The synchiropus splendidus, better known as mandarinfish, is simply splendrous! This amazingly colorful dragonet makes its home among coral rubble, spending most of its day there in shelter, though coming out at dusk to spawn and perform an intriguing mating dance which is on many divers’ bucket list to witness.
This week we have had several guests go on the mandarin dive and all were able to observe these dragonets, yet Nora from Luxembourg was the lucky one who saw this unique mating ritual. We have a dive site on Bunaken where we know these splendorous fish can be found, and if you’re lucky like Nora you can observe their mating dance.
It’s a shame that often patches of coral rubble are disliked by divers for the lack of color and life, as when we take the time to observe closely, these rubble patches of old coral make a perfect hiding place for small creatures. We can find shrimps, crabs, juvenile frogfish, and the Synchiropus Splendidus to name a few.
So next time you are passing a patch of coral rubble, do not be disappointed but keep your eyes peeled for the Synchiropus Splendidus!
Our instructors have been kept busy this week as Jesika from Canada came over to take her open water course and later on signed up for her advanced course with Ilse. The girls were joined by Greg from the UK who completed his nitrox and advanced course simultaneously.
Sam has taught Ben from Australia his advanced open water course and will be finishing Sally and Alex’s open water course today – GO team USA!
We have had an incredible week here as the guests have been lovely, the diving has been great and the sun keeps on shining during the day! A few tropical rain showers have washed over the resort grounds and the trees are looking greener than ever, life is pretty splendorous!
Photo Credit: Adrian Martin
Thanks for this beautiful shot! 🙂
