The sea around northern Sulawesi host some of, if not simply the world's best
diving. As a part of my personal "Save the Nature" campaign, I want to
photo document it, trying to share this awesome part of the world. That goal was
re-set after I drowned my camera on the first day... This is a map
of north-eastern Sulawesi with the dive sites and a bit of info on some of the many dive sites in Bunaken National Park.
The dive sites are given one to five
yellow
stars accordantly to my personal liking. Besides
from the few fish and creatures mentioned, there are hundreds of species on each
dive, many are new from dive to dive, but I'll only mention the most special. I
have not visit the sites with only grey stars.
1. Likuan I
***** Likuan 1 is a site near the southern end of
Bunaken Island. This is a vertical
winding wall, with many vertical cracks and canyons. It often have a strong current,
but the
top is relatively sheltered from waves. This is the perfect conditions for the many branching corals.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: Fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid
butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes),
damselfishes (Pomacentridae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina),
whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large emperors (Lethrinidae) and jacks
(Caranx ignobilis, Caranx melampygos), groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To top>
10 sea turtle in one dive, dragon fish, scorpion, nudibranches, colourful crabs,
large schools of plankton eaters. One large canyon. Second time: A real huge
green sea turtle.
2. Likuan II
***** Likuan 2 is
found right next to Likuan 1, near the
southern end of Bunaken Island. It also have a vertical winding wall, with many vertical cracks and canyons.
It often have a strong current which can go downwards! The top is relatively
sheltered from waves. This is the perfect conditions for the many branching
corals.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, featherstars.
Fishes: Reef fishes: Angelfishes (Pomacantidae), butterflyfishes (Chaerodontidae).
School of black snappers (Macolor niger).
Possible Encounters: Seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon
obesus), large Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To top>
Longnose hogfish, nurse shark, colourful lobsters, clown fishes, several
species of nudibranches, toadfishes, puffer fish, huge green turtle.
3. Likuan III
***** Further
into the bay, Likuan 3 is found, near the
southern end of Bunaken Island, but only little sheltered in the bay by the island. There
are still a vertical wall with caves and
sandy slope, The top reef is hammered by waves, and this is a little too
rough
conditions for the many smaller corals.
Invertebrates: Black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, featherstars.
Fishes: Many blacktip reef sharks (Carcharinus melanopterus) and whitetip reef
sharks (Triaenodon obesus).
Possible Encounters: Barracudas (Sphyraena qenie), mantas (Manta birostris).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To top>
The wall is not the best,although the cracks and small caves offers
some interesting sits. The top reef are dominated by hug and bold hard corals of
which many are dead. I did see three new nudibranches, one black
with few but bright green "fingers", one light blue with deep, black lines and
two huge and bright yellow ones. A blacktip reef-shark passes under us along
with some rather large tunas.
4. Celah Celah
***** Celah Celah is right outside the famous
Froggies Divers.
The vertical winding wall continues, with many cracks
and crevices. It is a convenient and good night dive, where the reef top is very sheltered,
and offers many different shapes of
hard corals.
Invertebrates: Soft corals, ascidians, featherstars.
Fishes: Reef fishes: butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae),
surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae).
Possible Encounters: Large napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus),
funny looking humans (Homo sapiens).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To top>
Lionfish, but it was only a short evening dive to test the gear.
5. Alung Banua
***** In
the bay of Bunaken this site have the characteristic vertical wall, with many cracks
and crevices. Here are some interesting small caves, and the reef top very sheltered
with many
different shapes of hard corals. Another good night dive, close to
Froggies Divers.
Invertebrates: Nudibranches, soft corals, sponges, ascidians.
Fishes: Mainly reef fishes: Anthiases (Pseudanthias spp.), parrotfishes (Scaridae),
wrasses (Labridaae), butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae). Many shrimp gobies (Gobidae).
