Photo Stream /pics/dimaging/809497 2004:02:07 05:25:44 70.0-200.0mm @ 82.0mm 2 sec, f/2.8 Mode: Program Metering: Center-weighted average ISO: 200 AF mode: AF-C White balance: AUTO Flash: Off File size: 9,795KB Image size: 3034 x 2024 Sharpness: AUTO http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=70272&1=1 File: Img2003-12-31 122039.jpg File size: 2,768KB Camera Model: NIKON D100 Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS Windows Date/Time: 2003:12:31 12:20:39 Shutter speed: 1/125 sec Aperture: 7.1 Exposure mode: Manual Metering mode: Multi-segment ISO: 200 Focal length: 60.0mm Image size: 2460 x 1560 Rotation: none Color profile: Adobe RGB (1998) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=75464&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=75625&1=1 File Fish http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=76698&1=1 File: dsc_0871.jpg File size: 2,753KB Camera Model: NIKON D100 Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS Windows Date/Time: 2004:01:28 20:17:14 Shutter speed: 1/60 sec Aperture: 13.0 Exposure mode: Manual Metering mode: Center-weighted average ISO: 200 Focal length: 70.0mm Image size: 2593 x 1840 Rotation: none Color profile: Adobe RGB (1998) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=76719&1=1 File: dsc_1342.jpg File size: 4,846KB Camera Model: NIKON D100 Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS Windows Date/Time: 2004:01:31 16:11:52 Shutter speed: 1/80 sec Aperture: 18.0 Exposure mode: Manual Metering mode: Center-weighted average ISO: 200 Focal length: 70.0mm Image size: 3008 x 2000 Rotation: none Color profile: Adobe RGB (1998) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=76805&1=1 File: dsc_1534.jpg File size: 885KB Camera Model: NIKON D100 Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS Windows Date/Time: 2004:02:01 15:14:54 Shutter speed: 1/80 sec Aperture: 13.0 Exposure mode: Manual Metering mode: Center-weighted average ISO: 200 Focal length: 45.0mm Image size: 1253 x 833 Rotation: none Color profile: Adobe RGB (1998) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=76863&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=77021&1=1 I am reposting this because i did not get any feedback on the image. It was shot in French Polynesia at 130 feet. We were feeding them the heads and tails of Tuna that we took down with us in plastic bags. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=77150&1=1 Sharks don't bite! http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=77635&1=1 This is a repost. I did not get very much feedback. The image is of schooling Grey Reef Sharks that I had to swim through to get back on the boat. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=77911&1=1 One of my Favorites. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=77952&1=1 JellyFish Lake Microneisia http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81456&1=1 Clown Fish http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81460&1=1 JellyFish Lake looking down http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81503&1=1 Pink Anemone Fish http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81556&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81595&1=1 Leaf Scorpionfish (Taenianotus triccanthus) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81604&1=1 Pink Anemone Fish http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81770&1=1 Hermit Crab. File: DSC_3397web.jpg File size: 4,600KB Camera Model: NIKON D100 Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS Windows Date/Time: 2004:11:11 06:09:43 Shutter speed: 1/160 sec Aperture: 25.0 Exposure mode: Manual Metering mode: Center-weighted average ISO: 200 Focal length: 60.0mm Image size: 3008 x 2000 Rotation: none Color profile: Adobe RGB (1998) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81790&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81827&1=1 This is a symbiotic relationship between a Goby and a Blind Shrimp. The Goby stands guard of the burrow and if there is danger the Goby and Shrimp pop into the hole. The Blind Shrimp keeps an antantea on the Goby. In return for the eyes the Shrimp keeps the hole large enough for both of them. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81902&1=1 These fish are one of the holy grails of underwater photography. They are called Mandarinfish. They move like hummingbirds and are about 1 inch in length. They live in coral and hover above the coral head every dusk to mate and then dart back in to the coral. This shot was taken in Palau in Micronesia. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81930&1=1 These are two crocodile fish laying on top of each other. A pretty rare photo opportunity to have two like this posing. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=81983&1=1 Since everybody with the execption of 'debbieandjon' liked the night shot of the Pink Anenomefish i am posting another from that night. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82035&1=1 This Napoleon Wrasse has been trained by this Divemasterfor the past 10 years, since it was one foot in size.He uses hard boiled eggs to acomplish this. