Photo Stream /pics/dimaging/809497 Playing around with my D3 and 14-24 on land since I do not have a U/W housing for it yet. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=140983&1=1 Just left Borneo and have internet access in KL. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=140978&1=1 Green Sea Turtle http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=140589&1=1 Maldivian Skunk Anenome http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=140481&1=1 Yellow Boxfish. I had to do a 20 min deco stop because of this little guy. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=140378&1=1 Back underwater again in the Maldives http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=140377&1=1 Shark http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=129349&1=1 Grey Reef Shark http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=129262&1=1 Taken at 130 feet http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=128920&1=1 Juvenile Spotted Drum http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=128894&1=1 At full resolution. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=128327&1=1 Goliath Grouper Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER Epinephelus itajara http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=128284&1=1 Grey Angel http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=128131&1=1 Neon Goby on coral.Notice the individual polups and you can see their alive. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=128124&1=1 SOUTHERN STINGRAY (Dasyatis americana) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=128019&1=1 Land Crab http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=127925&1=1 These iguanas were walking around the hotel. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=127878&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=127843&1=1 Sorry about the res- I'm still down in Belize and the internet connection sucks. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=127552&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=127397&1=1 I am down in Belize and grabbed this lobtser. I handed my camera off in order to get the picture. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=127019&1=1 BLUESTRIPED GRUNT (Haemulon scirurus) Family Name: HAEMULIDAE Click Name for Family Profile Size: This species attains a maximum length of 45 cm (17.7 inches). Distribution: South Carolina, Bermuda and Gulf of Mexico to southeast Brazil. Habitat: The bluestriped grunt occurs in coral and rocky reefs. It is found on patch reefs, bank reefs, reef faces and drop-offs at depths of 0.5 to 20 m (1.6 to 65 feet). Juveniles are more common in inshore habitats. Distinguishing Characteristics: This species is yellow overall with blue stripes on the body and a black tail and dark posterior dorsal fin. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=125225&1=1 ROCK BEAUTY (ADULT) (Holacanthus tricolor Family Name: POMACANTHIDAE Click Name for Family Profile Size: This species attains a maximum length of 20 cm (7.9 inches). Distribution: Georgia, Bermuda and northern Gulf of Mexico banks to Brazil. Habitat: Adults of this species are most common on deep fore reef terraces and drop-offs, where there are dense growths of sponges, gorgonians and the occasional massive coral head. Smaller individuals are often found in shallower water among the branches of fire coral (Millepora spp.). Reproduction: The rocky beauty is a protogynous hermaphrodite (females change sex to males) that begins spawning at about 10 cm (3.9 inches) in length. This species displays sexual size dimorphism, with a male being larger than the females in its harem. However, females in some harems may be larger than the males in other harems. Feeding: Food habit studies have demonstrated that this fish eats large amounts of sponges. However, this species also spends a considerable amount of time nipping at algae, and will consume the occasional zoanthid. In some locations large aggregations of adults have also been observed raiding the nests of Sergeant Major damselfish (Abudefduf saxatilis) to feed on their eggs. The young of this species do not remove parasites from other fishes, like some of the other angelfish species, but instead specialize in feeding on fish mucus. For example, I have seen individuals nip at other angelfishes, damselfishes and the goldentail moray. In the case of the moray, the juvenile rock beauty persistently picked at the slime of the eel. When you consider the fact that morays produce copious amounts of mucus and that they occupy a similar habitat as the juvenile H. tricolor, it may be that eel slime is an important source of nutrition for small rock beauties on the reef. They have also been observed nipping at nocturnal fishes, like squirrelfishes, that occupy caves and crevices during the day. Behavior: The rock beauty is shyer than its close relatives, spending a considerable amount of time during the daylight hours hiding in holes and crevices in the reef. Males defend an area that overlaps the feeding territories of two to four females. Females defend their territories from similarly-sized consexuals, but do not exclude smaller females. It has been suggested that the advantage in not driving off smaller females is that when a larger female changes sex it will already have a harem of its own occupying its territory. Distinguishing Characteristics: This species is easily recognized by its color pattern - adults are yellow overall with a large black saddle and blue pigment on the mouth. Juveniles have a blue-edged black eye spot on the upper back, which gradually expands and covers up to two-thirds of the body and the median fins. Juveniles also lack the dark-colored "lips." Interaction with Divers: This species varies in its approachability. In some areas they are very shy and will seek shelter if approached. In other areas they curious and/or bold, and are easy to get close too. Remarks: References: Hourigan & Kelly (1985), Moyer at al. (1983) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=122032&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=121832&1=1 Back underwater again. http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=121781&1=1 BLACKSPOTTED PUFFER (VARIANT) (Arothron nigropunctatus Taken in Palau http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=116161&1=1 I broke 1000 views! Pink Anemone Fish (10 comments) 1001 views http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=90432&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=87344&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=87003&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=86665&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=86542&1=1 