Measuring just over 20 cm, Chaetodon semilarvatus is recognizable by its bright color striped with fine dark lines and its blue mask that surrounds each of its eyes. It inhabits reefs and coral platforms up to twenty meters deep.
Often confused with other scorpionfish, the scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa), also known as the large red scorpionfish, is a species native to the Mediterranean basin well known to divers. Its name, given by the ancient Romans, comes from its venomous spines resembling scorpion stings.
A strange creature straight out of a science fiction film, the gorgonocephalus or Medusa’s Head (Astrospartus mediterraneus) belongs to the class of Ophiurids, not to be confused with starfish. Its name originates from Greek mythology and means gorgon’s head.
The Mediterranean moray eel (Muraena helena) is indeed a member of the large fish family. Found on rocky bottoms up to a hundred meters deep, it likes to shelter its body during the day to go hunting once night falls.
Little horse of the seas, the pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) is almost impossible for divers to distinguish among gorgonians, mainly due to its small size and very successful camouflage.
A stomatopod with many names, the peacock mantis shrimp or peacock sea mantis or even mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) made a name for itself appearing in the documentary « Blue ». Sporting multiple colors that delight diving photographers, it boasts fascinating abilities…
Taking its name from its wing-like fins, the lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles), also known as lionfish or scorpionfish, is now an invasive species. Native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans (and the Red Sea for Pterois miles), it has gradually colonized the Caribbean arc and has recently appeared in the Mediterranean basin, where it threatens ecosystems and biodiversity.
Benthic cephalopod with striking camouflage, the flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) stands out from other cuttlefish by its vibrant colors whose variation has only one purpose: to warn predators of danger. Because this species that ‘walks’ on the sand is particularly venomous.
Marine biologist Jean-Georges Harmelin, honorary researcher affiliated with the M.I.O. (Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography) and GIS Posidonia, introduces us to the red gorgonians, which inhabit the northeastern Mediterranean seafloor.
The great white shark fascinates many divers. The largest predatory shark is distinguished by its impressive size as well as its striking appearance, as shown in the video we present in this article, filmed at Guadalupe Island in Mexico.