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82098&1=1 This is one of my favourite Fish. Napoleon wrasses are big fish. Really big fish. Alongside their neighbours on coral reefs, few fish come close. They can even outsize turtles and sharks. With sad-looking lips and inquisitive eyes their faces are decorated with intricate blue-green scribbles resembling New Zealand Maori war paint, hence their other name is Maori wrasse. Napoleon wrasses are found on reefs across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Sadly it is becoming increasingly rare to catch a glimpse of the majestic Napoleon wrasse in the wild. You are more likely to see them swimming around tanks in expensive seafood restaurants in Hong Kong or Singapore. Since the 1970's it has become a prestigious delicacy to dine on large, colourful coral reef fish that are killed moments before cooking. The Napoleon wrasse is an especially favoured status symbol. A plate of their rubbery lips sells for 250 US dollars and a magnificent 40 kilogram specimen can cost as much as 10,000 US dollars. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82099&1=1 Map Pufferfish in Palau Size: This species attains a maximum length of 65 cm (25.9 inches). Distribution: East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukus, south to southern Queensland, Australia and New Caledonia. Habitat: The map puffer resides on coastal reefs, in clear lagoons, and on fore reef slopes, at depths from 1 to 30 m (3.3 to 98 feet). Juveniles are often seen around sponge encrusted pier pilings, while adults most often occur on shipwrecks, in caves or under table corals. Reproduction: Feeding: Juveniles often sit in or among sponges. This species feeds heavily on sponges, which it will bite off in large chunks, but also eats coralline algae, bubble algae (Valonia spp.) calcareous green algae (Halimeda spp.), tunicates, snails and crabs. Behavior: This is a solitary, secretive species. Distinguishing Characteristics: This species typically has black lines radiating from the eyes, however larger individuals may have dark lines circling around the eyes. Although the color pattern of this species is highly variable, most individuals have irregular black bands on the body, that can form a reticulated pattern. The overall color is usually gray or yellowish gray. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82159&1=1 I posted a video clip of me interacting and photographing the fish. Look how the Napoleon eats the egg and then spits out the shell. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82166&1=1 CLARKS ANEMONEFISH (Amphiprion clarkii) Alternate Common Names: clarks clownfish Family Name: POMACENTRIDAE Size: Clark’s anemonefish reaches a maximum length of (5 inches) and is reported to live as long as 13 years in the wild. Distribution: Arabian Gulf east to Fiji, north to Japan and south to the Maldives and the Great Barrier Reef. Habitat: It has been reported from depths of less than 1 to 55 m (3.3 to 179 feet) - deeper than any other anemonefish species. Clark’s anemonefish is not very host specific when it comes to anemones, and will actually associate with all ten of the commensal anemones. Reproduction: In at least some populations (e.g., southern Japan) the color is a function of the individuals stage of sexual development. For example, juveniles have a transparent caudal fin with or without a white blotch in the middle, young males have a clear fin with a narrow orange border, functional males usually have a transparent tail with a wide orange border, while the tail of a ripe female is all white. Feeding: This species feeds on benthic invertebrates, zooplankton and algae. Behavior: Studies have shown this species is innately protected from the stings of many sea anemones. Often a single, or a colony of sea anemones will host a group of Clark’s anemonefish, which will include one functional pair, and varying numbers of subadults and juveniles. It is not uncommon for subadults to immigrate from one group of A. clarkii to another (this is rare in other anemonefish species). This species is a good swimmer and will stray farther from its host than some of its less "fleet-finned" relatives. Distinguishing Characteristics: This species is quite variable in color. Young specimens are usually cinnamon brown overall with a white head band, white body band. Adults retain the white bands, but may become darker overall. There are also melanistic forms, that are black with a white head and midbody band and a yellow, white or even a black tail. These color forms tend to be specific to particular geographical locations or even a specific anemone species (e.g., Clark’s associating with Merten’s anemone (S. mertensii) are often black overall). Individuals might change body color; for example, I have seen black individuals become brown after two weeks to several months in captivity. Remarks: References: Allne (1972), Elliot & Mariscal (1997), Fautin & Allen (1992), Hattori (1994), Moyer (1985) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82246&1=1 This is a Orange Hairy Hermit Crab the size of a softball. I was not able to find a good species description. It is very nice to see that many of you are inetested in the animals and not just the images. