Getting wet cools us off from the hot sun even though the ocean waters are like a bathtub these days. Now I realize that we enjoyed a few clear days in the water before the visibility really started to suffer. When it gets too warm, the algae blooms and casts a green hue over everything.
Fortunately, there were some semi-clear days perfect for snorkeling on another reef behind our anchored boat.
The reef contained pretty soft and hard corals plus a variety of critters.
There is currently a huge overpopulation of sharpnose pufferfish everywhere you look, often seeking protection in the branches of gorgonians. When not clustering they can be seen settling on a surface, sometimes surprising me on the back of my hand when I’m taking a picture.
This reef included a few 20 foot deep spots where I’d frequently see spotted eagle rays hoovering the bottom for tasty morsels.
I even ran into a pretty large black grouper (~3-4 ft ~ 30 lbs?) who had trouble hiding his bulk behind a coral gorgonian.
When I dove to visit him for a picture he promptly took off for deeper waters… a decent survival instinct that has no doubt helped him grow so big.
We are in a full moon period when the reef animals and corals spawn, contributing to low visibility. There have also been a few squalls here and there, which help with catching fresh water for the boat, yet also churns up the waters with runoff from the mainland. However, when things are stirred up new and interesting critters start to show up, like this lettuce sea slug!
Besides my perennial favorites, blennies and shrimp (you can be guaranteed to see more of them later), the hermit crabs were on the move recently.
In order of size, the red reef hermit crabs are fairly common, again clustering together (there are at least 4 in this photo), in the nooks and crannies of the reef rocks. They occupy 1-2 inch american star shells and can be detected by their bright yellow eyes.
Next in size, the white speckled hermit crabs can be found in abandoned helmut shells of around 3-5 inch sizes. They are somewhat shy, yet their blue eyes are beautiful and sometimes all you can see from the safety of their sturdy home.
On rare occasions I’ve run into a giant hermit crab, both times in a triton trumpet shell that spans about 12 - 18 inches. These guys have large front claws and distinctive green eyes and I was lucky to find this one strutting out in the open grass the other day.
Who knew that hermit crabs have eyebrows & eyelashes!?!
Well, the fateful day came when I jumped in the water for a photo session and somehow the camera door opened and filled with water (UGH). Not sure what happened since there is a system for locking the camera, possibly user-error or other failure. Regardless, it is now time for a replacement ~ on the way in two weeks. At least I have still plenty of photos to keep me busy until then!