418 Dive Log Australasia JUNE 2026.pdf

metres , where thermoclines were present and clearly felt. These temperature layers contributed to fluctuating visibility, which ranged from 0 to 5 metres throughout both dives. Anne informed me that visibility does vary throughout the year and depending on weather conditions; it can be up to 8m on a good day. In some areas, visibility was reduced by suspended particles and thermal layering rather than sediment disturbance alone. The absence of current allowed for stable positioning, enabling extended observation despite limited visibility. Each dive lasted approximately 70 minutes , reflecting the shallow depth profile and the calm nature of the site. Dive One: Shallow Slopes and Aquatic Life The first dive followed a gentle slope extending from the entry area into weed-covered shallows. Aquatic vegetation provided extensive habitat for fish and invertebrates, resulting in high levels of biological activity within a confined area. Freshwater crayfish were present in very high numbers across the lakebed, including the invasive Louisiana crayfish (Écrevisse de Louisiane) . Every few metres three or four of these crayfish would dart off to their holes as we came within a metre or so making photographing them challenging. Individuals were visible under rocks, within vegetation, and moving across open sediment. Their abundance makes them one of the most immediately noticeable features of the site. They’re about 8-10cm long – something like what we in Australia would identify as a yabby. Fish species observed included Common Carp (Carpe commune) , often large, approximately 60-70cm and slow moving, feeding along the bottom with little reaction to divers. European perch (Perche commune), 30-40cm in length, were seen schooling in mid-water, while juvenile Northern pike (Grand brochet) remained largely stationary within vegetation, using cover for ambush hunting. Smaller species were also abundant. Pumpkinseed sunfish (Crapet-soleil) were frequently observed near plants and submerged debris. Clouds of Bloody red mysid

Freshwater crayfish (Écrevisse de Louisiane)

Florida Turtle, Tortue de Floride

(Mysis rouge-sang) , a small invasive mysid shrimp, hovered around structure and vegetation, forming a significant component of the local food web. Whilst minding my own business, and attempting to photograph the skittish Louisiana crayfish in low visiblity, I felt a presence behind me. Glancing over my left shoulder I was, I admit it, spooked by what the French call Le Silure – a 1.7m Wels catfish hovering right next to me. I was first

Wels catfish (Le Silure)

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Dive Log Australasia #418 June ’26

www.divelog.net.au