These pictures were made during 21 of 32 dives on an dive safari with MV Pindito between 14 and 25 march 2005 in Raja Empat on the tour Sorong-Misool-Sorong. I used a Nikon Coolpix 5400 in a Sea&Sea housing and a Subtronic Mini TTL underwater strobe and sometimes a fisheye converter. All pictures were made during daylight because the LED pilot light of the Subtronic mini was too weak for the Cooolpix' autofocus. There were much better situations but either the autofocus was too slow, the camera software crashed or the strobe akku was empty. :-(
Fig. 1: The dive begins. Looking back to the Zodiac. — dive site Jamur at Wajil Batan Island, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, Subtronic Mini strobe, march 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/138 s; f=5.8 mm; f/5.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 0:13:24
Fig. 2: A soft coral on a hard coral. — dive site Jamur at Wajil Batan Island, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, Subtronic Mini strobe, march 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=14.5 mm; f/7.8; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 0:19:37
Fig. 3: The red branches of a gorgony white polyps. In the background the blue ocean. Dive site Jamur at Wajil Batan Island, Raja Empat, Indonesia — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/3.5; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 0:23:01
Fig. 4: A mushroom leather coral — dive site Jamur, Wajil Batan Island, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, Subtronic Mini strobe, march 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/7.1; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 0:39:37
Fig. 5: Some soft corals — Jamur, Wajil Batan Island, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, march 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/5.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 0:44:35
Fig. 6: A giant clam shell that has grown together with the coral underground. Some believe that when you step with your foot into that shell, it closes and you'll never get out and drown. That's why it is sometimes called killer clam (Mördermuschel) in german. Dive site Jamur, Wajil Batan Island, Raja Empat, Indonesia — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/7.9; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 0:53:34
Fig. 7: Two clownfish in an anemone — Jamur, Wajil Batan Island, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, march 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=14.5 mm; f/7.8; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 0:55:10
Fig. 8: A stone coral with spiral tube worms and sea squirts — Jamur, Wajil Batan, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, march 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/7.1; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 1:04:35
Fig. 9: At the end of the dive one climbs up into the Zodiac. — Jamur, Wajil Batan, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/244 s; f=5.8 mm; f/6.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 1:16:11
Fig. 10: A swarm of glass fishes in a coral reef — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan Island, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/5.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 11:23:25
Fig. 11: Table corals on a dropoff. — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan Island, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/5.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 11:40:33
Fig. 12: Two bumphead batfish — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan Island, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/41 s; f=8 mm; f/4.4; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 11:51:06
Fig. 13: Three orange clownfish with three white stripes are swimming very nervously in their anemone. — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan Island, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=14.5 mm; f/7.8; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 11:55:38
Fig. 14: A little coral tree, a stone coral, a horn coral and a sea squirt. Nothing special but looks nice. — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/126 s; f=11.1 mm; f/5.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 12:09:51
Fig. 15: Reeftop with fish — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/256 s; f=5.8 mm; f/6.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 12:16:43
Fig. 16: An underwater reef scene with a table coral — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/180 s; f=5.8 mm; f/5.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 12:17:58
Fig. 17: Underwater reef scene with table corals and fish. — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/127 s; f=5.8 mm; f/4.4; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 12:19:20
Fig. 18: Some kind of fern in a coral reef — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/119 s; f=5.8 mm; f/4.4; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 12:20:11
Fig. 19: A pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus Bargibanti). Because the poor animal has been flashed a houndred times before I only made one photo. — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/157 s; f=5.8 mm; f/5.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 12:25:42
Fig. 20: Horn corals and a swarm fish beneath the water surface. — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, Fischaugen-Vorsatz, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/81 s; f=24 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 15:17:53
Fig. 21: Photographers hunting for poor pygmy seahorses. — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, Fischaugen-Vorsatz, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/61 s; f=24 mm; f/7.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 15:24:26
Fig. 22: Photographers hunting for pygmy seahorses. Will these tiny seahorses soon wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the many flashes and lamps? — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, Fischaugen-Vorsatz, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/61 s; f=24 mm; f/7.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 15:26:33
Fig. 23: Underwater reef scene with overhang — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, Fischaugen-Vorsatz, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/61 s; f=24 mm; f/7.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 15:27:45
