Friday Jun 6, 2008

I haven't updated this dive journal in awhile, but have been diving frequently for me - two to three times a week. John and I had big tanks, and the Larins regular 80's. We headed out to the arch behind the Fire Station in Pupukea, with the intent of exploring out beyond the point and toward Waimea Bay.

Along the way, Art came across a nice Spanish Dancer - relatively small one, about 4 inches. A little further along, two Leaf Scorpionfish were sharing a coral outcrop. They certainly are photogenic and easy to film, as they rely on camouflage to keep predators away, and will often pose as long as you like. I especially like the pink coralline algae colored variety.

After the Larins split off, John and I covered quite a bit of ground in the 45-55 foot rubble. Not much cover for fishes to hide in. Lots of foraging schools. We did find this Gymnothorax Rueppellii and got some nice footage.

On the way in I spent some time trying to get closeups of a free swimming fang blenny (Plagiotremus ewaensis). I had a nice shot of one (Plagiotremus goslinei) in a hole from the a couple weeks back. They are very difficult to film, as they move in and out of the focal range, especially when zoomed in tight. Fangblennies often mimic cleaner wrasses in coloration and swimming behavior. As an unwitting fish approaches to be cleaned, or simply move through the "safe" area, the fangblenny will make a lightning strike and grab a bit of mucus or bits of scales from the fish. I have seen the struck fish loop back around "angrily", looking for the punk who nipped him while he wasn't looking. Often, a short chase ensues, one the blenny always seems to win.

Interesting to poke around in some new areas at this often dove site.

Leaf Scorpionfish Pair (Taenianotus triacanthus)

Spanish Dancer (Hexabranchus sanguineus)

Gymnothorax Rueppellii

Ewa Fangblenny (Plagiotremus ewaensis)

Gosline's Fangblenny (Plagiotremus goslinei)