DIVE LOG DECEMBER 25 ISSUE 415

Angelfish are mostly stunning and brilliantly coloured. They are closely related to Butterflyfish, having a similar flat body shape, similar coral plucking life style and strong pair

bonding. The main diagnostic feature that separates them from Butterfly fish is the presence of a strong spine on the base of the gill cover. You can see this clearly in the Angelfish photos above. These southern Great Barrier Reefs have excellent variety and abundance of Angelfish. In my view, the best way to really get more bang for your buck when you go diving is to try to learn as much as you can about the creatures you encounter. As I like to quote from Donovan’s magical song “Hampstead incident” ,”see the sights and then polish it with thought.” Master Reef Guide Elliot Peters sent in this video of two Epaulette sharks courtship from June / July this year. https://1drv.ms/v/c/001e7c330f9e0fa7/EQDU6 eQa5X1HunxOB2sgzSsBPwZZZcRcmqC4niZ wWIRegQ

Captions: Top Left Popcorn Shrimp, Thor amboinensis Centre left: Barramundi Cod Bottom: Bearded Wobbegong Top right: Warty Anglerfish

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DIVE LOG Australasia #415 - December’ 25