COMMENTS & OBSERVATIONS

A south-westerly forecast suggested smooth ocean conditions, however in reality it was a little lumpy. We headed just off shore to Middle Island and the choppy conditions meant choosing to dive the protected northern side of the island where a lovely fringing reef sits right against the rocks. Visibility is never great at this island and today was no exception. Although the vertical visibility on descent was around 5m, horizontal visibility was around 2m. We persevered and swam over to the wall and followed it along for around half an hour, at which time Julie decided it was time to head back. We did manage to find a few different critters but the limited visibility made it feel a bit uncomfortable so we called the dive early and headed 

Taxonomic Diversity:
Five of the seven species sighted were nudibranchs, all five being dorids comprising 3 x porostome (suctorial feeders), 0 x phanerobranchs (non-retractile gill), 2 x cryptobranch (retractable gill); and zero cladobranch comprising 0 x aeolids, 0 x arminids and 0 x dendronotinids. One sacoglossan and one headshield slugs (Aglajidae) complete the count. A total of 11 specimens were sighted.

Our Historical Data:
– We have now completed 3 surveys at this site since our first survey on 21/06/2024.
– We have now recorded 13 species at this site.
– This is the first time we have recorded Mariaglaja inornata in the Whitsundays; 
– This is the first time we have recorded Hypselodoris emma, Phyllidia picta or Thuridilla carlsoni at this site.
– Our last survey at this site was on 21/06/2024.

Key to symbols
+++ New Species
+ First time sighted at Whitsundays
# Most commonly sighted at this site with %

TOTAL SPECIES SIGHTED: 7

DIVE IMAGES GALLERY

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