Fig. 24: Just a stone coral in a bed of horn corals in shallow water. — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, Fischaugen-Vorsatz, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/91 s; f=24 mm; f/5.8; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 15:49:08
Fig. 25: Underwater reef landscape with tube sponges — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, Fischaugen-Vorsatz, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/90 s; f=24 mm; f/7.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 15:59:47
Fig. 26: Underwater reef landscape with a barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria). — Dunia Kecil, Wajil Batan, Rajat Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, Fischaugen-Vorsatz, March 15, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/57 s; f=24 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-15 16:05:07
Fig. 27: Front view of an emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) — Fiabajet Barat, Fiabajet, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 16, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=13.5 mm; f/7.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 8:15:46
Fig. 28: A red tooth triggerfish (Odonis niger) and a cleaning wrasse. That's why it disappeared instantly in his hole when I came with my camera. — Fiabajet Barat, Fiabajet, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 16, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=11.1 mm; f/7.9; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 8:18:15
Fig. 29: A Tosa partner shrimp (Periclimenes tosaensis) on an anemone, guarded by excited clownfish. — Fiabajet Barat, Fiabajet, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 16, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=11.1 mm; f/7.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 8:21:15
Fig. 30: A neon nudibranch (Nembrotha rutilans) — Fiabajet Barat, Fiabajet, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 16, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/7.1; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 8:48:37
Fig. 31: A swarm of pennant fish (Heniochus intermedius) — Fiabajet Barat, Fiabajet, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 16, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=8 mm; f/4.9; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 11:19:04
Fig. 32: A swarm of striped barracudas. Unfortunately the external strobe was empty (again) in just that moment. That's why there are no colours. — Fiabajet Barat, Fiabajet, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 16, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/4.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 11:23:13
Fig. 33: An anemone with a skunk anemone fish. Good that I was wearing a mask. — Fiabajet Barat, Fiabajet, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 16, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/164 s; f=12.6 mm; f/6.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 11:59:25
Fig. 34: A small coral goby (lat. Bryaniops loki) is sitting on a coral branch. — Fiabajet Barat, Fiabajet, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 16, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=12.6 mm; f/5.9; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 15:17:54
Fig. 35: A dwarf hawkfish (lat. Cirrhitichtys falco) is sitting on a coral. Unfortunateyl this picture is photobombed by a piece of floating plankton in front of the camera. There was no chance for a second picture. — Fiabajet Barat, Fiabajet, Raja Empat, Indonesia, Nikon Coolpix 5400, March 16, 2005 — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=17.8 mm; f/5.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 15:21:45
Fig. 36: Another dwarf hawkfish (lat. Cirrhitichtys falco) which is sitting on a coral twig. This time with no plankton photobombing, but I like the previous picture much better. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=16.7 mm; f/5.8; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 15:24:27
Fig. 37: A pretty Willan's Sea Slug (lat. Chromodoris Willani) is creeping across a sponge. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=9.5 mm; f/7.4; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 15:50:54
Fig. 38: A pretty blue boring clam (lat. Tridacna crocea) in shallow water. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=14.5 mm; f/6.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-16 16:06:27
Fig. 39: These are probably some damselfishes hiding between the branches of a horncoral. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=16.7 mm; f/7.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-17 8:56:51
Fig. 40: A purple softcoral and a yellow feather seastar are stitting on top of another coral. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=9.5 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-17 9:02:06
Fig. 41: A pretty drawn oriental sweetlip. Dive site Femine Timor nearby Femin island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=14.5 mm; f/7.8; ISO 50; 2005-03-17 11:20:54
Fig. 42: A lionfish swimming nicely with blue background and not turning its back towards the camera like all its other companions. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=6.5 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-17 15:31:13
Fig. 43: The colal hinds (lat. Cephalopholis miniata) are very shy in this region. One just has to think "Oh, picture" and they just swim away as fast as possible. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=10.3 mm; f/6.1; ISO 50; 2005-03-17 15:33:59
Fig. 44: A map pufferfish (lat. Arothron mappa) gets cleaned by a cleaning wrasse. The cleaning stations are usually a good place for taking pictures, because the need to get cleaned is mostly bigger than the need to swim away from the camera. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=6.5 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-17 15:37:40
Fig. 45: A spotted hawkfish (lat. Cirrhitichthys aprinus) is sitting on the branches of a gorgony. Can you spot the pygmy seahores beside it? Unfortunately, there is none. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=17.8 mm; f/6.7; ISO 50; 2005-03-17 15:48:14
Fig. 46: A big lobster is hiding in a crevice. Some like these animals rather on a plate with dip sauce, but I prefer taking pictures. Dive site Alibaba nearby Mesemta island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=17.8 mm; f/4.7; ISO 50; 2005-03-18 15:11:46
Fig. 47: A spiral shaped whip coral how one encounters it from time to time at steep cliffs. Dive site Alibaba nearby Mesemta island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/7.9; ISO 50; 2005-03-18 15:19:40
