Lembeh Strait is home to the beautiful Barbigant’s Seahorse, which continue to delight our guests. These lovely photos were taken by our guests, Su Kyung & Peace, David & Isye and Keiko.
The Barbigant’s Seahorse, Hippocampus bargibanti, is one of three Pygmy Seahorses found here in Lembeh Strait. The other two are Denise’s Pygmy and Pontoh’s Seahorse. They grow to approximately 2.4 cm in height and are only found on Gorgonian Coral where they will spend their entire life.
The Pygmy Seahorse have the smallest population of any of the Seahorses. Their major threats are habitat destruction and humans. When diving, it is extremely important that we treat these animals with respect. Studies have shown that using flashes and bright camera lights can disorientate and stress them. The Barbigant’s Seahorse as well as the other Seahorses, sleep at night, so it’s best to see them in the daytime, when we are not disturbing them.
Jecky, our receptionist, here in Lembeh, is now a certified PADI Advanced Open Water Diver! Jecky completed his course alongside MSDT Instructors Mark and Deb, with flying colours! Now he starts his training to be a Two Fish Guide. Well done Jecky, you’re a natural!!
This week in Lembeh, we also had the pleasure of seeing the Thorny Seahorse, Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Hairy Frogfish and much, much more!
We have some guests return to Lembeh to get some more “muck” action. Gunther & Anton from Austria and Colleen & Ray from the USA. Our other guests hailed from China, Finland, Germany, Italy and Ireland.
Happy Bubbles!
