409 Dive Log Australasia December 24

A large juvenile bicolour parrotfish looks for a hiding place in the corals.

are at least three different species of dart goby living in the sand here, and I was lucky to spot a rare Helfrich’s dart goby. Stunningly coloured in purples and yellows, I think there was only the one individual amongst the decorated dart gobies and fire dart gobies. There are many fish that could be mentioned in a conversation about the prettiest fish in the sea, but this small dartfish deserves to be considered. In past the entrance to tunnel the first exit is large and can be found around the 30m mark. It is covered with a

number of gorgonian corals, making it a great photo opportunity, though less of a great exit. The second and last exit is shallower and wider, making it the best exit opportunity. The dive isn’t finished on exiting the tunnel though. The vertical wall here is full of life, and as with anywhere in Palau a visit from an oceanic species coming out of the blue water is a real possibility. However, after a deep dive and with bottom time and air starting to become a concern, it is the top of the reef here that beckons. The

Flame angelfish are very hard to photograph, they dart around the reef and are seldom still. Sometimes you’re just lucky

DIVE LOG Australasia #409 - December ‘24 63

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