Capturing the Moment

Harlequin Shrimp lined up White Tip Reef Shark  On this dive we came across big and small favorites and a few surprises as well. My favorite pair of Harlequin Shrimp haven't moved far. Sometimes they stay in the same place for months as these two have. On the other hand a white tip reef shark was something new to this site. At a couple of places in Molokini I have seen white tips stay put for months as well. 'Peek-a-boo'. Moray eel just hiding Red Reef Lobster  Checking the crevices for nudibranchs always offers some secret treasures for an underwater biologist. And it is a great way to get surprised by many kinds of moray eels. They are almost always docile knowing that they are well protected if only their head and mouth are exposed. However sometimes seeing their reflection in my camera can bring out the curiosity in them and they will come in for a closer look. I have had them bump right into my camera before. Sphinx Phyllidia Two Oval Butterfly...

Being underwater for an hour is possible with scuba gear. Scuba diving can be very safe but things can go wrong during the dive which is why all scuba divers are highly encouraged to dive with a buddy. But even this won't help unless you and your buddy can communicate without talking. If any of you have played a game of charades with your friends you know how difficult it can be to get your point across using only gestures and movements. This is exactly what underwater communication is like. For this reason you go over a few signs with your buddy and their meanings before going underwater. Things like; "I'm low on air", "Lets go up.", "I'm ok", "How much air do you have?", are common signs to go over for common issues that arise. Today our problem was a little different. The current was going in the wrong direction for us to get back to the beach. This was the first time either of us had dove this site before. I downloaded th...