After an eighteen-month hiatus, I finally got back into the water in Fiji. Or not so much into it, but under it. And I got to take my camera (the Powershot G9, not, sadly, the 5D) swimming too.
The snorkelling along the beach was fantastic- probably the most beautiful beachside reef I’ve ever had the opportunity to explore (more on that presently). However I did also get the chance to do a little diving as well. A refresher dip, just so I could recall how to submerge myself without panicking/drowning/getting decompression illness. Then a shark dive (way to ease yourself back into the hobby), replete with Grey, White-Tip and Black-Tip Reefers, Grey Nurses, and a couple of pretty bulky Lemon Sharks as well. Awesome fun- but sadly, in my haste (and a tickle of nervousness as well) I accidentally left the camera on the boat.
I also did a dive with my fiancee. It was her first, an explorer dive, which she very bravely accomplished with the instructor with just 15 minutes’ worth of briefing- something I never would have done. But I managed to remember my camera this time, and took it along to document the fun, and explore the reef at the same time.
As I’ve mentioned before, anemonefish are great subjects, because unlike most fish, which scurry away the moment you home in on them like a cycloptic predator, anemonefish tend to stay put. You know where to find them (check out your nearest anemone), and not only do they not swim away, they often charge at you, all teeth and tiny bouts of indignance.
This little reel is a set of six colourful shots I managed to snatch of one pair of such little critters. The combination of bright colours, the exotic location, and the semi-translucent tentacles of the anemone itself, all make for fun viewing. I hope you enjoy.
For the record, I suspect that the little fishies showcased here are all Cinnamon or Fire Anemonefish (Amphiprion Melanopus)- a little different from the Anemone Clownfish of Nemo fame which most people are familiar with. I have no idea what the anemones are (there are at least two species shown here).
More Fiji shots- above and below water- to come. 🙂
Note: Photo at top taken snorkelling in Blue Lagoon; photos at bottom taken diving at depth ~10m on Blue Lagoon Reef.