|
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.
Reef Fish
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.
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!
Bottom Dwellers
 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!
Pelagic Passersby
 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!
Rarities and New Species
 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!
|
