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Gorontalo, located on Sulawesi Island in Indonesia

Gorontalo, located on Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, is a prime destination for encountering whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish species in the world. These gentle giants frequent the waters off Gorontalo, particularly near the fishing platforms known as bagans, where they are often seen feeding on small fish or bycatch. Key Highlights of Whale Sharks in Gorontalo: 1. Seasonal Sightings: Whale sharks can often be seen year-round, but sightings depend on local fishing activity and environmental factors. They’re attracted to the area due to the baitfish caught by bagans. 2. Eco-Friendly Interaction: Gorontalo is committed to sustainable tourism. Operators emphasize non-intrusive interaction with whale sharks, ensuring their natural behavior is not disrupted. 3. Unique Habitat: Gorontalo’s marine biodiversity is part of the Coral Triangle, which makes it a hotspot not only for whale sharks but also for other marine life, including spectacular coral reefs and endemic species like Salvador Dali sponges. 4. Activities: • Snorkeling and Diving: Visitors can swim alongside whale sharks under the guidance of licensed operators. • Boat Viewing: For those who prefer to stay dry, observing these magnificent creatures from the surface is also an option. 5. Conservation Efforts: Local communities and conservationists in Gorontalo work together to protect whale sharks, recognizing their importance for marine ecosystems and sustainable tourism. If you’re planning to visit, aim for a guided experience with operators who prioritize marine conservation. Gorontalo offers not only whale shark encounters but also rich cultural and natural attractions, making it a well-rounded destination.

Still on cloud nine after winning 🥇 in the Lens

Still on cloud nine after winning 🥇 in the Lens Beyond Ocean underwater photography competition! Had the incredible opportunity to spend 3 days in Gorontalo, Sulawesi, diving with @gtomiguelsdiving. From swimming with majestic whale sharks to exploring vibrant walls covered in Salvador Dali sponges, every moment was unforgettable. Huge thanks to @oleleyunis and the whole crew for making it an experience of a lifetime! 🙏 #UnderwaterPhotography #WhaleSharks #GorontaloDiving #LensBeyondOcean”

I was diving with Nyoman, super ace dive guide, wi

I was diving with Nyoman, super ace dive guide, with my @xdeep_dive_gear Stealth 2.0 with 2 tanks. Which gave me more time underwater for taking this amazing pictures in macro heaven Tulamben, Bali. In total: 8 dives, 16 hours, 4.333 pictures. The ribbon eel (Rhinomuraena quaesita), also known as the leaf-nosed moray eel or bernis eel, is a species of moray eel, the only member of the genus Rhinomuraena. The ribbon eel is found in sand burrows and reefs in the Indo-PacificOcean. Although generally placed in the moray eel family Muraenidae, it has several distinctive features leading some to place it in its own family, Rhinomuraenidae.Ribbon eels are a diurnal species (active during the daytime). Characterized by its long, thin body and high dorsal fins. The ribbon eel can easily be recognized by its expanded anterior nostrils and wide-open jaws. These eels can have up to 255 vertebrae in their back bone, making them one of the most narrow and elongated eel species known.The ribbon eel larva is described as a large, greenish leptocephalus. Based on observed color changes, it is generally considered a protandic hermaphrodite(male to female transformation). When necessary, male ribbon eels will develop reproductive organs, lay eggs, and then die. This developmental stage happens within about a month. In their juvenile and subadult stages, ribbon eels appear primarily jet black with a yellow dorsal fin. In adult males, the black is replaced by a vibrant blue and yellow facial appearance. An adult female is entirely yellow or yellow with some blue to the posterior. Color change related to sex change is not known from any other moray eel species. The blue adult males range from 65 to 94 cm in length, while the larger yellow females can reach up to 130 cm. It is presumed that even with its significant color changes throughout its development, coloring does not play a significant role in mating for a ribbon eel because the eels are colorblind (possessing only one of the two photoreceptor cells required to see colors). In its natural habitat, ribbon eels can live up to twenty years. #ribboneel #bali #tulamben

Achaeus japonicus, sometimes known as the oranguta

Achaeus japonicus, sometimes known as the orangutan crab, is a crab of the family Inachidae (spider crabs or decorator crabs) which can be observed in tropical waters of the central Indo-Pacific. With a carapace of only about 2 centimetres in diameter, it has relatively long arms, which are thickly covered with fine hairs, red or reddish brown in colour, and often laden with small bits of debris for further camouflage. It is frequently, but not always, found in association with the bubble coral Plerogyra sinuosa. #orangutancrab #bali #tulamben #tulambenmacro

