Porites divaricata Porites divaricata is the smallest species of Porites in the Caribbean. Colonies grow into small branched clusters and can be found in a range of habitats and colors. When we first spotted this species we were surprised to…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Porites colonensis
Porites colonensis Porites is one of the most abundant coral in the Caribbean with six described species. Porites colonensis, however, is one of the more elusive of the bunch and you will need a keen eye to identify this unusual species.…
Caribbean Coral Diares: Madracis auretenra
Madracis auretenra Madracis auretenra is a common coral in the Caribbean which until 2007 used to be called Madracis mirabilis. Colonies form dense hemispherical clumps that can be several metres across. The ends of each branch are covered in living tissue but it…
New Species Of Sunfish Mola tecta Was Hiding In Plain Sight
The ocean sunfish is one of the largest bony fish in the sea and an animal which few divers will ever have the fortune of seeing underwater. Little is known about this deep diving species aside from opportunistic sightings at…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Porites porites
Porites porites Porites porites is a chubby branching coral with long elegant polyps. Colonies grow into tight clusters and can be found in the shallowest part of the reef down past recreational diving limits. Porites coral can be recognized by…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Agaricia tenuifolia
Undaria Agaricia tenuifolia Undaria Agaricia tenuifolia was a coral that was never on my radar until I visited Tela Honduras. In Tela, Agaricia covers the top of shallow coral ridges growing like a weed. This coral aggressively competes for space on the reef. The genus Undaria…
Not All Fish Are Cultured Equally
By: Michael Judson Ever since “captive bred” labels started popping up all over clownfish tanks, captive breeding has remained one of the flagship methods of reducing the ethical controversies plaguing the aquarium industry. Lessening what we take from the wild while…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Acropora palmata
Acropora palmata Acropora palmata is the king of all Caribbean corals. Acropora palmata grows into thick robust branches and is the most important reef-building species in the Caribbean. Like it’s thinner cousin, Acropora cervicornis, palmata colonies provide complex habitat for juvenile fish. As…
Caribbean Coral Diaries: Isophyllastrea rigida
Isophyllastrea rigida Isophyllastrea rigida is a distinct species of coral that forms polygon hemispheres or domes. Although distinct this coral is still uncommon and you will need a keen eye to identify this species. The fleshy ridges are golden brown and the center of…
4 Reasons You Should Own A Wetsuit For Scuba Diving
My Love Of Wetsuits If you’re a regular reader of ReefDivers you will know that I love wetsuits. The obsession started back when I was a divemaster. I feel in love with that feeling of zipping up my wetsuit, hoping in the…