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The Marine Life
Without a doubt, the most stunning feature of our
local waters is the abundance of marine life, with
both the quantity and the bio-diversity.
An annual plankton bloom usually occurs from
December to April and, although the visibility can
be reduced, the marine activity on the reefs is
greatly intensified. Furthermore, these nutrients
attract some of the world's largest and most
impressive sea creatures such as Manta Rays and
Whale Sharks. Manta Rays, stretching up to 4 m wide
from wing tip to wing tip, glide effortlessly
through the shallow waters with their huge mouths
widely open in their non-stop feeding rituals. Close
sightings of these truly majestic creatures are
literally a breathtaking experience.
Whilst Manta Rays usually appear either alone or in
small groups and their smaller cousins, Devil Rays,
group together in large schools that create an even
more impressive spectacle. Formation flying in
groups of 50 or more 1 m wide Devil Rays gliding
alongside you perfectly synchronized and coordinated
instills a truly indescribable feeling. Amazingly,
when these schools do visit us they tend to frequent
the same dive sights on a daily basis and due to
their vast numbers are easily seen.
Another large ray that is here throughout the year
is the giant Reef Ray. This monstrous fish spans 2-3
m wide with a large dome shaped head that makes this
kind of rays be an awesome sight for any divers.
What is more, they are nocturnal feeders and are
attracted to divers' torch lights. We often have to
spend the whole night dive to try to avoid
collisions with those giant rays as they tend to
swim straightly towards the lights.
Also feeding on bottom dwelling Crustaceans and a
close relative of the giant Reef Rays are the
renowned and majestic Eagle Rays. Similar to Mantas
in size, shape and awesome beauty, Eagle Rays are
also present throughout the year!
Further, Bluespotted Stingrays can be seen as soon
as you enter the water, whilst rarer Electric,
Masked and Mangrove Rays are resident here but are
more difficult to find.
Closely related to those rays are the sharks. Black
Tip, Gray Reef, White and Silver Tip Sharks are
often seen in these waters. Dawn dives at certain
sites can virtually guarantee shark sightings,
otherwise huge (3 m) Thresher Sharks are also seen,
especially on the day trips to outer locations.
Occasionally Leopard, Guitar and Hammerhead (3 m)
Sharks are also sighted.
Last but by no means least, WHALE SHARKS, the
largest cold blooded animal on the planet (8-12 m).
One of the most awesome sights of the seas, easily
the most sought after, talked about and memorable
encounter for divers and snorkelers alike! Like
Manta Rays, the Whale Sharks spend tireless hours
swimming lengths in shallow waters with their huge
mouths agape as they filter the nutrients of the
sea, making them particularly easy to see. |
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Reef Fish |
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Dancing colours from right across the
spectrum over a coral textured backdrop
create many delightful scenes throughout our
tropical reefs.
Abundance and variety are the two words that
best describe the reef fish of Pulau Weh,
countless species of Damsels, Butterflies,
Angels, Parrot, and Trigger fish plus the
endless schools of Fusiliers, colour
changing Cuttle fish and Squid. Trumpet and
Pipefish, Leaf and Razor fish occupy the
shallows with Box, Trunk, Puffers and
Porcupines, not forgetting the spectacular
and poisonous Lion, Scorpion and Stonefish.
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The list just goes on and on and on with too many to
mention. Also consider that there are so many
different species from each family of all imaginable
shapes, sizes and colours, the result is truly
sensational! |
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Bottom
Dwellers |
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The reefs themselves are literally lined
with ground floor residents; the bottom
dwellers include crabs, crustaceans, shape
and colour-changing octopus, shrimps
(Cleaners, Mantis, Gobies, Hingeback etc.)
and fields of anemones. Too many Moray Eels,
100s of beautiful Nudibranchs, Sea
Cucumbers, Ribbon Eels, Ascidians, Flat
Worms, Stingrays, Lobsters etc. again the
list is literally inexhaustible!
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Pelagic
Passersby |
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Schools of giant Barracuda, Dolphins, Pilot
Whales, Sailfish and Marlins are but some of
the open ocean hunters occupying these
waters. Also Dogtooth Tuna, Jacks,
Trevallies, Rainbow Runners and Mackerel
flash dart in and out of the reef trying to
snap up tasty morsels and send the reef fish
running for cover! The free swimming Pelagic
species find these reefs easily accessible
hunting grounds as they are directly
adjacent to deep ocean waters!
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Rarities and
New Species |
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For the real marine life enthusiasts the
sheer abundance of life here provides a
really good opportunity for seeing some of
the much rarer species. Frog fish,
Ghost-pipe fish, Sea-horses, Golden and
Zebra morays, many very unusual Nudibranchs
and various Juvenile varieties all occur in
these waters.
Furthermore the famous marine biologist, Dr.
Gerald R. Allen (writer and contributor to
many of the definitive reef fish
identification books) dives with us when he
visits Pulau Weh. On his last visit,
(although it was hardly possible to catch
him out of the water) Gerry identified and
recorded 8 new species in just 10 days of
diving!!
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Destinations on Pulau Weh
Pulau Weh
has more than 50 great sites to explore. Historical sites,
beautiful beaches, exotic diving sites, delicious cuisines,
tropical breeze of exciting moments, Pulau Weh invite you to
enjoy the new experience of nature.
Historical Sites will be placed here |
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