The Mimic Octopus

Posted on October 4, 2024October 4, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

Mimic Octopus a.k.a Thaumoctopus mimicus

The mimic octopus is a fascinating and unique creature that has gained worldwide attention for its incredible ability to change its appearance to mimic other animals. This fascinating creature, scientifically known as Thaumoctopus mimicus, certainly lives up to its name. Derived from the Greek word “thauma” meaning “marvelous”. This charming creature is truly a master of disguise. It can mimic the appearance and movements of other animals, such as sea snakes, flounder, stingrays, jawfish, snake eels, and even lionfish.

Marinefacts

The mimic octopus is found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific, where it employs its mimicry abilities as a survival strategy to elude potential predators and capture prey. Mimic octopuses use mimicry as a defensive mechanism, predominantly during feeding. These organisms engage in diurnal foraging activities within exposed sandy areas, rendering them susceptible to potential predation. This phenomenon could explain the prevalence of poisonous and venomous marine organisms in mimicry.

The mimic octopus is exceptionally intelligent, particularly to its predators. The octopus learns which animals annoy its predators and assumes their form to repel potential danger. When bothered by damselfish, for instance, the mimic octopus takes the form of a sea snake that preys on damselfish.

But the mimic octopus is not just a master of disguise. It is also a skilled escape artist. When threatened, it can use its flexible body to squeeze through tiny spaces and disappear into the safety of the surrounding coral reefs.

The Challenges Mimic Octopus Face

While the mimic octopus is a master of disguise, it unfortunately faces threats from human activities such as overfishing and pollution. We must take action to preserve the natural habitat of this fantastic creature. The mimic octopus is a remarkable animal showcasing the astonishing diversity of life in our oceans. Its ability to mimic other animals is a testament to the adaptability and ingenuity of nature. We must do our part to protect this unique creature and the fragile ecosystems it calls home.

Incredible Manta Rays in Paradise

Posted on September 13, 2024September 13, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Incredible Manta Rays in Paradise

Manta rays are one of the world’s most exotic marine creatures! They are the largest rays and are highly intelligent. Mantas are found in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate waters around the globe.

There are two kinds of Mantas: The (pelagic) giant oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris), and the (coastal) reef manta ray (Manta alfredi).

Actually, a 2017 taxonomy study found that mantas are actually mobula rays (aka devil rays) – so Giant manta would be Mobula birostris, and Reef manta, Mobula alfredi – but everyone knows them as mantas 🙂

Manta rays in Indonesia

In 2014, the Indonesian government placed a country-wide ban on fishing and trade in Manta rays based on the simple fact that Mantas are worth a lot more in terms of tourist dollars than in fish markets. The estimated value of a single Manta ray over its lifetime is estimated to be USD1 million vs. USD40-500 when caught and killed.

In December 2020, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) changed the conservation status of the Giant Manta rays from Vulnerable to Endangered on the Red List of Threatened Species.

Scuba divers usually encounter Mantas at their feeding locations. They have several creative feeding techniques ranging from doing repeated somersaults to stay in one spot that’s packed with krill, or chain-feeding where they follow each other in a circle, mouths open, to create a cyclone effect, trapping their food in the spiral.

Where to Find Manta Rays

The four main locations to see Manta rays in Indonesia are:

Manta Point, SW Nusa Penida (just off mainland Bali)
We are very lucky to see Manta rays year-round at Bali’s Manta Point. It is genuinely rare to dive here and not see them 🙂 In season (June-October), you may also see the weird-but-wonderful Southern sunfish, Mola alexandrini (known locally as Mola-Mola) and other pelagics such as tuna and Tiger mackerel.

Komodo National Park
Diving here is year-round; the best months to see Manta rays are during the rainy season from late November to February.

The Alor archipelago
Also known for sightings of Eagle rays as well as Mantas, plus sharks, Dog-tooth tuna and other pelagics.

Raja Ampat, West Papua
During the October to March rainy season, although visibility is lower, the water is rich with nutrients meaning you are likely to see more Mantas 🙂

If the above has whet your appetite and, like so many of our ‘Bali & Beyond’ guests, you can’t wait to start planning – please contact your friendly AMD-B Dive Travel Consultant on Tours@AquaMarineDiving.com today to start YOUR planning!

Shark Attack

Posted on July 12, 2024July 14, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Shark Diving in Indonesia

Looking for some shark-y Indonesia diving? AMD-B ‘Beyond Bali’ Dive Travel Consultants would be delighted to put together the best possible arrangements to enable you to visit one – or all! – of the below Indonesian dive destinations! You can contact them on Tours@AquaMarineDiving.com.

Komodo, Raja Ampat, and Bali

Catsharks in Komodo: Night-diving will increase your chances of encountering them as they’re nocturnal hunters.

Carpet aka Wobbegong sharks: There are multiple Raja Ampat dive sites where you can encounter Wobbegongs. You’ll see them lying on the bottom (including in caves) – hence the name ‘carpet’ – and are pretty cool with ambushing their prey. Also expect to see Grey and Black-tip reef sharks.

Reef sharks at Mimpang/Tepekong, Bali: You can see them out in the open, and sleeping in caves and under table corals. They’re very timid so please don’t harass them.

West Papua, South Lombok, and Alor

Whalesharks in Cendrawasih Bay & Triton Bay, West Papua: You can visit either location whether you’re on a liveaboard or on a Day Trip from a resort. At most dive destinations, Whaleshark sightings are considered rare however these Whalesharks appear to be resident. However, you do need to know where and when to visit.

Hammerhead sharks at ‘The Magnet’, South Lombok: You’ll need gloves and a reef hook! Hammerhead season here is July to October; the currents can be VERY challenging however it’s worth it – “schools of hammerheads” should be on your bucketlist!
Hammerheads are also seen in the Banda Sea on their seasonal, migratory routes.

Thresher sharks in Alor: This one is like hitting a jackpot! There are multiple, seasonal records of schooling Thresher sharks in Alor but remember that sadly these days they are endangered and pretty rare.
A non-profit foundation registered under the Indonesian government has been established to pass on to the local populations that these creatures are at a high risk of extinction. Want to come and try your luck?

Note: The majority of the dive sites where these big pelagics are usually encountered can have quite challenging currents. We suggest you get an Advanced certification (dive to greater depths) and – perhaps more importantly – your Drift Dive specialty before proceeding on your Indonesia Shark Diving Adventure.