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Image © Wendy Filener "AMBON" FROGFISH Shortly before leaving, we kept hearing reports of a newly discovered species of frogfish that was not only totally unique, but stunningly beautiful. Apparently one of the dive guides at Maluku (Toby) had seen something similar several years back, but no photos had been taken. Then after many years with no more sightings, it turned up again and this time photos were obtained. I'm not sure how anyone ever first sighted this reclusive fish, as it tends to cram itself underneath small rock piles. However, it must hang around the same place most of the time, as the dive guides took us right to it, and by good fortune it happened to settle into a place I could actually get my camera in, and I got a few lucky snaps. This little guy really is weird in that, although he is clearly a frogfish, he has no lure. His eyes are brilliant baby blue, and his face is just beautiful, with long tiger stripes radiating out from his eyes. The guides said there were two or three in the area, though we only saw the one. The Maluku dive guides graciously told the AA II crew right where to find them, so that the folks on the boat were later able to see this fish as well. Kind of gives you shivers to know you saw something so rare that only a handful of other divers have seen it. Subsequently, I wonder if he is now the most photographed fish in all of the Ambon harbor...hopefully he has recovered from the paparazzi-like treatment he received from our excited group! Nonethless, the nice thing about a charter like this, is that I have never dove with more courteous, skilled, and careful photographers. Everyone was very respectful to each other, and the wildlife, and I never witnessed any of the aggressive, rude, and careless photo-seeking behaviour I have seen on other non-D2D trips. |
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