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=86499&1=1 LEMON SHARK (Negaprion brevirostris) Size: The lemon shark is born at about 63 cm (24.8 inches) and attains a maximum length of 3.4 m (11.2 feet). Males reach sexual maturity at about 224 cm (7.3 feet), while females are sexually mature at a length of 239 to 285 cm (7.8 to 9.4 feet). This shark reaches sexual maturity at approximately 6.5 years and reaches a maximum age of about 27 years. Distribution: Western Atlantic, from New Jersey to southern Brazil, the east African coast and the Eastern Pacific, from the Sea of Cortez to Ecuador. Habitat: The lemon shark occurs in shallow intertidal areas to 92 m (303 feet). The juveniles are common on sand flats and mangrove areas of lagoons, while adults are found in lagoons as well as off the fore reef in deeper water. It is also found in saline rivers and river mouths, and will occasionally enter freshwater, swimming short distances up rivers. Reproduction: The lemon shark exhibits placental viviparity. This species drops its young in shallow bays and lagoons, often in mangrove swamps, with mating and parturition occurring in the spring and summer. Lemon shark litters range in size from 4 to 17. When these sharks copulate the male swims alongside the female. The male also bites the female during courtship. Feeding: The primary food of juvenile lemon sharks is bony fishes and shrimp. Cortes & Gruber (1990) examined 78 young lemon sharks and found that bony fishes (including, in order of importance, snappers, porgies, halfbeaks, jacks, snake eels and toadfishes) were the most important prey, followed by turtle grass blades (which are probably eaten incidentally), crustaceans (mainly penaeid shrimp), elasmobranchs (yellow stingrays) and octopuses. Other bony fishes eaten by young lemon sharks include killifishes, grunts, barracuda, and silversides. These prey species include smaller fishes that school and are swallowed whole, and larger predatory fishes that the lemon sharks bite into pieces. Adults feed mainly on bonyfishes (including catfish, mullet, jacks, croaker, spiny boxfish and cowfish) and elasmobranchs (including guitarfish, southern and yellow stingrays, and other sharks), but also eat crabs, lobsters, sea birds and conchs. Adult specimens sometimes have the tail spine of stingrays broken off in their upper jaws. Larger lemon sharks have also been found with sea turtle remains (flippers) in their stomachs. Feeding apparently occurs throughout the day and night, although this species is most active at during twilight periods. Young lemon sharks feed intermittently, feeding for approximately 11 hours and then waiting 33 to 47 hours before feeding again. The daily ration for this species is 0.5 to 3 % of its total body weight, with juveniles having a larger daily ration than adults. This shark usually has one or two prey items in its stomach at any one time. Behavior: This is typically a solitary species, although it will aggregate in preferred habitats (as many as 20 individuals have been observed in loose aggregations). The lemon shark is often observed in association with schools of jacks. This shark covers a home range of from 18 to 93 square km (7 to 36 square miles), with younger sharks ranging over a smaller area than adults. The lemon shark may move into deeper water and/or south in early winter. It displays a possible agonistic display consisting of figure-eight swimming and jaw gape. Distinguishing Characteristics: This species is easily recognized by its two similar sized dorsal fins, set forward on the body, its broad, rounded snout and its light, often yellowish, body color. The related sicklefin lemon shark has more falcate fins and the teeth of larger individuals are more deeply serrated than the lemon shark. Also, the geographical range of this shark and the sicklefin lemon shark do not overlap. Remarks: References: Cortes & Gruber (1990), Schurdak & Gruber (1989) http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=85944&1=1 MANTA RAY (Manta birostris) Breaching the surface while feeding. Size: This fish is born at a disc width of about 1.2 m (3.9 feet) and attains a maximum disc width of 6.7 m (21.9 feet). It may get larger than this. Distribution: Circumtropical. Habitat: This species often occurs in nearshore waters and occasionally is found in more oceanic environments. It is seen near both coral and rocky reefs. Reproduction: This ray gives birth to 1 or 2 pups per litter. This species has been observed mating in the wild. Two males, which were smaller than the female, chased the female for 20 to 30 minutes. A male grasped the tip of the female’s pectoral fin and then swung underneath her, so they were in a venter-to-venter orientation. The male then inserted a single clasper. Chasing seems to be a common element in courtship and mating of mobulid rays. At least one species of devil ray is known to display sexual dimorphism in the dentition, which may enable the males to better hold the females. One harpooned specimen expelled a pup when it breached and it may be this behavior is part of "normal" birthing. Feeding: When feeding the cephalic fins are uncurled, spread apart, and the animal moves about in various directions and sometimes somersaults in the water column. Its food includes planktonic crustaceans and small schooling bony fishes. Behavior: It occurs singly or in loose aggregations numbering up to 50 individuals. This species is never seen in true schools. It is often observed in association with other marine vertebrates, including: dolphins, sea birds, sharks and other rays (spotted eagle ray, Ateobatus nari nari). They often are hosts to one or more discfishes. Mantas breach, but adult specimens do not completely clear the water surface. Instead they drive their bodies part way out of the water and fall back into sea, with individuals sometimes performing several consecutive jumps. Distinguishing Characteristics: This species has a terminal mouth, the head is broad and the cephalic (head) fins are long. The dorsal coloration is black or reddish brown, and sometimes the black morph has white shoulder patches. There are reports of albino specimens. Remarks: References: Notarbartolo-Di-Sciara & Hillyer (1989), Yano et al. (1997 http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=85780&1=1 Green Sea Turtle http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=85631&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 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 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 Jellyfish http://www.dslreports.com/showpic/dimaging?lid=82901&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