Flying Gurnards(SP?)

[JRO]

Hi all,

Just came back from Grand Cayman (Why I came back, I still don't know) and saw my first pair of Flying Gurnards(SP?), of course this was the one trip that I had forgotten to reconnect the power cable to the housing for my camcorder (not to bitter though, I did get some great footage otherwise). Thankfully my Divemaster witnessed them as well, otherwise I'm not sure I would have been able describe them well enough to ID them.

This same Divemaster told me that they are very rare in the Caymans and I was wondering if anyone could tell me where they would be more commonly found. I may plan my next trip around your advice.

Amazing looking critters, just wish that I had caught them on film.
:monst:
Thanks,

Jeff

 

[caymaniac]

If you dive at the Brac, there is a site call "School Bus Wall", it is a wall that starts at about 90ft., as you move from the wall up to a more shallow depth, in the 50 - 60 ft. range there are some sand flats that almost with regularity will produce sightings of Flying Gunards. I've had problems in the past with taking their pics, the strobe light bouncing off the sand makes it difficult to balance a good photo.

Diving in the Caymans = wet dreams
Caymaniac

 

[Zept]

You'll find flying gurnards and a bunch of other weird-looking stuff in the Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Z

 

[JRO]

Thanks for the quick responses guys.

Well Zept I think Indonesia may have to go on the boards as one of my dream trips. I don't think I could do it justice on a one week vacation, and I have trouble taking more than one week at a time off. I appreciate the suggestion though.

As for the Brac, Caymaniac (like the name), I think that may be a winner on the 5 trip list for 2004. I loved Grand Cayman so much that I vowed to go at least once a year.

So I guess part two of my question would be, Any suggestions on a good operation there? I used FishEye just recently, but I don't think they operate off Grand Cayman.
:babble:
Thanks Again,
:yellow:
Jeff

 

[caymaniac]

Hi Jeff, you won't find the Brac anything like GC. It's very quiet, a couple of years ago I rented a moped on a Sunday afternoon and saw one, maybe two cars that day. The beaches aren't as nice either, the diving is where it's at. The diving at the Brac is great. Also, the ops will take you to Little Cayman where I would say is tops in the Carribean. The choices on the Brac are; Brac Reef beach resort, and the Divi Tiara. There are some home rentals and condos, there are no hotels. I have been with both ops, both are great. And I will tell you that there are very few other restaurants, other than the two resorts mentioned. An all inclusive is a good way to go, and it maximizes liesure time.

Try a search on the Brac.

Dive Safe,
Caymaniac

 

[Wendy]

You can find them under Blue Heron Bridge in West Palm, Probably out on the reefs out there. Do a search about the bridge though here on scubaboard. Its max depth 18' avg depth 10' 1 hour bottom time (you have to go during high tide) and its a free site.

 

[JRO]

I've gotta say, this is probably the freindliest most helpful group I've ever run into.

Thank you again Caymaniac, sounds more and more like the Brac will be on my list for this year.

Well Wendy, I think you have given me a strong second option without having to go international. Maybe I can dovetail that into taking my nephew for his OW this year.

Two spots filled, three to go.

Sideline question for Wendy, Is that a gas mask holder in your profile picture? Looks like one of the old ones we used to carry in the Corps.

:drain:
Jeff

 

[annie]

Funnily enough, one was caught off the west coast of Ireland earlier this year . . . had wandered a bit off course.

 

[Wendy]

JRO once bubbled...
Sideline question for Wendy, Is that a gas mask holder in your profile picture? Looks like one of the old ones we used to carry in the Corps.

:drain:
Jeff

Yes tha is an old gas mask bag. I use to use it while dry caving cuz its easy to crawl around with that tucked under your arm and they are durable.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Snorkelers regularly see them in the shallows right in front of Morritt's on the East End of Grand Cayman. Only about 7ft deep so it's not really a dive depth.

I saw them most dives off Cirkewwa on Malta too. They hung out on the sand near the wreck of the tugboat Rozi at a depth of about 125ft.