Fig. 48: A nicely coloured flat worm with a small fish. Sometimes they are mistaken as a nudibranch, but flatworms don't have gills. Dive site Alibaba nearby Mesemta island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=11.1 mm; f/7.9; ISO 50; 2005-03-18 15:25:11
Fig. 49: This nudibranch belongs to the class of Aeolidia, probably to the family of Flabellinidae, but I haven't found the proper name yet. Maybe blue dragon sea slug. Dive site Alibaba nearby Mesemta island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=9.5 mm; f/7.4; ISO 50; 2005-03-18 15:29:27
Fig. 50: Foto shooting of Nemo's family in an anemone.Dive site Alibaba nearby Mesemta island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=11.8 mm; f/8.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-18 16:06:45
Fig. 51: A swarm of blue fusiliers with yellow fins. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/5.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 8:12:01
Fig. 52: A group of elongate surgenofishes (lat. Acanthurus mata) feeding off horn corals. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=11.8 mm; f/5.1; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 8:21:06
Fig. 53: A swarm of elongate surgenofishes (lat. Acanthurus mata). Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=9.5 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 8:24:02
Fig. 54: A swarm of elongate surgenofishes (lat. Acanthurus mata). Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=9.5 mm; f/4.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 8:32:26
Fig. 55: This giant triggerfish (lat. Balistoides viridescens) is searching for food. They have a strong jaw and can even break stones. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=14.5 mm; f/4.4; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 8:35:27
Fig. 56: A trumpetfish between stone corals. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/5.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 8:39:23
Fig. 57: Another nicely coloured flatworm. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=10.3 mm; f/7.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 11:16:14
Fig. 58: A sand perch sitting on its favourite ground: sand. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=13.5 mm; f/7.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 11:18:53
Fig. 59: A yellow banded lipfish hovering over a coral. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=12.6 mm; f/7.4; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 11:20:59
Fig. 60: A swarm of tiny glassfishes hovering above a horn coral, ready for instantly hiding between the branches. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=12.6 mm; f/7.4; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 11:23:42
Fig. 61: A leopard or clown triggerfish on the ground. My strobe was a bit too strong so that the white sand is overexposed. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=9.5 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 11:29:16
Fig. 62: This is how tropical rain looks from below the surface of the sea. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/179 s; f=24 mm; f/7.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 11:52:58
Fig. 63: Unfortunately just in that moment the battery of my Subtronic flash was empty again, so I couldn't flash this old Barracuda. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=7.2 mm; f/3.8; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 12:01:57
Fig. 64: Ouch! This fish must probably have a headache. Two fishlice are sucking blood out of that poor fish. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=14.5 mm; f/6.9; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 15:24:49
Fig. 65: Where's my pizza? A swarm full of Anchovis — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/3.5; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 15:36:12
Fig. 66: A mappa pufferfish (lat. Arothron mappa) at a cleaning station. I wanted to take a picture of the cleaning wrasse doing its job, but didn't have time because the buddy didn't wait. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=16.7 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 15:50:05
Fig. 67: A pretty and colourful emperorfish. They don't like getting photographed. Dive site Batu Burung nearby Jef Fam island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=11.1 mm; f/4.9; ISO 50; 2005-03-20 16:00:19
Fig. 68: Two parter shrimps (lat. Periclimenes colemani) are riding on a fire urchin (lat. Asthenosoma varium). The bigger one is the female. This picture is a crop because the macro capabilities of the Coolpix 5400 are limited to wideangle. One had to glue something on the glass port for shortest focust. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=8 mm; f/7.8; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 8:12:46
Fig. 69: A small lionfish is trying to hide on a sponge. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=8 mm; f/5.5; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 8:16:18
Fig. 70: A small coral goby is sitting on top of a coral. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=8.7 mm; f/7.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 8:22:46
Fig. 71: A big lobster accompanied by some cleaning shrimps is hiding in a crevice underneath a coral block. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=8.7 mm; f/7.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 8:24:40
Fig. 72: This little nudibranch is a wart slug (lat. (Phylidiella rudmani). Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/7.9; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 8:38:36
Fig. 73: A small lionfish sitting on a barrel sponge. I probably should have repositioned the strobe and shot another picture or tried another angle, because the head is partially in shadow. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/6.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 8:41:02
Fig. 74: A pretty dorid nudibranch (lat. Chromodoris kuniei). Strobe light is from back to front. With that underwater housing and strobe I couldn't place it close enough to the port for that short distance required for macro photography with the Nikon Coolpix 5400. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/6.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 8:47:30
Fig. 75: A mantis shrimp is finally coming out of its hole. I was probably waiting a quarter hour for taking this picture. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=13.5 mm; f/7.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 11:23:01
