418 Dive Log Australasia JUNE 2026.pdf

Annelids have two main classes. The first includes Earthworms and Leeches. The other is the Polychaetes or Bristle worms. Bobbit Worms are the biggest and most ferocious Polychaete, growing to over a metre in length. They are highly photogenic with their iridescent shiny bodies and fearsome jaws. During my stay at Lembeh, I asked my Dive Guide, John, if we could find the Bobbit Worm and maybe watch it feeding. John is an excellent dive guide with a deep love of the sea, second to none. He regularly dives the 70 dive sites in Lembeh. His intimate knowledge of what lives where is an invaluable asset for underwater photographers and divers. He replies, “No promises, we will try a dive site called ‘ Retak Larry’ tonight.” We motor off from Dabirahe Resort in the sunset, heading north for a ten-minute run to Retak village. Larry Smith was an American critter finder who became famous as ‘King of the Critter hunters” before he died. This dive site is named in his honour. Burnt orange and mauve hues of the late sunset create a mellow feel as we gear up in anticipation of this dive. We head down to the dark volcanic sand sea floor at seven metres. It appears barren

Alfred Wallace was interested in the cause and effect of animal Geographical distribution in Evolution.

Lethal carnivorous Bobbit worms One of the most dramatic critters that I

encountered in Lembeh Straights was the Bobbit Worms. I knew about their carnivorous jaws and segmented bodies. Bobbit worms, Eunice aphroditis , are without a doubt, the most efficient predator of the segmented worms, (Phylum Annelida meaning ringed worms). Sydney has an equally large species of Eunice that is a spectacular irridescent green electric colour.

Eunice Aphrodite has visible body segments that are identical and a powerful jaw apparatus for its predatory lifestyle as a ferocious hunter.

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Dive Log Australasia #418 June ’26

www.divelog.net.au