Recognized Achievement in Macro Marine Art of 2019, granted to artist Donghoon Lee
In the tranquil waters of Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia, lies a captivating underwater world - the US Liberty Wreck. This renowned coral reef dive site offers a unique spectacle, especially during the night, when nudibranchs, the vibrant and enigmatic marine creatures, come to life.
Recently, a team of divers observed these fascinating organisms in their natural habitat, a coral garden at the US Liberty Wreck. The observation was conducted using the Olympus TG5 Camera, housed in the Olympus PT-058 Housing, and aided by the Inon UCL165M67 Lens and Archon D11V.
The camera settings for the observation were 1/400 sec, F3.2, ISO 100, providing a clear and detailed view of the nudibranchs' intricate movements and vivid colours. Despite a light beam being directed down on them, the nudibranchs continued to dance on the coral garden undisturbed.
Nudibranchs, known for their unique behaviours, were seen engaging in various activities. Some were observed slowly crawling, feeding on sponges and other sessile invertebrates that thrive in the shallow tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, including Bali. Others were seen in intricate breeding behaviours, often involving hermaphroditism, to ensure the continuation of their species.
One remarkable sight was a pair of nudibranchs mating at the US Liberty Wreck. These behaviours, combined with their specialized diet-driven colouration and habitat preference for sponge-rich coral reefs, make nudibranchs a captivating subject for divers and marine biologists alike.
The US Liberty Wreck, with its rich marine life and diverse ecosystem, offers a unique opportunity to observe these enigmatic creatures up close. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a marine life enthusiast, a visit to Tulamben, Bali, is a must for anyone interested in the underwater world.
[1] https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/doto-greenamyeri-nudibranch-in-bali.222952/ [2] https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/nudibranchs-of-balis-us-liberty-wreck.121210/ [3] https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/nudibranchs-of-tulamben-us-liberty-wreck.149189/ [4] https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/blue-dragon-nudibranch-glaucus-atlanticus.109326/ [5] https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/nudibranchs-of-tulamben-us-liberty-wreck.149189/
