I just got back from the night dive. There were only three of us operators out tonight, but there were plenty of mantas. I stayed up top, but was still able to see 2 or 3 mantas on the surface throughout the time my divers were in the water. Bob guestimated there must've been a dozen or so mantas at the site, it'll be curious to hear the videographers report in the morning to see how accurate that count was... it's been hopping lately at any rate.Here's a shot of a Flagtail Tilefish (Malacanthus brevirostris) I took last month. It's the only shot of one of these guys I've been able to get show up, they tend to dart around when you approach, often diving directly into the sand or under a rock if you get too close. Even if you can get them to stay still, because they are lightly colored and often against the sand, it's tough to expose them close to properly... this shot was more pure luck, with a bit of photoshop thrown in, than anything else.
Bedtime for me. Later,
Steve
2 comments:
Argh! Where were those mantas when we were there 2 weeks ago?!?!?! Nary a one deigned to grace us with its presence.
Oh well. I guess it just means I have an excuse to go back to Hawaii! :)
Jessica
Too bad, you hit the bad week. I think they even got skunked at the south site for several outings that week. They had eleven last night and I've got charters going out tomorrow and Friday evening, so hopefully it'll keep up for a while.
Hopefully next time you'll have better luck.
Aloha,
Steve
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