Sandy patches are some of my favourite areas to explore as a diver. They may not have the colour and perceived beauty of the coral reef but if you’re patient and look hard enough there are some amazing creatures to be found living there. On one of our dive sites here in South Lombok, aptly named “The Sands”, you can find seahorses in the shallows, the huge tiger mantis shrimp lurking in their burrow as well as one of the cutest couples in the sea… the Pegasus seamoth [Pegasidae].
The Pegasus Seamoth
Sea moths are like mini tanks, working their way along the sandy bottom. Perfectly camouflaged with a sandy pattern to match the seafloor, you may be lucky enough to catch one of these guys walking along and stop to admire their unique shape and style… however, look closer and you’re almost guaranteed to spot their partner walking in line behind them as sea moths rarely go out without their buddy tagging along also. For the photographers among you, they make tricky yet fantastic subjects, you’ll want a good macro lens and enough light to pick them out against the sand but their slow pace means you’ll have plenty of time to frame the perfect shot… just remember to keep your fins up and maintain excellent buoyancy control as you never know what other life is also trying to move across the “plain” sandy bottom – probably not only the pegasus seamoth in Lombok!
This week at Two Fish South Lombok (AKA the dive farm) things are getting busier with a PADI Open Water Course for Thomas, fun divers visiting our local dive sites as well as Belongas plus… Mayleen, our newly certified PADI Junior Open Water Diver!
Finishing off today’s diving was extra special as we were joined by a pod of dolphins on the boat journey – always an incredible sighting!!
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