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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

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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

Spooky! Arrow crabs, also known as spider crabs, b

Spooky!Arrow crabs, also known as spider crabs, belong to the family Majidae and are particularly noted for their long, spindly legs and triangular-shaped carapace. One of the most well-known species is the yellowline arrow crab (*Stenorhynchus seticornis*), commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the Caribbean Sea. Key characteristics of arrow crabs include: 1. **Appearance**: They have a distinctive elongated, pointed rostrum (a beak-like extension) and long, thin legs that resemble those of a spider. Their body is usually covered with small spines and their coloration can range from brown to orange or reddish, often with striking yellow or blue markings. 2. **Habitat**: Arrow crabs typically inhabit coral reefs, rocky substrates, and seagrass beds. They are often found in crevices and under rocks, which provide them with protection from predators. 3. **Diet**: They are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a variety of food sources including detritus, small invertebrates, and algae. Their role as scavengers helps keep the reef environment clean. 4. **Behavior**: Arrow crabs are known for their territorial nature and can be quite aggressive towards other small invertebrates. Despite their fierce demeanor, they are relatively small and pose no threat to humans. 5. **Reproduction**: Like other crabs, arrow crabs reproduce through the release of eggs by the female, which are then fertilized externally. The larvae go through several planktonic stages before settling on the substrate and developing into adult crabs.

Jawfish are fascinating marine creatures known for

Jawfish are fascinating marine creatures known for their unique reproductive behavior. One of the most notable aspects of their reproduction is their egg-brooding process. After the female lays the eggs, the male jawfish takes on the responsibility of protecting and incubating them. The male holds the eggs in his mouth, a behavior known as mouthbrooding, until they hatch. This method offers the eggs protection from predators and ensures they remain well-oxygenated. During this period, the male jawfish can be seen peeking out of its burrow with a mouthful of eggs, diligently safeguarding the next generation. #jawfish #jawfishwitheggs #usvi #nauticam #nikon

The Secretary Blenny (Acanthemblemaria maria) is a

The Secretary Blenny (Acanthemblemaria maria) is a small marine fish commonly found in coral reefs, particularly in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. They belong to the family Chaenopsidae, which includes tube blennies. These fish are notable for their vibrant colors and small size, usually not exceeding 2 inches in length. Secretary Blennies typically inhabit abandoned worm tubes or small crevices in coral heads, where they can often be seen peeking out with only their heads visible. They are named “Secretary Blenny” due to their quick, darting movements that are reminiscent of a busy secretary. Their diet primarily consists of plankton and small crustaceans. These blennies are interesting for their behavior and interaction with their environment. They exhibit a form of territoriality, defending their chosen crevice or tube against intruders. Secretary Blennies also have a relatively simple reproductive behavior, where males guard the eggs deposited by females in their burrows until they hatch. Their vibrant appearance and interesting behavior make them a popular subject of interest for marine biologists and aquarium enthusiasts alike.

Honored to receive an Honorable Mention in this ye

Honored to receive an Honorable Mention in this year’s OGPicoty underwater photography competition. So happy for this recognition!

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