Large school of black snappers (Macolor niger)
Possible Encounters: The local large Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), schools of
bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To top>
Black and yellow striped pipefish with red tail, harlequin shrimps,
different craps, small dragon fish, a tiny moray, pygmy seahorses,
twinspot lionfish, ringed pipefish, cleaner shrimps.
6. Fukui
*****
In the western end of the bay of Bunaken, the slope are completely covered with foliose and branching hard
corals.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, giant clams (Tridacna gigas)
Fishes: Many schooling fishes: spadefishes (Platax spp.), black snappers (Macolor
niger), blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie), jacks (Caranx spp.), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus
orientalis and Plectorhinchus lineatus). Large triggerfishes (Balistoides viridescens and
Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus) and garden eels (Heteroconger hassi).
Possible Encounters: Great barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), eagle rays (Aetobatus
narinari), giant sweetlips (Plectorhinchus obscurus), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus
undulatus), bumphead parrotfishes (Bolbometopon muricatum).
Rarities: Possible to see the sexual display of the flasher wrasse
(Paracheilinus filamentosus).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To
top>
Giant clams, sea anemones with clownfish, blue-spotted stingray,
big pufferfish,
7. Mandolin
*****
At Mandolin; western Bunaken, the vertical wall have some large steps, with small caves in the deeper
part. The reef top is very interesting and various with a strong current most
times.
Invertebrates: Black coral, large gorgonians, ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid
butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes),
damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Large angelfishes (Pomacanthidae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina),
whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), jacks (Caranx ignobilis, Caranx
melampygos),
barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), eagle
rays (Aetobatus narinari), giant sweetlips (Plectorhinchus obscurus), Napoleon
wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus), groupers (Plectropomus areolatus).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw:
<To top>
Nudibranches, lionfish, large puffers, 1000 blue triggerfishes, white
tipped reefshark. Strong current.
8: Raymond's Point
*****
At the western point of Bunaken, we find Raymond's Point with its vertical wall,
and a large
cave. Spectacular reef top with many hard and soft corals. Here, at the "end of
the world", there are often a strong
current. Probably one of the richest dive spots with regard to reef
fishes, so that it is difficult to identify the more distinctive groups.
Invertebrates: Forest of whip corals (Cirrhipathes sp.) and soft corals. Many
lobsters.
Fishes: Angelfishes (Pomacanthidae), butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), wrasses (Labridae).
Possible Encounters: Seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), large emperors (Lethrinidae),
red snappers (Lutjanus bohar), groupers (Plectropomus areolatus), dogtooth tunas
(Gymnosarda unicolor), stingrays (Taenyura limma).
<To top>
9: Mike's Point
*****
Mike's Point is on the north-western point of Bunaken. The vertical wall is shaped like an
amphitheatre. Unlike the southern side of the island, the reef top is exposed to the waves,
which gives huge massive corals (Porites).
Invertebrates: Black coral, giant gorgonians, ascidians, sponges.
Fishes: Many anthiases (Pseudanthias spp.), angelfishes (Pomacanthidae),
tilefishes (Hoplolatilus starcki).
Possible Encounters: Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large jacks (Caranx
ignobilis), eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), occasionally very large silvertip
sharks (Carcharinus albimarginatus)
<To top>
10: Tanjung Parigi
*****
Tanjung Parigi is on the central northern part of Bunaken. Here, the vertical wall
is winding, with
a exposed reef top, damaged in some part by the force of the huge waves.
Invertebrates: Barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians.
Fishes: Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), rabbitfishes (Siganidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae).
Possible Encounters: Large jacks (Charanx ignobilis) and other pelagic fishes.
<To top>
11:
Sachiko's Point
*****
On the eastern horn of northern Bunaken, we find Sachiko's Point with its vertical wall,
penetrated with caves in the deeper part. The huge waves are rough with the top
reef, and mainly large
massive corals (Porites) are found here.
