409 Dive Log Australasia December 24

Colin’s angelfish is also known as the Cocos-Keeling angelfish.

greens these cod are common over a wide range, but rarely seen due to their preference of deep water. Look for them swimming upside down near the ceiling of the tunnel. Getting a good shot of them requires some doing, as the angles needed to get a good photo of an inverted fish are different to those you usually use. Some brainwork at 30m is required! Further into the cave, as it became darker, we were able to spot Colin’s Angelfish. Also known as the Cocos Keeling Angelfish, this small beautifully coloured

angelfish seemed unable to spot my red light, so was easier to approach than most small angelfish species. It sort of knew I was there, but wasn’t prone to darting off into holes in the reef, giving me a chance for a series of photos. Over the three dives I did here during my Palau trip I managed to see at least half a dozen individuals. The first one is hardest to spot. As you move further into the tunnel the sandy bottom moves up towards the ceiling, bringing it into more diver friendly depths. For those with patience and luck there

Helfrich’s dartfish was one of the things I wanted to see on this trip. Mission accomplished!

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DIVE LOG Australasia #409 - December ‘24

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