New finds in Triton Bay

by Leeza English

No matter how many times you dive the waters of Triton Bay it will always surprise you! Most people when they hear about Triton Bay, hear about the kaleidoscope of soft corals which cover these reefs in every direction you look! But Triton Bay also offers great critters and macro life too. Although it seems nearly impossible, experts are still discovering new species here every year!

Conditions in Triton Bay can not always be perfect for those spectacular wide angle coral reef shots, but when you don your macro lens you will not be disappointed….. On recent dives we have not only seen the red and yellow phases of the H. bargibanti Pygmy seahorse, but also a number of different species of the H. pontohi Pygmy seahorse, as well as the H. servency Pygmy seahorse.

Pontohi Pygmy Seahorse

Pygmys not your thing? How about Hairy Shrimp – or even hairy shrimp without any hair!

Hairy shrimp

Too small…. How about Blue ringed Octopus, although rare they have recently been spotted on two separate dive sites. And of course there is always the Bobtail Squid, Pygmy Squid or just your regular but beautiful Big eyed Squid. We’ve also had a couple of sightings of Harlequin Shrimp!

Blue ringed octopus

There are many new dive sites yet to be discovered, but our latest exploration has uncovered a number of sites where you can enjoy the dramatic performance of the Flasher Wrasse which is only endemic to Triton Bay and Misool areas, as well as some hybrid flasher wrasse which, as yet, we have not been able to identify…. We‘ve also found Picturesque Dragonet and Mandarin fish just waiting for their photo to be snapped.

Mandarinfish

All too small? Well for those of you that have already ticked off the Wobbegong shark on your must see list, you may not have seen what Triton Bay has to offer. Sure we have the common, the “Tasseled” Wobbegong, but look closely the next time you see one, as you maybe in for a surprise!  We also have the “Ornate” as well as the recently sighted “Thinline” Wobbegong shark, which is currently only recorded in the Triton Bay area of the BHS.

“Thinline” Wobbegong

So remember if you find yourselves diving in Triton Bay, don’t forget to look down occasionally, you may be surprised with what you will see.

Leeza English is a co-owner of Triton Bay Divers.  To see more images or obtain information about diving in Triton Bay visit the website, Triton Bay Divers.