Invertebrates: Black coral, many large gorgonians, whip corals, ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid
butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes),
damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Wrasses (Labridae), parrotfishes (Scaridae),
butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) and large angelfishes (Pomacanthidae).
Glassfishes (Parapriacanthus ransonneti) in a shallow cave.
Possible Encounters: Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) resting in caves,
blacktip reef sharks (Carcharinus melanopterus), ribbon sweetlips (Plectorhinchus
polytaenia), large emperors (Lethrinidae) and jacks (Caranx ignobilis).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To top>
Ghost pipe fish, Nudibranches, morays, leaf scorpion fish, 1000s of blue
triggerfish and a wide array of colourful fishes and strange creatures in
general. Strong current with some cold areas.
12: Bunaken Timur
*****
On eastern Bunaken, the Bunaken Timur have a vertical wall, divided into large steps,
with many cracks and small caves. The top reef might be slightly damaged in some
part, but is is still the most beautiful reef I ben on!
Invertebrates: Many soft coral (Nephthiidae), black coral, gorgonians,
ascidians.
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae),
parrotfishes (Scaridae), wrasses (Labridae).
Possible Encounters: Small whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), stingrays (Taeniura
limma).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To top>
The deeper part of the wall is slightly covered in sand, and may not occur
that interesting while the five to eight meter top reef is astonishing. The
forms and colours of the soft- and hard corals in combination with the great
variation of small and colourful fish
13: Depan Kampung
*****
On the most southern point of Bunaken, Depan Kampug offers diving on a vertical
wall with many vertical
cracks and canyons. Here are often a strong current and the top reef is very heterogeneous.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, whip corals,
ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid
butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes),
damselfishes (Pomacentridae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina),
whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large emperors (Lethrinidae) and jacks
(Caranx spp.).
<To top>
14: Siladen
*****
West of the island of Siladen, this vertical wall with its large steps have a spectacular reef top, with a
huge variety of hard and soft corals.
Invertebrates: Soft corals, gorgonians, featherstars, giant clams (Tridacna
spp.).
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), groupers (Serranidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae),
moray eels (Muraenidae). Six different species of anemonefish (Amphiprion spp.).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), stingrays (Taeniura limma).
<To top>
15: Siladen Utara
*****
Just north of the island of Siladen, this reef have a flat with sand and gravel. A
sort of river bed modelled by the currents and the waves, with huge massive
corals (Porites) formed by the often strong current.
Invertebrates: Gorgonians, whip corals. Mantis shrimps (Squillidae).
Fishes: Large groupers (Plectropomus areolatus) and snappers (Lutjanus spp.),
wrasses (Labridae), Garden eels (Heteroconger hassi).
Possible Encounters: Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), large emperors (Lethrinidae).
<To top>
16: Buwalo (Manado Tua)
*****
South of Manado Tua, we find this vertical winding wall with its many
vertical cracks and canyons and small caves. It have a wonderful reef top, with huge
tabular corals.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, nudibranches, featherstars.
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), angelfishes (Pomacanthidae),
sweetlips (Plectorhinchus spp.). Six species of anemonefishes (Amphiprion
spp.).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina),
whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) resting in caves, school of batfishes
(Platax orbicularis).
<To top>
17: Negeri (Manado Tua)
*****
East of Manado Tua, this site are found with its vertical winding wall. Here are many
vertical cracks, canyons and small caves. The sheltered reef top give ground for many
branching corals.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, nudibranches, featherstars.
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), angelfishes (Pomacanthidae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To top>
Nothing special except two nudibranches and a banded sea snake. The top reef
is truly marked by the large waves.
18: Pangulingan (Manado Tua)
*****
On the northern side of Manado Tua, this sandy slope with large rocks and
coral formations often have very strong current, even downward currents.
Invertebrates: Hard corals, soft corals.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), rabbitfishes (Siganidae),
emperorfishes (Lethrinidae).