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82360&1=1 ARCEYE HAWKFISH (Paracirrhites arcatus) Family Name:CIRRHITIDAE Size: This species attains a maximum length of 14 cm (5.5 inches). Distribution: East Africa to the Hawaiian, Line and Mangareva Islands, north to southern Japan and south to New Caledonia and Rapa Island. Habitat: The arceye hawkfish occurs on lagoon patch reefs, reef faces and fore reef slopes at depths from 1 to 91 m (3.3 to 296 feet). It is most common in areas where sutiable perching sites (e.g., ramose hard corals like Acropora spp., Pocillopora spp. and Stylophora spp.) are present. Reproduction: Feeding: This hawkfish feeds primarily on bottom dwelling crustaceans, including shrimps and crabs, but it also eats small fishes swimming near the substrate. Although most feeding occurs during the day, individuals may feed on swarming copepods and shrimps after dark on occasion. Behavior: This hawkfish perches on the outer portions of branching coral heads and on top of rocks during the day. At night it shelters between the branches of hard corals. This species forms male-dominated harems, with males defending one or more females. Females live in a home range within a male's territory. Juveniles live in small heads of Acropora or Pocillopora, often within the boundries of male territories. Males interact aggressively at territory boundries, males and females do not interact agonistically, while females will fight over a coral head or shelter site. Distinguishing Characteristics: The arceye hawkfish displays several distinct color morphs. The one most commonly observed is the pink bodies form, which has a white streak on each flank. The other common color pattern consists of a reddish-olive body without the white markings. An intermediate color phase has also been described that has the reddish-olive body but also sports the white stripes. There is also a black color form. It has been demonstrated that these various color phases occur at different depths, but the coloration has nothing to do with the individual's sex. Whatever the body color, the arceye hawkfish always has the ring of orange, red and blue behind and around the eye and three orange bands on a light blue area of the gill cover. Remarks: References: Donaldson (1990), Hiatt & Stratsburg (1960), Hobson (1974) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82404&1=1 Jellyfish- Lots of them! http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82527&1=1 Napoleon Wrasse http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82598&1=1 PINK SKUNK ANEMONEFISH (Amphprion periderion) Alternate Common Names: skunk clownfish, pink anemonefish Family Name: POMACENTRIDAE Size: This species attains a maximum length of 10 cm (3.9 inches). Studies in the field documented that the mean growth rate of this species was 0.3 to 2.9 mm. The dominant adult pair grow more rapidly, while the growth of the subordinates is “stunted.” Distribution: Cocos Keeling and Christmas Islands and southeast Thailand in the eastern Indian Ocean, east to Samoa, north to southern Japan and south to the Great Barrier Reef. Habitat: The pink skunk is found over a depth range of 3 to 30 (10 to 98 feet), in lagoons, reef faces and on fore reef slopes. It typically occurs below the influences of surge. Although it occurs with a handful of anemone species (including Heteractis crispa, Macrodactyla doreensis and Stichodactyla gigantea), it seems to “prefers” the magnificent anemone (Heteractis magnifica,/i>). Individuals rarely migrate from one sea anemone to another. Reproduction: The pink skunk anemonefish spawn on a rock or rubble near the base of their anemone. The pair will engage in side-by-side swimming and belly touching prior to spawning. The female presses her abdomen against the nesting site and moves over the area depositing her eggs. The male will swim behind her a fertilize the eggs. He may also revisit the nest when the female is absent and fertilize them again. The male will mouth and fan the clutch. This species lays an average egg clutch of 300, with an estimated annual fecundity of 2000 to 4000 eggs. The males of this species can be differentiated from the females by the presence of pink on the rear dorsal and caudal fin margins. This species will hybridize with the similar skunk anemonefish (Amphiprion akallopisos) around the island Bali. Feeding: Food habit studies indicate that this fish feeds most heavily on algae, although copepods are also an important constituent of the diet. Worms, anemonefish eggs, crustacean fragments, amphipods, tunicate larvae, crustacean larvae, isopods, crabs, barnacle appendages and gastropods fragments are much less important (most less than 5% of total volume of stomach contents in one study). It will also nip at the tentacles and disc of its host, ingesting waste products and possibly zooplanktors tuck to their host. Individuals of this, and other anemonefish species, are opportunistic and their diet’s can vary over time and from one individual to the next. For example, a pink skunk anemonefish may feed heavily on copepods for a while and then switch to algae. Dietary preferences are in part a function of the availability of suitable prey items. Behavior: Studies have demonstrated that this fish is not innately protected from all anemones, and may be stung by certain potential host species. A single anemone will usually contain an adult pair and a group of subordinate individuals (e.g., groups numbering up to eight individuals have been reported from Okinawa). Although they normally live harmoniously, the adults will occasionally behave aggressively towards conspecifics. There is a definite “pecking order” in skunk anemone fish groups, with size determining an individuals position in the dominance hierarchy. Larger individuals will chase smaller fish,which engage in “head shaking,” “dorsal dipping,” “headstanding,” “substrate biting” and vocalization. These are submissive behaviors that function to reduce the chances that the subordinate fish will be attacked. Smaller individuals (6 to 15 mm in standard length) almost never leave the shelter of the anemone’s tentacles. At about 20 mm they are driven from the tentacles by the adult pair, and spend