This week in Lembeh…. Puff?….Puff?….Nah Pass… One thing we do not lack here in the Lembeh strait diving is puffer fish. Like this juvenile star puffer fish they can come in an assortment of colors, patterns, and sizes. Ranging from <5cm to >100cm these slow and awkward fish have an odd method of defense. Though preferring to run away, puffer fish can inflate their bodies in attempt to become too large for a predator to eat. They do this by taking in  large amounts of water, or air if on the surface, which can increase their size by 2-3 times! This does put quite a lot of stress on the puffers body and in the case of inflating with air, can be very dangerous for the puffer. As with any marine creature it is very discouraged to harass them to prompt this behavior.  These cute and passive fish should be enjoyed by viewing from a distance, allowing them to enjoy a hassle free day.

Guests Ricardo and Amanda enjoyed cruising among the many puffers we get here, while Ricardo spent much time photographing everything he could see. Elena has loved the giant frogfish we have been seeing as well as the different Nudies here. Stargazers have been quite a popular sight on the PADI night dive specialty course, which have been going out almost every night this past week.

DMT Lyn has continued to work hard at her course, and with only a handful of days left here in Lembeh is enjoying every minute of Muck Diving. It’s been a busy week with: Wonderpus, Warty Frogfish, Rhinopias, Mosaic Octopus, Ornate Gohst Pipefish, Hairy Shrimp, Hairy Frogfish, and plenty more.