Possible Encounters: Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), jacks (Caranx
spp.), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus
amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
<To top>
19: Tanjung Kopi (Manado Tua)
*****
On the rough side of Manado Tua, we find this coral flat in mild slope into 15-20
m depth and deep vertical wall with caves. The current is often strong, and even
possible downwards.
Invertebrates: Black coral, gorgonians, whip corals.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), rabbitfishes (Siganidae),
emperorfishes (Lethrinidae), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus spp.).
Possible Encounters: Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large emperors (Lethrinidae),
jacks (Caranx ignobilis), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), large Napoleon
wrasses (Cheilinus indulatus), blackfin barracudas (Sphyraena qenie).
Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna
spp.).
<To top>
20: Barakuda (Montehage)
*****
North of Montahage, this wall are found with its large steps, alternate
with sandy areas. The reef flat is very wide and exposed to waves and currents,
hosting huge
massive corals (Porites). Often with a very strong current, even possible downwards.
Invertebrates: Whip corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae),
emperorfishes (Lethrinidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae).
Schools of fusiliers (Caesionidae) and bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes).
Possible Encounters: A very large school (+300) of blackfin
barracuda (Sphyraena
qenie), jacks (Charanx spp.), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), schools of
bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus
amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
<To top>
21: Gorango (Montehage)
*****
Gorango is located west of Montehage. It have a wall with many cracks and vertical canyons.
The reef flat is exposed
to waves and currents, and mainly huge massive corals (Porites). It have
often a strong current.
Invertebrates: Large gorgonians, whip corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae),
snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae).
Possible Encounters: Schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum),
Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus
amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
<To top>
22: Bango (Montehage)
*****
In the south-western Montehage, Bango is found with its wall with many cracks and vertical canyons, alternating with
sandy slopes. The reef flat is exposed to waves and currents, and often having a strong current.
Invertebrates: Large gorgonians, whip corals, soft corals, sponges. Many arborescent Tubastrea micrantha,
nudibranches.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae),
snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae).
Possible Encounters: Eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), schools of bumphead
parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus).
Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
<To top>
23: Batu Kapal (Nain)
*****
Way up north, next to the island of Nain, Butu Kapal is found with its very wide reef flat,
which is damaged in
some parts. It leads down a deep vertical wall with caves and have often very strong current,
which can be downwards.
Invertebrates: Whip corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae),
emperorfishes (Lethrinidae), snappers (Lutjanidae).
Possible Encounters: Jacks (Charanx spp.), dogteeth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor),
schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). Occasionally grey
sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos) and hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
<To top>
24: Jalan Masuk (Nain)
*****
South of Nain, this very wide and beautiful reef
flat called Jalan Masuk is found with its huge colonies of tabular Acropora and other hard corals.
The wall are in large
steps, alternate with sandy areas. It often has a very strong current.
Invertebrates: Many different species of hard corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae).
Possible Encounters: Jacks (Charanx spp.), , schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon
muricatum). Occasionally whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus).
<To top>
25. Tanjung Pisok (Sulawesi)
*****
Way down, next to Sulawesi, we find Tanjung Pisok with its reef flat sloping into 15-20 m
depth. Here are very rich in large tabular Acropora. The wall are divided
into in large steps, alternating
with sandy slopes. Once again, here are often a strong current.
Invertebrates: Large tabular Acropora, whip corals, soft corals, arborescent
Tubastrea micrantha, nudibranches.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae),
butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae).
Possible Encounters: Eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus
undulatus), large groupers (Plectropomus areolatus).
Rarities: High concentration of blue ribbon eels (Rhinomuraena quaesita).
<To top>
26. Shipwreck; Molas (Sulawesi)
***** (Further
down the Sulawesi coast, the wreck of a Chinese commercial iron ship is found on
a muddy slope, 30 m deep. The reef are a little damaged, but very rich in small animals.
Invertebrates: Black coral, gorgonians, nudibranches.
