(Photo by guest Yasushi Koshima July 2009)

By Spoilsport Captain - Pirate Peter

MINKE AHOY

They came up from the depths of Davey Jones Locker, no one knows where they come from and no one knows where they go, but each year, these sleek creatures of the deep ascend from the deepest depths of the Coral Sea into the sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Silently they move amongst the reefs and bommies that adorn this magical wonderland.

It was a typical 6 o’clock morn on board, Spoilsport people rubbing eyes and scratching bottoms anxious for clear skies, awesome diving and hot coffee to start the day. As I stood on the bridge with green tea in hand, the call came from Mister Jones ”Whales Ahoy – Whales Ahoy” quickly Spoily crew came into action; “snorkelling lines Mister Allet”, “keep your eyes peeled Miss Taylor” – I cried the orders to my crew. And circling spoilsport with their familiar speed and grace (there were 3 of them,) the largest being 8 metres of muscle and blubber, the calf a mere 3 ½ meters, “Dwarf Minke Whales”. Each time I dive with these mystical creatures I swear I leave the water reborn. Read this folks; me and my next door neighbour ‘Ocean Man’ were hovering on a shot line, 3 divers were on the deco bar and other snorkellers and divers were on the snorkel line.

Me at 10 meters turns to admire the picturesque light house bommie but swimming straight for my chest was an 8 meter Minke whale (after nearly breaking the sullage laws of the marine park) I watched as at the last minute he veered off towards Ocean Man whose finger never left the trigger of the video camera and the whale was gone only to return moments later. I felt the movement of the water as it swam within 2 meters of my side only to return yet again and hover in front of me and Ocean Man. This time folks, time stood still. Here we were in 10 meters of water with this amazing creature inches from my body. Let me say hearty’s I was reborn at this time.

But me fellow dive nuts and parrot heads this could be you doing this in June next year. Book now - Mike Ball has one of the rare licences that allow you and I to swim with these Herculeans of the deep. Mike Balls’ weekly adventures open the doors for you to enjoy many such encounters as these beneath the depths of the Coral Sea.
We will be keeping a watch out for all of you when you visit.

Aargh – the Pirate
The adventure continues.

(Photo by Laurence Buckingham)

By Spoilsport Photo Pro & Marine Biologist - Laurence (Ocean Man) Buckingham

SCORPIONFISH & THEIR RELATIVES

The scorpion fish family of fish has no fewer than 350 species found in all temperate and tropical seas. 80 species are found in Australia alone. Both Osprey Reef and the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) support their own rich heritage of tropical, reef species including the leaf scorpion fish, red lionfish, reef stonefish and Rhinopias, the famous lacy scorpion fish.

The widespread and species-rich Scorpaenids, as the family is known, have an effective defensive weapon at its disposal--venom. Spines in the dorsal, anal and ventral fins store the potent liquid for defense. Puncture upon the spine tips releases the venom stored either in the spine itself or, in the case of stonefish, in a gland at the base of the spine that can deliver to humans a pain described as indescribable.

On the GBR, red or common lionfish are active reef predators. When under any threat, they erect their long toxic spines for protection. On night dives, they hunt with impunity in the open while giant Trevally whiz past yet steer clear. Their close relative, the spot fin lionfish with its deep red pectoral fins is the perfect subject for newer photographers.

Some scorpion fish are difficult to impossible to identify to the species level on sight. Their chameleon-like ability to blend into their specific habitat means that any species’ colours and camouflage patterns can vary wildly. Well-hidden, the ambush predators stalk their quarry. A rapid opening of their mouth creates a vacuum into which hapless victims are sucked.

Last week, at Osprey Reef, I saw a Rhinopias at 30 metres. The problem was that simultaneously a large manta paid a visit for four minutes or so. Afterward, I videoed and photographed the exquisite superstar of the scorpions. I then left to video sharks for a few more minutes but, upon my return, Lacy was gone.

On all weeks on the Spoilsport, we dive Steve’s Bommie where Leaf Scorpion fish and stonefish are a sure bet. The leafies are primarily yellow-greenish with blotches although sometimes they are creamy white. They shed their skin every few weeks. The five resident clumsy stonefish are tricky to photo since they resemble featureless rocks. I’ve seen small ascidians (common bottom dwellers) growing ON the sedentary denizens.

The exquisite tropical representatives of the Scorpaenidae family as well as a plethora of reef fish and invertebrate life exist on the GBR’s edges and in the Coral Sea. And of course, the only way to see it is to dive it.

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