This week in Lembongan… Our dive guides have been spotting a lot of giant moray eels along the reef dive sites of Nusa Penida. These creatures pop their heads out of the holes in the reef and water the fish swim on by.
Their dorsal fin extends from just behind the head along the back and joins seamlessly with the caudal and anal fins. Most species lack pectoral and pelvic fins, adding to their serpentine appearance. Their eyes are rather small; morays rely on their highly developed sense of smell, lying in wait to ambush prey.
Some reef fish have been observed to recruit giant morays to join them in hunting for food. The invitation to hunt is initiated by head-shaking. The rationale for this joining of forces is the ability of the morays to enter narrow crevices and flush prey from niches not accessible to bigger reef fish. This is the only known instance of interspecies cooperative hunting among fish. Cooperation on other levels, such as at cleaning stations, is well known.
This week has also been busy with courses. Irene, Katrine and Wendy-Anne have continued to work hard through the Divemaster course with instructor Paula. Wendy-Anne is off to Bunaken to finish off the rest of her course. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for their on going blogs about their time on the course and to see all the courses they are helping with.