Fishes: Pterois, fusiliers, snappers.
Possible Encounters: A large whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) sleeping
under the ship during daytime.
<To top>
27. Johnson's Point
*****
Out in the bay of Bunaken Johnson's Point offers a slope in large steps, which
is very
interesting for night dives.
Invertebrates: Especially during night dives, plenty of lobsters, crabs, nudibranches, large shells. Many large basket stars.
Fishes: All reef fishes!
Possible Encounters: The flash-light fish (Photoblepharon palpebratus) during
night dives.
<To top>
28. Tengah ll
*****
Way off the south-western horn of Bunaken, Tengah is a slope in very large steps,
with a very strong current.
Invertebrates: Whip-corals, sponges.
Fishes: Many parrotfishes, wrasses, batfishes.
Possible Encounters: Many large whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), blacktip reef sharks (Carcharinus melanopterus)
and schools of
jacks.
<To top>
29. Muka Kampun
*****
Way off the south-western horn of Bunaken, this is a sloping wall, with a
several caves.
Invertebrates: Whip-corals, sponges.
Fishes: Many parrotfishes, wrasses, batfishes.
Possible Encounters: Many plankton eaters.
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To top>
This steep, even overhanging wall have several caves, and it is pretty
well overgrown with corals, but it does not offer the greatest sights.
30 West Tua
(Manado Tua) *****
West of Tua, there are a site I know nothing about, sorry.
31.
Pangalisang *****
Pengalisang is a new discovered part of the wall, offering some of the richest
corals around Bunaken. Especially the top reef is magnificent with its abundance
of different corals, numerous plankton eaters and the sun beams playing in the
shallow waves.
Invertebrates: A bit of them all!
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae),
butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae).
Possible Encounters: Some blacktip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus),
and schools of
jacks and plankton eaters.
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To top>
The most awesome is the
reef it selves. I did not see any special fish or creatures, but there
are just so many! A few blacktip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus)
might pass bye in the deeper parts.
The top reef is just amassing on this site. There might not be that many
special creatures, but the corals with all their shapes and colours in
combination with the amount of plankton eaters are mind-blowing! A
single Reef octopus are found in a way too little cave.
32. Tengah l
***** Tengah
One is found right next to Likuan 2and 3, in the eastern end of the bay. It also have a vertical winding wall, with many vertical cracks and canyons,
og which are rather huge.
There might be a strong current which can go downwards! The top is relatively
sheltered from waves and extremely nice! This is the perfect conditions for the many branching
corals.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, featherstars.
Fishes: Reef fishes: Angelfishes (Pomacantidae), butterflyfishes (Chaerodontidae).
School of black snappers (Macolor niger).
Possible Encounters: Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon
obesus), large Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To top>
This wall have some deep cannons,
all the way from the 50meter deep sand shell up to almost the surface.
Lionfish, nudibranches and shrimps. A few blacktip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus)
might pass bye in the deeper parts. The shallow sandy bottom in the
southern end might reveal bigfin reef squids.
33. Jere
*****
In the western end of the bay of Bunaken, the slope are completely covered with foliose and branching hard
corals.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, giant clams (Tridacna gigas)
Fishes: Many schooling fishes: spadefishes (Platax spp.), black snappers (Macolor
niger), blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie), jacks (Caranx spp.), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus
orientalis and Plectorhinchus lineatus). Large triggerfishes (Balistoides viridescens and
Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus) and garden eels (Heteroconger hassi).
Possible Encounters: Great barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), eagle rays (Aetobatus
narinari), giant sweetlips (Plectorhinchus obscurus), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus
undulatus), bumphead parrotfishes (Bolbometopon muricatum).
I visit the site in November-December 2009, and among many
other creatures, (I think) I saw: <To
top>
Giant clams, sea anemones with clownfish, blue-spotted stingray,
big pufferfish, pygmy seahorses, pipefish, lionfish, crabs
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