418 Dive Log Australasia JUNE 2026.pdf

European Perch Perche commune

Pumpkinseed Sunfish (Crapet-soleil)

Additional sightings included Pumpkinseed Sunfish , perch, and crayfish throughout the wreck area. A Florida turtle (Tortue de Floride) was observed moving between the wreck and nearby vegetation. Inside darker sections of the structure, small groups of Red freshwater shrimp (La crevette rouge) were visible in torchlight. Aquatic Life Summary Across the two dives, the following species were observed: Freshwater crayfish (including Écrevisse de Louisiane and La crevette rouge)

made aware of these catfish, sometime before, by a French friend interested in aquatic life but I never imagined being up that close and personal to one. A shout out to Noéllie who made me aware of Le Silure and told me to keep an eye out for one. Dive Two: The Barge Wreck The second dive focused on the site’s main submerged feature: the wreck of an old barge , intentionally placed to create a point of interest and habitat. Although the wreck lies in deeper parts of the lake, exploration during this dive remained within the 7–9 metre depth range, consistent with the day’s dive plan and visibility conditions. The barge provides hard structure in an otherwise soft bottom environment. Sediment accumulation within the hull supports invertebrates and juvenile fish, while the external surfaces are used by larger species for shelter and hunting. Around the wreck, Sandre (zander), looking like a cross between pike and perch, were observed patrolling the structure. Several Wels catfish were encountered resting beneath shaded sections of the wreck and adjacent debris – these were more around1.2-1.5m long. These large fish showed minimal response to divers and allowed close observation.

Common Carp (Carpe commune) European Perch (Perche commune) Northern pike (Grand brochet) Zander fish (Sandre) Wels catfish (Le Silure) Pumpkinseed Sunfish (Crapet-soleil) Florida Turtle (Tortue de Floride) The bloody-red mysid (Mysis rouge-sang)

The density of life, particularly invertebrates and resident fish, is a defining feature of Plan d’eau du Colombier and

Barge Wreck

juvenile Northern pike, Grand brochet

86

Dive Log Australasia #418 June ’26

www.divelog.net.au