more time near the edge of the sea anemones tentacles. Adults rarely stray farther than 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 inches) away from their host. It will occasionally make quick forays of up to 50 cm (20 inches) away from the anemone when feeding. In certain areas this species regularly co-inhabits sea anemones with the larger, and more aggressive Clark’s anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii). Those adult pink skunk anemonefish sharing a host with A. clarkii rarely spawn. Distinguishing Characteristics: It is pink overall with white line down the back and a white head bar. This species will interbreed with the similar skunk anemonefish (Amphiprion akallopisos). Remarks: References: Allen (1972), Elliot & Mariscal (1997), Fautin & Allen (1994), Hattori (1995) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82760&1=1 Jellyfish http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82901&1=1 LEAF SCORPIONFISH (Taenianotus triacanthus) Alternate Common Names: leaf fish, paper fish Family Name: SCORPAENIDAE Size: 10 cm (3.9 inches) Distribution: East Africa to the Galapagos Islands, north to Ryukus and south to New South Wales, Australia. Habitat: This species occurs at depths of less than 1 to over 134 m (3.3 to 442 feet) on reef flats, reef channels, fore reef slopes or on lagoon reefs, in areas protected from strong water movement. Feeding: Behavior: The leaf scorpionfish will often sit at the mouth of caves or crevices, or between columnar corals. If threatened it will duck into the nearby cave or disappear among the coral branches. The leaf scorpionfish regularly occurs in pairs. Distinguishing Characteristics: This species gets its name from its unusual form. With its laterally compressed body and high dorsal fin it resembles a leaf or macroalgae frond. It also mimics bits of plant debris by rocking back and forth or swaying from side-to-side. The overall coloration of this species can be black, maroon, red, brown, tan, bright yellow or white, with dark or light mottling. I have seen photos of a pair of bicolored specimens from the Fijian Islands; they were orange overall with bright yellow backs and dorsal fins. The coloration can change slightly as a result of shedding of the cuticle, which is quite common in this fish, or if they are moved from a light to darker background, or vice-versa. Small juveniles, which are rarely encountered in the aquarium trade, are nearly transparent. References: Kuiter & Debelius (1994), Myers (1989) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=83029&1=1 SQUARESPOT ANTHIAS (MALE) (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) Family Name: SERRANIDAE Size:This species attains a maximum length of 20 cm (7.8 inches). Distribution: Philippines south to the Great Barrier Reef and east to Samoa. Habitat: This species is found at depths from 10 to 180 m (33 to 594 feet), but is most common at depths exceeding 30 m (98 feet). For example, at Enewetak, this species is most abundant between 60 and 120 m (198 to 396 feet). It occurs on steep reef slopes and walls, and is most often encountered at the upper edge of the drop off. It is most common in areas affected by tidal currents. Reproduction: This species has been known to crossbreed with the twinspot anthias (Pseudanthias bimaculatus). Feeding: Individuals in these groups feed well above the bottom on zooplankton. Behavior: This species forms loose aggregations consisting of several males and numerous females. At the depths that this species normally occurs at, the pink blotches of the male glows like a blue neon light. This conspicuous marking, plus the acrobatic swimming display of the territorial male, serves as a signal to rival male conspecifics and potential mates. Occasionally males form aggregations, usually for a short period of time. Distinguishing Characteristics: As the name implies, the males of this species have a large pink spot or square on the side of the body. However, an occasional specimen may lack this blotch. The redgirdled anthias (Pseudanthias rubrozinotus) has a red smudge on the side of the body, but otherwise is very different in color. Likewise male Cooper's anthias (Pseudanthias cooperi) also have a narrow red bar on their side. Remarks: Shen's anthias (Pseudanthias sheni) is only known from Rowley Shoals off the northwestern coast of Australia and differs from the squarespot in color and in the number of gill rakers. Male Shen's anthias lack the distinct square blotch on the side, while females of these two species are difficult to distinguish. Female Shen's anthias are more orange, with a lavender belly. There is also an apparent color form of the squarespot anthias that has been reported from the reefs of Flores, Indonesia. This unusual morph, which was originally dubbed the Flores' basslet, suddenly appeared after a massive earthquake struck the area in 1993. It occurs in shoals at depths of 1 to 50 m (3.3 to 163 feet), and inhabits reef slopes anddrop-offs. References: Kuiter & Debelius (1994), Myers (1999) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=83230&1=1 I recieved a new Alienware Area 51m 7700 loaded for $4500 and it came out of the box with a dead pixel and they will not replace the LCD screen. If anybody wants to email them on my behalf at support@alienware.com they might change their mind. I share a lot of images with all and would apprciate it. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=84207&1=1 Green Sea Turtle http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=85631&1=1