BUTTERFLY STORY
New Dive Site: We went for a dive on Skipper's Reef The divers descended on a shoal of 27 racoon butterflyfish - such a big aggregation is an unusual sight, surely related to the fact that there was no camera amongst the group. 18 species of butterflyfish were seen on this dive each with its distinctive colour pattern in black, yellow and white. butterflyfish feed on a variety of reef creatures including seaweed, coral polyps, small invertebrates and fish eggs. Some types feed only on coral polyps such as the beautiful maypole butterflyfish and the purple or redfin butterflyfish. Many petrol the reef in pairs and stay together for many years if not life. Butterflyfish are considered inducator species - a clear sign of a healthy reef. Our reefs are doing very well and it is a real privilage to experience this type of diversity on a single dive. The only species the divers didn't see are the Indian butterflyfish - a single pair known only from one cave in Sodwana Bay and those known from the submarine canyons.

Many a visitor to Sodwana has experienced the thrills of snorkelling with whale sharks, diving with dolphins and sighting manta rays on the move. But what about the fascinating world of rock pools? Few have taken the time to explore the many hidden alcoves both above and below the water surface.  

After a quick first glance it may appear that there is nothing unusually special about these pools; but after a closer look, creatures such as mantis shrimps, colourful sea anemones, sea squirts and sea slugs abound. Most of these animals are brightly coloured to blend in with the brilliant orange of a sponge or the deep purple and green of iridescent seaweeds.  Many of these fascinating creatures have very interesting habits. For example mantis shrimps are masters of camouflage and have extremely strong front claws, which they use to crush the shells of their prey. Another creature that you may spot is the beautiful polka-dot bubble shell, which has a shimmering blue-green fringe around its muscular foot. This creature is an opisthobranch, which looks like a sea slug except it sports a shell.

Observant explorers will most likely find a striking array of creatures that are beyond the scope of their imaginations. So go ahead and take a peek!

By Megan Laird