Ornate Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) – Indonesia
Strange and delicate, Solenostomus paradoxus defies the eye. This harlequin ghost pipefish, a master of camouflage, blends perfectly among gorgonian branches or seagrass beds, mimicking the shapes and colors of its surroundings. Hanging head-down, it seems to vanish into the background, eluding predators with ease. Its spectacular mimicry makes it one of the most fascinating illusionists of tropical reefs.
Raja Ampat or “Four Kings” is an archipelago composed by four main islands among some 1500 thousands others Islands.
This indonesian archipelago is situated along the border between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Consequently, the marine species coming from both of these oceans meets in the Raja Ampat. The Raja Ampat displays about 75% of the coral species known all over the world. Raja Ampat is possibly the richest coral reef ecosystem in the world.
Although it is impossible to show all of the Raja Ampat biodiversity in few pictures, the following ones will offer a sample of the colors and the shapes there are encountered in Raja Ampat.
The whole of those pictures was taken in Indonesia at Komodo National Park.
Komodo National Park is an ideal destination for those who wants to dive and discover at the same time all the aspects of coral reef life.
Many species of nudibranchs rub elbows with strange crustaceans such as anemon shrimps or carry crabs, while gigantic manta rays compete against the world smallest seahorse, the pygmy.
Continue reading“Indonesia: Diving Komodo”
Coral
Turtle
Coral
Diver
Coral
Manta ray
Muray