Category Marine Biology

The names are similar, but the Caribbean and Brazilian coast grey reef sharks have very distinctive behaviors.

Now, that’s a fish! This massive solitary creature encountered beneath a rocky overhang or in the mud of estuaries is awe-inspiring in photos. This is why it was the prime target of sport fishing for decades, before being protected, much to the delight of viewers (or the respectful photographer) during an encounter.

Recognizable by its particularly unique “beard” and yet so difficult to discern from its surroundings because it is a master of camouflage, if you manage to spot it during your dives, you have a keen eye! Discover 10 facts to know about Eucrossorhinus dasypogon, the tasseled wobbegong shark.

Since we’re talking about seeing colorful animals, some clarification is in order.

Rather placid and calm, the leopard shark is not one of the most shy and divers often have the time to observe and photograph it well. Its morphology and coloration are very characteristic and leave little doubt about its identification.

As if cut off from the world and time, the graceful and airy movements of this extraordinary ray captivate us and etch themselves forever in our memory. A wonderful encounter that only Mother Nature can offer us!

A short flyover above a bed of seagrass and a slight movement catches our diver’s eye, followed by a long leg gripping onto the nearby rocky scree. Then, a bulky, spiked body emerges slowly from the plants and comes to a stop. A magnificent spider crab has just made its appearance. A lovely gift from Mother Nature!

The rainbow wrasse (Coris julis), a small fish with colorful stripes, is so much part of the scenery during our dives that we often forget to mention spotting it. Yet, even for common things, it’s not uncommon to discover unknown peculiarities!

Even if you listen underwater, you won’t hear the large slipper lobster – Scyllarus latus – singing. This big crustacean is rather shy and discreet, unlike its terrestrial namesake that heralds the return of good weather with fanfare. Encounters with the large slipper lobster are rare, but generally, when a diving group is lucky enough to spot one, the entire boat is quickly informed.

The sand tiger shark – Carcharias taurus – is one of those species that is recognizable from a thousand others. Its relatively stocky morphology and threatening appearance make it easy to identify. Present in many seas and oceans around the globe, this shark from the Odontaspididae family is a « peaceful » swimmer that always leaves a particular impression in the memory of those who have had the opportunity to encounter and swim with it.