Linda and I examine a small sea turtle Photo on this dive by Kim in Similan Islands 2010

Kim found this gorgeous spotted frogfish Photo on this dive by Kim in Similan Islands 2010

Janel and Linda ready themselves for another dive Photo by Kim in Similan Islands 2010

This dive starts on the west side of island #7, and again is characterized by a sloping sandy bottom scattered with coral boulders. Water temps again are nice, around 82-84°F, but mid-way through this dive a nice cold front sweeps through from the depths, probably pushing 76°F or so.

There are small black and tan fishes I've enjoyed every dive so far, and I identify them as reticulated damselfish. Common on every dive, but I like the looks of them, defensively swarming around coral heads. Likewise, there are clouds of blue-green chromis over many areas that are very pleasing.

Soon after our descent, I'm still getting my bearings, and a small turtle crosses directly in front of us. We barely react, and are therefore treated to a nice slow swim-by, and then he forages in the coral crevices in front of us.

The ever watchful Kim locates very cool giant anglerfish and a spotted frogfish, the latter an unreal salmon-pink color. He also points out first the vibrant red fire goby, and then the stunning purple fire goby, who will retreat tail-first into little holes in the sand bottom. A little later, he calls us over for a viewing of a multibar pipefish, which I have trouble seeing of course.

Just prior to this dive, Kim explained to us how the crafty trupetfish will swim in parallel with a pufferfish. The strategy is that the pufferfish poses no threat to many small reef fish, so when they see him coming they don't react. By hiding behind him, the wily trumpetfish then lunges out and snares unsuspecting prey. Midway through this dive, we are treated to see this behavior directly - very cool. Almost as if Kim knew we would (he might have).

Linda locates a juvenile rockmover wrasse. I'm enamored with the slick paintjob on the two-lined spinecheek. And Janel spies a very pretty peacock mantis shrimp nearing the end of the dive.

Sealife Observed on this dive:
turtle - buzzed us!
juvenile rockmover wrasse - Linda found
giant anglerfish (pinkish)
spotted frogfish
rid fire goby
purple fire goby
multibar pipefish
bearded scorpionfish
two-lined spinecheek
spotted garden eel
trumpetfish mirroring pufferfish - cool
big eye emperor
emperor angelfish
regal angelfish
spotted boxfish
peacock mantis shrimp - Janel found
titan triggerfish
blue-green chromis
reticulated damselfish
tiger cowrie