Denise’s pygmy seahorse is a small fish which ca

Denise’s pygmy seahorse is a small fish which can reach a maximum length of approximately 2.4 cm, which makes it one of the smallest representatives of the seahorses. This pygmy seahorse has a short snout, slender body with a prehensile tail. Its body is either completely smooth or provided with some polyp-like tubercles, in which case these are fewer and less developed than Hippocampus bargibanti. Its coloration ranges from yellow, more or less bright, to orange with often small dark spots and sometimes darker bands on the tail. This pygmy seahorse has been reported from several locations in the western Pacific, including Indonesia, Vanuatu, Palau, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Micronesia. It can be found at depths between 13 and 100 m, generally hiding in fields of gorgonians(e.g., Annella, Muricella and Echinogorgia). Denise’s pygmy seahorse uses adaptive camouflage, changing its color to match that of the surrounding gorgonians. It feeds on small crustaceans and other zooplankton. An individual will stay on a single coral for the duration of its entire life. The species is ovoviviparous, and it is the male who broods the eggs in its ventral brood pouch. The latter includes villi rich in capillaries that surround each fertilized egg creating a sort of placenta supplying the embryos. When fully grown, pups are expelled from the pocket and become autonomous. Males have been recorded as giving birth to 6-7 pups after 11 days of gestation, and carrying out four sequential pregnancies of the same gestation length.

“Paradise found at Yanggelo Island, where every

“Paradise found at Yanggelo Island, where every view feels like a dream. 🌿💙 From the crystal-clear turquoise waters to the vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, this hidden gem in Raja Ampat is pure magic. Days spent snorkeling through underwater worlds, exploring untouched beaches, and soaking in the serenity of nature. Feeling incredibly grateful for moments like these, surrounded by nothing but beauty and peace. If you’re looking for a true tropical escape, this is it. 🌺✨ #RajaAmpat #IslandLife #OceanVibes #NatureLovers #TropicalBliss #TravelGoals”

Look at me, I’m small and pretty 🤩 There are

Look at me, I’m small and pretty 🤩 There are 4 distinct species of pygmy seahorse that you will find in Raja Ampat. The very first to be discovered was Bargibant’s pygmy (Hippocampus bargibanti). This species live only in and around Muricella gorgonians. They are covered in tiny bumps that mimic the gorgonian’s polyps, which is actually how they were accidentally discovered by researcher Georges Bargibant around 1970. While collecting a gorgonian fan for his research he also picked up a pair of these lovely little seahorses as well. #bluemagicexpedition #rajaampat #pygmyseahorse #kpavodomar

Hippocampus bargibanti, commonly known as Bargiban

Hippocampus bargibanti, commonly known as Bargibant’s pygmy seahorse, is one of the smallest species of seahorses, typically about 2 cm in length. It is best known for its incredible camouflage, blending seamlessly with the gorgonian corals on which it lives. The seahorse’s body is covered with tubercles that match the color and texture of the coral, making it nearly invisible to predators and researchers alike. It was first discovered by Georges Bargibant in 1969, and it lives in the Indo-Pacific region at depths of 10 to 40 meters. These seahorses are monogamous, and like other seahorse species, males carry the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch. Their diet primarily consists of small planktonic organisms. #pygmyseahorse #rajaampat

Thecacera picta is a species of sea slug, specific

Thecacera picta is a species of sea slug, specifically a nudibranch, which is a type of shell-less marine gastropod. This colorful sea slug belongs to the family Polyceridae. It is often recognized by its vibrant, patterned body, featuring spots of orange, blue, black, and white. Like many nudibranchs, Thecacera picta has a soft body and feeds on bryozoans, a type of small aquatic invertebrate. This species is found in warm, tropical and subtropical waters, typically in regions of the Indo-Pacific. Its bright coloration is likely a form of aposematism, warning potential predators of its toxicity.

