The anemonefish in Kosrae are phenomenal. Videcap by Rich Torkington in Kosrae 2001

Another gorgeous night dive! There are sleeping reef fish everywhere. We spot 3 different lionfishes – what amazing-looking creatures. There are pinkish-hued stonefish, cleaner shrimps, and crabs all over. Linda and I check out a slipper lobster in front of one coral head, and Dave and I spy a banded moray eel on top of another huge coral boulder.

The water is full of particles, but we learn later that it is not a sign of spawning, just the usual “sea snow,” which seems to fall upwards. Seems we have missed the coral spawning again. We are entertained by clouds of very fast “gnats” that swarm around our dive lights. It is incredible how fast they can swim in the water.

I especially enjoy examining the delicate palm-tree-like structures extening from some corals. I later learn that these are called crinoids – some are extended during the day but most only fan out at night. I learn from Katrina that these guys actually have feet and can slowly walk!

The dive exit is once again extremely peaceful on the calm night waters. Tonight, the moon has not risen yet, and the display of stars is truly memorable.