Look what one of our Padi Course Directors at Oceans 5 dive resort has got from Padi! Camille Lemmens is awarded with a Certificate of Recognition of Excellence Award. One of his last students at Oceans 5 dive resort was so happy with him as Course Director during the Padi Instructor Development Course (IDC) , that he, John, wrote an email to Padi.
Well John, Thank you, enjoy diving around the Gili Island, Indonesia. Happy Bubbles!
Blennies (Blenniidae)
Blennies occur worldwide in tropical and warm temperate seas like around the Gili Islands with an estimated 350 species in about 50 genera.
They are elongate, laterally compressed fish and most are blunt headed, frequently possessing small tentacles, cirri, or a fleshy crest on the head. There is a single dorsal fin, although the fin may be deeply notched between the anterior spinous portion and posterior soft portion. The mouth is low on the head and not protractile. Jaw teeth are numerous, slender, and close set, either fixed or movable.
Blennies are bottom living fish that inhabit a variety of substrata icluding rocky shores, live and dead coral, rubble and mud.
Most Blennies are herbivorous, although species of Ecsenius are reported to feed on coral polyps.
Most species appear to lay demersal eggs that are guarded by the male parent. Nest sites include the surface of stones, abandoned worm tubes, dead coral crevices and empty bottles and cans.
Cardinalfish (Apogonidae)
Cardinalfish are one of the largest families of Indo Pacific reef fish. An estimated 250 species are currently known, of which 150 species occur on or near reefs in the East Indian region, like the Gili Islands. It is also one of the most dymanic groups for new discoveries. Many new species have been described over the past few years and more can be expected.
Cardinalfish are the largest family of nocturnal fishes found on Indo Pacific reefs. Nearly all species are shy and retiring during daylight hours and become gradually more active beginning at dusk. During the day they are commonly seen individually or in groups in shady recesses of caves, ledges and crevices of hovering a short distance above branching corals, where they retreat if approached too closely. A few species may also seek shelter among the spines or branches of sea urchines, crown of thorns starfish, crinoids, black coral and gorgonians. The daytime resting places are abondoned at night at which time the fishes actively feed on a variety of small invertibrates.
Cardinalfish range in size from only 3 cm for some members of the genus, Siphamia, to over 22 cm or more for certain species of Cheilodipteus. They are laterally compressed fish and as the common name suggest many species exhibit shades of red.
Apogonidae is one of the relatively few marine families in which oral brooding of eggs occur. Courtship is often accompanied by flicking movements of the dorsal and pelvic fins. Prospective mates may also engage in chasing bouts and non injurious nipping. During spawning the female releases a large gelatinous egg mass containing up to several thousand oval. This mass is summarily fertilised by the male, who then takes it into his mouth. Egg brooding males are easily recognised by the swollen throat region and the eggs can clearly be seen when the mouth is partially open.
Anthias (Anthinae)
Anthias , much smaller than their grouper relatives, also play an important role in the reef community. Anthias in particular are very abundant in terms of number of individuals and often form huge mid water feeding aggregations, especially adjacent to steep outer reef drop-offs, like when yo are diving around the Gili Islands Halik Reef.
The diet consists mainly of zooplankton and therefore, they are usually found in areas swept by periodic strong currents.
Generally males are more colourful and typically outnumbered by females. They exhibit a harem-type social structure with each male dominating a group of females, which in turn, have a pecking order hierarchy.
In the event the male is removed, either experimentally or by a predator, the highest ranking female changes sex and assumes control of the harem. The change is relatively rapid, beginning within several days and is generally completed in about two weeks. The transformation from female to male is facilitated by the presence of both testicular and ovarian tissue within the gonads. During the initial female phase only the ovaries are functional, but the assumption of social dominance triggers a hormonal reaction that suppresses ovarian development and stimulates the testicular tissue.
Hawkfish (Cirrhitidae)
Hawkfish are small, colourful reef dwellers that occur in most tropical seas. They are largely sedentary, remaining motionless on the bottom for long periods, periodically swimming to a new vantage point. They feed chiefly on small fishes, but a`variety of crabs, shrimps and other small crustaceans are also consumed.
Hawksfish might best be described as grouper-like in shape with scorpionfish habits. They are characterised by the presence of thickened pectoral rays and one or more frilly treads near the tip of each dorsal spine. The stout pectoral rays are adapted for perching on the bottom or wedging amongst coral branches.
The family constains 32 species in 12 genera, the majority of which inhabit coral reefs of the Indo west and central Pacific region. During a dive around the Gili Islands you will find them.
Yesterday Oceans 5 dive resort organized another reef clean up. Instructor Phil, Divemaster Yvonne and Divemaster Trainee Budi took care of 7 other divers who wanted to help.
The clean up started at 16.00. At that time the preparation started with preparing the bags, the gloves and all the equipment. At 16.30 Divemaster Yvonne gave a dive briefing about how everyone should take the rubbish away, the bottom time, the max depth and buddy teams.
The first divers came after 44 minutes out of th water. They had 3 bags full of rubbish. After this each buddy team and the result was shocking……
After we had last time 15 bags of rubbish now the divers collected another 12 bags of rubbish! It looks a little bit better in the front of Oceans 5 dive resort, but still a lot of work has to be done.
For further information about the reef clean ups: info@oceans5dive.com
It was time for their release. After being at Oceans 5 for 8 months these Hawksbill sea turtles were ready to return to their home, The Ocean.
