take photo of garden eels?

Because they are so shy, it is very tricky to take photos of Garden eels. Some photographers had successful shots by holding their breath long enough… other use a remote control to get the close-up shots.
The photo below is from Pete Atkinson. When asked how he did it he answered: Habituation, patience and breath-holding: I lay on the sand and inched my way closer over about 30 mins. I would hold my breath whenever they appeared so I didn't scare them. Eventually they were so familiar with me being there they came out far enough for a few pictures. I was using a 105mm micro lens on a Nikon F4, with flash. When I breathed out they disappeared into their holes. You might be able to do this more easily with a rebreather…

Field of garden eels swaying with currents

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Enter the circus of the amazing clownfish family !

6/8/2021

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The Clown fish is an Anemone fish, a specialized type of damselfish.
The first magic trick that the clownfish is able to perform is its venom immunity: they have a special symbiosis relationship with their host anemone. Together, they realize, for your greatest pleasure, what is called a “symbiosis relationship”. Since the eggs are laid directly under its skirt, anemone fishes are immune to anemone's stingy tentacles from day 1. It is a mutually beneficial relationship in which the anemone can feed from the fish dejection while the fish gets shelter from lurking predators.

But the highlight of the show is probably its "transgender ability". All clownfish are born male with one female surrounded by a harem of smaller males. When the female leaves the group or dies, the larger male fish will become a female. Spoiler for the next episode: Nemo will never be able to have a little sister.

True Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and False Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

False clown fish are actually the most common and well known clownfish and believe it or not but Nemo, the pixar animation's star, is not the real deal, he is a false Clownfish!
It is actually very difficult to differentiate the true from the False Clownfish, both are bright orange with white bands separated by black lines (which are slightly thinner in the false clownfish).
Both species can be found in the Andaman Sea of Thailand.

True clowfish

False Clown fish = Nemo

Saddle anemonefish, aka Tomato Clownfish - Amphiprion ephippium

Tomato clown fishes have an orange-red color and A. frenatus have a white vertical stripe behind the eye when they are young. The band disappears when they age and only black specks remain when they turn to females. There are several types of Tomato clownfish. Amphiprion ephippium, commonly known as Saddle anemonefish, is a medium-sized (5-10cm) anemonefish from the Tomato complex more common whendiving Myanmar.

Female tomato clownfish

Clark's Clownfish - Amphiprion clarkii

Clarks anemonefish are very distinct in look to the other anemonefish. They are a lot darker in colour with two white lines contrasted by an orange face, tail and fins.
I love clarks because they usually hover quite high over their anemone which make them easy to spot and also because they often live with anemone crabs.

Skunk Clownfish - Amphiprion akallopisos

Also quite easy to identify, the Skunk Clownfish is one of the smallest anemonefish (11cm) with a white band all along its back.

Where can you see Clownfishes and anemonefishes

Habitat :Clownfish are found in the Pacific and the Andaman Sea. Different clownfish favour different anemone types. Tomato clownfish like the pretty orange bubble tip anemone while it is more common to find the clark anemonefish in the shorter carpet like anemone.

What do clownfish eat?

Clownfish are omnivorous. They feed mainly on filamentous algae, planktonic copepods and benthic crustaceans.

Reproduction
When a female is ready to mate, the male will perform a courtship and the female will deposit 400 to 1,000 eggs on the rock next or under their anemone host. The male will immediately pass over the patch to fertilize the eggs and the couple will then protect them until they hatch, in about 6 to 11 days. Babies clownfish will then drift with the current until they are big enough to swim and find an anemone to settle in.

clark's anemonefish mama tending to her offsprings

Clownfish babies still in their eggs

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And fee free to read some more fun facts about the Andaman Sea inhabitants on our blog !

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4 incredible fun facts about the peacock mantis shrimps!

An interesting life cycle

Smasher vs Spearer Mantis Shrimp

​Now, let's answer some of the most common questions people ask about peacock mantis shrimp:

Diving isn't just Fun! It's Good for you!!!

​1. Dive into an Alien World

​2. Dive into a world of Tranquility: The World of silence is the perfect break from the everyday hustle

3. Dive into a World of New Skills (Including Levitation!)

​4. Dive into a Confidence Boosting world!

5. Dive into the Diving Community: a Not-So-Secret (bit oh-so-cool) Society

6. Dive into Happines: Diving is the best Therapy!

7. Dive into Fitness Effortlessly

8. Dive into Knowledge: The Ultimate Conversation Starter (become a Marine Life Geek

​9. Dive into Thrills and Chills

10. Dive into the best addiction ever! Dive, Travel, Repeat!

What can you see on night dives and not on day dives

Eels come out on night dives

And so do crustaceans, they love going out at night...

The mollusk family also have a few night ownls!

What cephalopods come out at night?

Prepare For Your Night Dive

Pack Your Diving Lights

Round Up Your Diving Buddy

Choose A Shallow Dive Spot

Know The Hazards

How long does a night dive last?

The Marine Drag Queen

1) ITS HABITAT

2) ITS BEHAVIOR

3) ITS COLORATION TELL ITS AGE AND GENDER

4) ITS MAJOR THREATS

True Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and False Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

Saddle anemonefish, aka Tomato Clownfish - Amphiprion ephippium

Clark's Clownfish - Amphiprion clarkii

Skunk Clownfish - Amphiprion akallopisos

Where can you see Clownfishes and anemonefishes

What do clownfish eat?

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Now, let's answer some of the most common questions people ask about peacock mantis shrimp:

1. Dive into an Alien World

2. Dive into a world of Tranquility: The World of silence is the perfect break from the everyday hustle

4. Dive into a Confidence Boosting world!

9. Dive into Thrills and Chills