I recently found these 2 species while diving in the west-facing lagoon in Laamu Atoll. We have had moderate to strong SW winds for the last fortnight. I've never seen them before in approximately 100 dives which leads me to believe that they are seasonal animals. I found a few of both species- some bigger than others.
One had a coating of sand which leads me to believe that they burrow. Are these sea hares? I used to see sea hares in NZ but they were a) bigger and b) had a different shaped head.
Depth 6m.
Length approx 10cm
In somewhat? related news, around 2 weeks ago I found a total of 11 robust ghost pipefish during one dive (scattered around in singles, pairs and 3's). I went again yesterday with the intention of finding as many as possible to try and 'stitch' together in Photoshop but I could only find 3 individual males.
It seems that the seasonal SW/W winds are creating small cycles in macro life on the western facing lagoons.
One had a coating of sand which leads me to believe that they burrow. Are these sea hares? I used to see sea hares in NZ but they were a) bigger and b) had a different shaped head.
Depth 6m.
Length approx 10cm
In somewhat? related news, around 2 weeks ago I found a total of 11 robust ghost pipefish during one dive (scattered around in singles, pairs and 3's). I went again yesterday with the intention of finding as many as possible to try and 'stitch' together in Photoshop but I could only find 3 individual males.
It seems that the seasonal SW/W winds are creating small cycles in macro life on the western facing lagoons.
