Beautiful Santa Barbara Island
Our last trip to the Santa Barbara Island was amazing. We had good conditions both above and below the water. Nice, sunny day and clear blue water with 60+ feet visibility! This is the sight that greeted us underwater - morning light filtering in through the canopy of the beautiful amber forest. As we swam through the kelp forest, an inquisitive male California sheephead approached to check us out. A sheephead can live for up to 20 years in favorable conditions, and can grow to 91cm (3ft) and weigh up to 16kn (35lbs).
Appreciating the Biodiversity of Coral Triangle
So many varieties of coral, sea fans, sponges, tunicates, fish… The beauty and biodiversity of the Tubbataha Reef was simply stunning.
Huge Sea Fan at Tubbataha
Like other dive sites in the Coral Triangle, the coral reef of Tubbataha was so beautiful and full of life. Aside from beautiful coral and schools of fish, the huge sea fans like these were also memorable.
Love is in the Water~ Part 2
Just like the diver couples diving together around them, these two longfin bannerfish (Heniochus acuminatus) were enjoying each other’s company at Tubbataha Reef, Philippines. These fish are often confused with the Moorish idol and schooling bannerfish, but there are a few distinguishing characteristics. It has a shorter snout and smaller chest than Moorish idol, and it has a dark rectangle between the eyes. They are usually found solitary or in pairs like Moorish idols, but schooling bannerfish usually form large aggregate.
Love is in the Water~
This couple found a heart shaped osculum in the sponge. Diving can enhance your relationship with your loved one. :)
