COMMENTS & OBSERVATIONS

Taking a break from stair renovations we jumped in for a shore dive prior to a forced hiatus from diving for a couple of weeks. Once again we hoped to dive Horseshoe Bay, but the persistent winds resulted in the area being affected by swell and what appeared to be suspended silt. So it was back to Grays Bay where conditions were better although the visibility was not great. We persisted and followed the reef out, taking over 30mins to find our first slug. Numbers were scarce but we were happy to come out with 6 species, one of which we have not observed at this site before.

Taxonomic Diversity:
Five of the six species sighted were nudibranchs, with 4 being dorids comprising 1 x phanerobranch (non-retractile gill), 0 x porostome (suctorial feeder),  3 x cryptobranchs (retractable gill) and 1 was a cladobranch comprising 1 x aeolid, 0 x dendronotinid, 0 x arminid. 1 x sacoglossans complete the species count. If diet is considered only 3 of the 6 species sighted were spongivores.

Our Historical data:
– We have now completed 6 survey dives at Grays Bay since our first on 26/04/2023.
– We have recorded 13 species at this site.
– This is the first time we have recorded Murphydoris cobbi at this site.
– This site last surveyed on 12/11/2023.

Guide to Symbols:
+++ New Species
+ First time sighted in Whitsundays
# Most commonly sighted at this site with %

TOTAL SPECIES SIGHTED: 6

DIVE IMAGES GALLERY

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