Arborek Jetty is located in the village of Arborek

Arborek Jetty is located in the village of Arborek, which is a small island in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The jetty is a popular destination for snorkelers and divers due to its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters. Schools of fish, colorful corals, and various other sea creatures can often be seen directly below the jetty, making it a great spot for underwater photography as well. Arborek itself is known for its friendly local community, beautiful beaches, and traditional Papuan culture.#arborek #papua #rajaampat #indonesia

Raja Ampat scenery🪸 #rajaampat #indonesia #fanc

Raja Ampat scenery🪸 #rajaampat #indonesia #fancoral

The wobbegong shark, belonging to the family Orect

The wobbegong shark, belonging to the family Orectolobidae, is a group of bottom-dwelling carpet sharks found mainly in the shallow temperate and tropical waters around Australia and the western Pacific. These sharks are known for their unique appearance, characterized by a flattened body and a broad head with skin flaps and a camouflage pattern that allows them to blend seamlessly with the sea floor. This cryptic coloration helps them ambush prey like small fish, crustaceans, and octopuses. Wobbegongs are generally non-aggressive towards humans but may bite if disturbed or provoked. Their name comes from an Aboriginal Australian word meaning “shaggy beard,” referring to the growths around their mouths. Despite their relatively sluggish nature, wobbegongs are skilled hunters, using their sharp teeth and strong jaws to capture prey that ventures too close. #rajaampat #indonesia

Jellyfish are fascinating marine creatures known f

Jellyfish are fascinating marine creatures known for their umbrella-shaped, gelatinous bodies and trailing tentacles. They belong to the phylum Cnidaria and have existed for over 500 million years, making them one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. Jellyfish are found in oceans worldwide, from surface waters to the deep sea. Key characteristics include:- **Radial symmetry**: Their body is organized around a central point, allowing them to detect and respond to stimuli from any direction.- **Tentacles**: These are equipped with specialized cells called cnidocytes, which contain stinging organelles (nematocysts) used to capture prey and defend against predators.- **No brain or heart**: Despite their simplicity, jellyfish can perform basic sensory functions and move through pulsations of their bell-shaped bodies.- **Bioluminescence**: Some jellyfish species can produce light, a phenomenon used for communication, attracting prey, or deterring predators. Jellyfish can range in size from tiny species just a few millimeters across to giants like the lion’s mane jellyfish, whose tentacles can stretch over 30 meters (98 feet). While some jellyfish stings can be harmless to humans, others, like the box jellyfish, deliver extremely painful and potentially deadly venom.

The oceanic whitetip shark (*Carcharhinus longiman

The oceanic whitetip shark (*Carcharhinus longimanus*) is a large, pelagic species of shark known for its distinctive long, rounded pectoral fins tipped with white. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, typically in the open ocean far from land. These sharks are opportunistic predators, feeding on a wide variety of prey, including bony fish, squid, and even seabirds. They are also known for scavenging, often following ships or joining groups around food sources, like whale carcasses. Oceanic whitetips have a reputation for being aggressive and bold, which has made them a concern in situations where humans and sharks come into close proximity, such as shipwrecks or plane crashes at sea. Despite their reputation, oceanic whitetips face significant threats from human activities, particularly overfishing and bycatch. Their fins are highly prized in the shark fin trade, leading to a dramatic decline in their populations. Due to these pressures, the oceanic whitetip is listed as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this species from further decline.

Just perfect 👍

🌊🦈 Meet the scalloped hammerhead, the social

🌊🦈 Meet the scalloped hammerhead, the social butterfly of the sea! With its unique head shape and friendly school habits, this shark is truly one-of-a-kind. 🌟 Sadly, they're critically endangered due to overfishing and habitat loss. Let's protect these incredible creatures! 💙 What's your favorite fact about hammerhead sharks? Share in the comments below! 👇 #ScallopedHammerhead #OceanConservation #SharkWeek #SaveOurSeas #MarineLife

🌊 Dive into the magic of Daedalus Reef, where t

🌊 Dive into the magic of Daedalus Reef, where the awe-inspiring reef manta rays reign supreme! 🐋✨ Located in the heart of the Red Sea, this remote paradise is a haven for these gentle giants, offering an unforgettable spectacle as they glide gracefully through the crystal-clear waters. With their impressive wingspans and elegant movements, reef mantas captivate all who venture into their vibrant world. 🐠🐢 Whether you’re an avid diver or simply a lover of nature’s wonders, Daedalus Reef promises an experience like no other, where every dive is a dance with the ocean’s most magnificent creatures. 💙 #DaedalusReef #ReefManta #OceanMagic #DivingParadise #MarineLife

Instagram post 18001977140418788

Instagram post 18001977140418788

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Instagram post 17997494372467511

Meet Elysia crispata, the stunning lettuce sea slu

Meet Elysia crispata, the stunning lettuce sea slug 🌿✨ Found in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, these little wonders can photosynthesize thanks to algae they consume! With their leaf-like ruffles, they resemble floating heads of lettuce, making them a unique addition to any saltwater aquarium. 🐚🌊 #MarineLife #Nudibranch #SeaSlug #AquariumLife #OceanBeauty #elysiacrispata

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