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| New West Britain | ||
| Walindi Plantation | ||
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Hanging Gardens
5 minute boat ride |
This vertical wall at hanging gardens has many ledges and overhangs and several large caverns. Hanging from the wall are masses of rope sponge (Gelliodes sp.) which give the site its name. These sponges reach at least 3m in length and many have crinoids clinging to them. At about 27 metres the wall meets a sand and rubble slope. On this slope you can find many gobies, including a small undescribed Cryptocentrus that has a pair of yellow lines running the full length of its body. In the undercut near the mooring, between 7 and 10 metres it is possible to find (Signigobius biocellatus) and Randals Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris randali). At depths over 20 metres on Hanging Gardens and other reefs close to Walindi it is possible to find Cirrhilabrus walindii. This lovely small wrasse was first discovered on the reefs around Walindi. The female has a large black spot high on the caudal base. The male has a pair of black semicircular marks on the lower fins. | |
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Numundo Reef
(Bob's Knob) 10 minute boat ride |
This reef is protected from the larger ocean swells and as a result many of the more delicate corals thrive here. The diversity of corals on this reef is outstanding. In fact, this reef has one of the richest assemblages of hard corals in the bay. On the reef top, staghorn corals (Acropora species) are dense and vigorous. Cardinalfishes (Apogonidae), Squirrelfishes (Holocentridae) and Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) are abundant amongst the staghorn. On the reef slope there are a number of coral pillars. Around these pillars you can find Lionfish (Pterois antennata and Pterois volitans) and the Double-Striped Dottyback (Pseudochromis bitaeniatus). In deeper water near rubble patches it is possible to find small aggregations of the lovely Filamentous Wrasse (Paracheilinus filamentosus). The males have filamentous dorsal rays. See Coral Reefs, Natures Richest Realm, by Roger Steene for a good photograph. Look carefully at the coral rubble in the shallow water near the island as one piece may turn out to be the Spiny Devilfish (Inimicus didactylus). This Scorpionfish walks over rubble areas with modified pectoral fin rays. It is an ambush predator, often burying itself in the sand and is so well camouflaged that it is hard to find even when you know where it is. | |
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Schumann Island
30 minute boat ride |
This popular lunch spot offers interesting diving and snorkeling. The shallow sandy bottom and coral outcrop habitats contain a multitude of fish species, many of which are rarely observed on the regular dive sites. It is often areas such as this, where some people don't bother to dive because it is "too shallow" or "too close to shore" or "not enough coral" where some of the most interesting and unusual creatures are found. In the middle of the lagoon there are several small coral outcrops which hold an incredible diversity of life for their small size. A survey was conducted on the smallest coral head and over 40 species of corals and 65 species of fish were observed. This is quite remarkable for an area of only a few square metres. Between the coral outcrops and the channel you can find the Panda Anemonefish (Amphiprion polymnus) amongst anemones on the open sand. These anemonefish will defend their territory against all corners and have been known to bite divers. Porcelain Crabs are sometimes seen around the edges of the anemones. Please don't touch the anemones as they are likely to retract quickly into the sand, leaving their symbionts temporarily stranded and exposed to predation.On the sand it is also possible to find fishes such as Sand Divers (Trichonotus elegans) and the Curious Worm Fish (Gunnelichthys curiosus). Both types of fish will dart into the sand when approached but with a little care and patience it is possible to get quite close. On the reef there are large numbers of Banded Pipefish (Corythoichthys intestinalis). You may find some with a long ventral projection which makes them look like they have swallowed something rather uncomfortable. These are males and the funny shape is the brood pouch where eggs are fertilized and incubated. On the reef tops there are many interesting species of Damselfishes (Pomacertridae) and Blennies (Blennidae). Next time you have the opportunity to dive an area such as Schumann Island, think of it as a golden opportunity to find some of the interesting creatures that are not seen on the outer reefs. In some of the most bizarre and interesting finds come from places the average diver would never consider trying. Take your time and look carefully! | |
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Restorf Island
30 minute boat ride |
The waters around Restorf Island hold an incredible diversity of marine life. It would be possible to spend a week diving here and still find new things in the various habitat types around the island. Depth is from the surface, down to 32 m, and this site is excellent for snorkeling. On the main reef there is a profusion of coral growth, especially gorgonian fax an black corals, with anemones occupied by Clown Anemonefish near the boat mooring There is a great variety of reef fishes along the full length of the main reef. At the end of the reef, Gray Reef Sharks are often seen.To the west side of Restorf, the reef slopes downward in a patchwork of loosely connected coral bommies, many serving as anchors for gorgonian fans, sea whips, barrel sponges, and elephant ear sponges. Among these live many species of smaller reef fish such as hawkfish, gobies and colorful anthias and numerous invertebrates including nudibranchs, shrimp, feather duster worms and an occasional octopus. | |
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