An ideal environment

According to Richard, the same steep walls and shallow reef tops that wow divers at Wakatobi create an ideal environment to support a diverse range of small life forms life. Because walls and slopes rise almost to the surface, the reef tops are exposed to ample ambient light that encourages a broad range of coral growth. This in turn supports a wide variety of small fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates that depend on these corals.

Wakatobi’s reef formations rise nearly to the surface supporting a wide variety of fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates that depend on the corals for survival. Photo by Warren Baverstock

Then, as the reef drops away into the deep, the composition changes and many more species of soft corals and sponges replace the light-loving hard and soft corals of the shallows. This ever-changing habitat provides shelter for an equally broad range of miniature marine life.

Richard found this female Halimeda ghost pipefish brooding a clutch of eggs in the sea grasses off the beach in front of the resort. Photo by Richard Smith

Halimeda ghost pipefish are considered exceedingly rare throughout their range. “Those who seek out these masters of camouflage consider Wakatobi to be one of the best places to find them,” says Richard. “I’ve been lucky enough to do so on several occasions.” On one dive, he was able to capture an image of a female brooding a clutch of eggs in her large fused pelvic fins. A male was almost certainly nearby, but was more than likely blending seamlessly into the algae.

More rarities

The white cap goby is another rare and very shy little fish that Richard has found at Wakatobi. His first sighting was at the dive site Teluk Maya, where the small fish was living alongside a yet un-described species of Alpheid shrimp. When you think of the association between shrimp goby and alpheid shrimp, think of the old TV series “The Odd Couple,” and think Felix and Oscar.

The white cap goby and Alpheid shrimp communicate via subtle movements made by the goby, which the shrimp detects using its antennae. Photo by Richard Smith

The partially nearsighted shrimp is a hard worker, and is constantly excavating the pairs’ shared burrow. In exchange, the skittish, yet lazy goby keeps its eyes peeled for any predators. The two communicate via subtle movements made by the goby, which the shrimp detects using its antennae.

The male largemouth triplefin is tasked with standing guard over the female’s egg clusters to keep them safe from predators. Photo by Richard Smith

Yet another of Richard’s prized finds on his last visit to Wakatobi was a largemouth triplefin. Small and translucent, these fish inhabit the crevices of the reef, but are often missed by even the keenest of observers. Wakatobi’s dive guides have developed a special trick for locating these elusive animals. Female triplefins will lay their eggs on clumps of algae hidden beneath overhangs, then it is the male’s job to stand guard on these eggs to keep them safe from predators. Keep your eyes peeled for these egg clusters and you’ll know where to start looking for the fish.”

“I was happy to return to reefs with which I’m so familiar, yet still see creatures that I’d never seen anywhere else before. If you can get bored on these reefs, you need another hobby.”

These are just a few of the rare and hidden treasures that reveal themselves to divers who take the time to look closely at Wakatobi’s reefs. “This latest trip to Wakatobi reminded me once more that this place truly is a tropical paradise, both above and below the water” Richard says. “I was happy to return to reefs with which I’m so familiar, yet still see creatures that I’d never seen anywhere else before. If you can get bored on these reefs, you need another hobby.”

It’s time for you to discover all the remarkable finds and experiences Wakatobi has to offer. Contact us at office@wakatobi.com or complete a quick trip inquiry at wakatobi.com.

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