Fig. 76: A mantis shrimp is looking out of its hiding place underneath a tree trunk. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=11.8 mm; f/5.1; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 11:31:53
Fig. 77: A sepia well carmouflaged. It can instantly copy the colour and texture of the underground. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=11.8 mm; f/7.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 11:37:47
Fig. 78: A brown striped pipefish (lat. Corythoichtys amplex). Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/7.1; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 15:03:02
Fig. 79: A lionfish with antennas and german emperor Wilhelm I. beard. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=16.7 mm; f/5.8; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 15:12:36
Fig. 80: A false cleaning wrasse looking out of its hole for the next victim. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/7.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 15:16:58
Fig. 81: A ornate ghost pipefish or harlequin ghost pipefish (lat. Solenostomus paradoxus) is swimming in front of a gorgony. The wite twigs on the bottom are from a feather seastar. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=11.8 mm; f/7.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 15:26:23
Fig. 82: Unfortunately the head of this pygmy seahorse is in the shadow and it looks away from the camera. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=11.1 mm; f/7.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 15:42:05
Fig. 83: A pygmy seahorse sitting on the branches of a gorgony. Unfortunately it also is looking away from the camera. I didn't have enough bottom time left for taking a better picture. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=8 mm; f/7.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 15:45:50
Fig. 84: A coral reef on top of an overhang. Divers are underneath and air goes through the porous rock. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/2.8; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 15:55:16
Fig. 85: A triplespot blenny (lat. Crossosalarias macrospilus) is looking out of its favourite hiding place. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 16:02:26
Fig. 86: This pretty coloured seastar is sitting on a gold-mouth sea squirt (lat. Polycarpa aurata). Maybe it is trying to digest it or it is just coincidence. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=5.8 mm; f/5.0; ISO 50; 2005-03-21 16:04:13
Fig. 87: The seasnake is the most venomous snakes of the world. Fortunately its teeth are very small and it is not aggressive at all. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=15.6 mm; f/5.7; ISO 50; 2005-03-22 8:31:53
Fig. 88: Two nudibranches (lat. Chromodoris dianae) side by side. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=8.7 mm; f/7.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-22 8:49:13
Fig. 89: Another two nudibranches having underwatersex. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=8.7 mm; f/7.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-22 15:11:44
Fig. 90: This is a blue flatworm. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=8.7 mm; f/7.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-22 15:17:52
Fig. 91: A swarm of razorfish is imitating seagrass. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=12.6 mm; f/4.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-22 15:34:53
Fig. 92: Two headshield slugs (lat. Chelidonura amoena) chasing each other through the reef. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=12.6 mm; f/7.4; ISO 50; 2005-03-22 15:46:15
Fig. 93: A pipefish swimming between sea squirts. Dive site Dinding Selatan nearby Sel Pelee island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=10.3 mm; f/7.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-22 15:50:39
Fig. 94: Underwater reefscape with big snail in the foreground. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/6.5; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 8:20:56
Fig. 95: Yes, there is a strong current. Next time I probably take a reef hook with me. But when there is current there should be big fish. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/4.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 8:29:26
Fig. 96: Finally, they came. A manta stingray with a remora suck underneath is gliding over the reef. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 8:45:46
Fig. 97: A black manta accompanied by yellow pilot fish is gliding over the reef. As you can see, the current is pretty strong. One has to hold with one hand and the bubbles are blown away. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/4.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 8:47:41
Fig. 98: A black manta with pilot fish is soaring over the reef and circling around us two strange bubbles and noise making neoprene fish. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/4.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 8:53:45
Fig. 99: A black manta is getting closer. Unfortunately the visibility wasn't that great so I had to enhance the contrast in this image. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 8:53:50
Fig. 100: The black manta shortly after it came closest. I was so in awe that I forgot to take a picture when it was just half a meter away. Maybe next time. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/4.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 8:54:06
Fig. 101: A black manta soaring in back light over the reef. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/7.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 8:57:30
Fig. 102: Two mantas are swimming over the reef. Unfortunately too far away for my fisheye lens. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/7.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 9:02:28
Fig. 103: A swarm of small glassfish. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/4.6; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 11:13:38
Fig. 104: Another manta is soaring over the reef. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/5.2; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 11:35:31
Fig. 105: My buddy was pretty happy after this final dive with mantas. Dive site Manta Ridge nearby Mansuar island, Raja Empat, Indonesia. — EXIF: E5400; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/7.3; ISO 50; 2005-03-23 12:14:00