The people who were taking care of them, Nun, Uding and Bahry, helped to get the turtles to the beach. There they were released! Some of them were shy and didnt know what to do with their freedom, other enjoyed the first minute and run into the ocean as it was not new for them.
A new adventure has started for them, they have to swimm and catch their own food. Hopefully we see them in the future underwater! Enjoy your stay turtles, see you soon.
TRUMPETFISH (Aulostomus chinensis)
Also known as Trumpet, Atlantic Trumpetfish, Caribbean Trumpetfish, Trumpeter and Painted Flutemouth. You can find them everywhere around the Gili Islands when you are snorkeling or divinvg.
The Trumpetfish can be recognised by its long body, tubular snout with minute teeth, its chin barbel and the series of short dorsal spines.Their bodies are inflexible, supported by interwoven struts of bone. The colouration of this species is variable. It is often brown or green with pale stripes and bars, and white spots posteriorly. A yellow colour variety is common in some areas. Individual fish have the ability to change their colours very quickly. Trumpetfish have the capability to rapidly expand their jaws into a circular gaping hole almost the diameter of their body when feeding.
The trumpetfish is the true master-hunter on the coral reef. Yes, this fish looks rather benign and yes it is a relative of the passive sea horses, but it is truly a fish-killing machine! The trumpetfish employ a variety of strategies to capture their fish neighbors. One of the most spectacular is referred to by fish behaviorists as “hunting by riding” (a.k.a. shadow stalking). This is where the trumpetfish uses another fish as a blind to sneak-up on its unsuspecting quarry. The hunter-extraordinaire will lie along the back of the larger fish as the latter swims over the reef. The species that the trumpetfish uses as a blind are usually large herbivores (e.g., parrotfishes) or omnivores (e.g., angelfishes). Because these species don’t cause small fish to flee (because they do not feed on them), the trumpetfish can hide behind them to get close. Once the distance between predator and its prey reaches a critical point, the trumpetfish will dart out from its living blind like an amphibious arrow! While it may look like the trumpetfish has a relatively small mouth, the floor of the narrow snout is very expandable, which enables it to distend so larger prey can pass into the stomach. If you see a trumpetfish while diving, stay back and watch it for a while. There is a good chance you will see it engage in this fascinating hunting behavior.
My name is David from Belgium and I completed my IE on the 2nd of November in Indonesia.
My IDC instructor was Camille Lemmens, friends of mine recommended doing the course with Camille. After about 30sec of hesitation I decided to do this course in Gili Air. Camille does come from The Netherlands and I am from Belgium, hence my hesitation.
When I arrived at the Oceans 5 dive resort my first impression was an unbelievably well run dive resort with first class equipment, great diving facilities (love the pool), beautiful rooms. I must admit I was a bit stressed and uncertain about my abilities as a diver in starting this IDC adventure. But all the staff is very professional and did everything to comfort me.
When I met Camille I felt I met a guy who lives, eats and breathes diving. To work with such an experienced professional is a blessing. It was hard work, stress and studying. But Camille did such a great job by being patient and alternating his lessons in a way we never felt bored. After the course I felt I was ready to do what I love to do, teach diving and see those beautiful smiles when people come out of the water after their first dive.
I would like to emphasize the great teaching methodology and personality of Camille and would highly recommend everybody doing a course with Camille at Oceans 5.
Of the bottom of my heart : Thanks Camille and the Oceans 5 crew!
David BOSMANS
Padi Open Water Scuba Instructor #283701
Frogfish is an angler fish, which belongs to the family of Antennariidae. There are around 44 members in the frogfish family. These species vary at a huge level on the basis of their size. The Bandfin Frogfish can grow up to a size of only 5 cm, whereas the Giant Frogfish can grow up to a size of 40 cm. As their size varies, their coloration, markings and body patterns also varies. As far as the shape of the body is considered, it is almost similar. Frogfish are the underwater dwellers and very little is known about this species. They have unique characteristics that they can adapt themselves very well in their natural surroundings. Their camouflaged behavior makes them very difficult to be detected and so much is not known about them. They vary in coloration and markings in such a way that it is very difficult to identify the species correctly.
Where can you find them?
These frogfish have a filament attached to their heads and they use this filament to catch their prey. They remain stationary for most of time and wait for the right fish to come. When the fish gets attracted towards the lure on their long filament, the frogfish sucks the prey to their mouth. In this way, they catch their prey. This is the reason that they do not need to move for their prey. They move only when they sense danger or when they need to mate. These fish are found in the tropical waters of Asia. They are common in the areas where conditions are quite favorable to them. Most probably, they like to live in the coastal areas where they can find plenty of algae.
What do they eat?
These fish can feed on any fish they can catch. They can swallow fish, which are even double of their size. These fishes can do this because they have extremely flexible bones.
How do they breed?
The female of these species lay eggs in the water and the male comes from behind to fertilize them. The abdomen of the female starts swelling as the egg absorbs water and this happens from 8 hours to several days before the laying of eggs. The male starts to approach the female two days before the spawning. The time of spawning is not known by the scientists clearly, that whether it depends on the phase of the moon or any signal is released by the female. The eggs of these species are around (0.5 to 1) mm. When the egg hatches, the hatchlings are of about (0.8 to 1.6) mm in length.
What are their threats?
These fish has a characteristic of camouflage and this protects them from their enemy or predators. The predators find hard to discover them until the frogfish moves. Moreover, these fish suck water and puff their body in such a manner that the predators find it difficult to swallow them. These fishes are not over fished but the greatest threat to them is their habitat destruction and pollution.