Reader Joe Dickinson has sent us a last batch of photos he took while snorkeling off Moorea. His notes are indented:
A few last shots from Moorea, including fish species it took me a while to identify, some still not identified, and some miscellaneous non-fish.First, a redfin or oval butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus).
Orange lined triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus).
A pair of sail fin tang (Zebrasoma veliferum). I noticed that a number of species seem to travel in sets of two, but I don’t know if they are male/female pairs.
Blotcheye soldierefish (Myripristis berndti) hung out in large groups along a rock wall where they could retreat into crevices if alarmed.
The blue spotted toby (Canthigaster solandri) is a species of puffer.
I believe this is some kind of hawkfish (family Cirrhitidae), but I can’t make a firm identification. It “perches” on a coral head near a hole into which it can retreat.
Here’s an interesting one that I’ve failed completely to identify. Any clues from a reader?
Now for a couple of group shots that give a sense of how diverse and colorful this environment is.
The resort we stayed at hosts a sea turtle rehabilitation facility. I believe this is a juvenile green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas).
They also have a “Dolphin Encounter” with bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates). I have mixed feelings about this use of captive animals, but I have to admit that this individual seemed almost as pleased to have a tummy rub as does my d*g.
Out of the water, this brown booby (Sula leucogaster) perched frequently on the roof of our bungalow, sometimes overnight.
Finally, I dare say this is one of the most unusual snorkeling photos I’ve taken. The blurry spot in the center is due to a drop of water on the “window” that covers the lens. My wife must never know that I shared this.
Beautiful photos! And we won’t tell your wife…
absolutely loved the photos AND loved the mermaid under the rainbow
Very enjoyable pictures, Joe! I wish I could help you ID your unknown..
Lovely shots. Look like you had a great vacation.
Beautiful. Coral reefs are suffering all over the world. It’s good to see there is still life out there as we head for another world record hot year. Hold your breath as the gasses we spew into the air every day accumulates like the tension of a heating pressure cooker.
Oh I want very much to go there…well, when I live in Hawaii I can easily visit. 🐬
Wow, that’s a competitor for the Picasso Triggerfish.
Fishbase, if I recall correctly, is a useful tool for getting IDs on unknown fish. (Linked to above).
Unfortunately, Fishbase isn’t very happy with your unknown’s generic name. but it does come up with a list of assorted “hawkfish” to go with variants on that name. See here.
Thank you, Joe, for taking and sharing so many terrific photos. My favorite is the juvenile green sea turtle.She is a beautiful creature.
That last shot reminded me of a story told me by a friend who studied journalism. He said that the best instruction he ever got was from a woman teacher who told him, “never publish a photo of a woman from behind.”
Great photos! Most enjoyable.
Personally, I prefer photos from behind, but not if they show skin!
Terrific photos……… <3