How to become a great "critter hunter"
by Terri Parson

Many frogfish are easy to overlook because they tend to perch motionless on substrate that they closely resemble.

The thrill of discovery

I'm not sure if all people like treasure hunts or whether it takes a certain personality. But as a long-time diver, the vast majority of diving enthusiasts that I've met on dive trips seem to have a fairly competitive nature when hunting for the biggest, the smallest, the most cryptic, or the rarest marine creatures.

The biggest, the smallest, the rarest...

It seems the longer the person has been diving and the more diving territory they've traveled, the more demanding the hunt becomes. The stakes are higher. For instance, it isn't enough to say you've found a beautiful and rare nudibranch on a dive. The best "hunter" might come back with a report of finding a pair of rare nudibranchs mating (no less) on an equally rare coral species (no less) -- hiding under an overhang (no less) -- at 22.5 meters (no more, no less)!

Of course, the competitive nature of less fortunate "hunters" might elicit verbal challenges of validity. But there is nothing more humbling for a doubting audience than when the "discoverer" proudly displays "proof" with enhanced, digital video footage of his or her discovery!

How do they find these critters?

This tiny crab could have been missed completely since its carapace nearly matches the color of sand and coral rubble.

The secret to finding the biggest, the smallest, the cryptic and rare or unusual marine life has more to do with knowledge than with luck or coincidence. The best "critter hunters" dive with knowledge about the life styles and preferences of the marine life they hope to encounter. They know the time of day, the reef "zone", and the type of reef "cover" that a particular species prefers. They know the type of symbiotic relationships a species develops. They've learned how and when to approach a species for quality observation. All of this knowledge increases a diver's chance of consistently making the most of any reef ecosystem.

So much information, so little time!

Where does one start with a study of marine life when there are so many species to learn about? Here are several suggestions that may help you in your continuing education:

   Start with your next dive destination in mind.

CoralRealm.com provides a clickable map of the world showing different diving regions. Click on a specific region and a listing of fishes and sharks common to the area will appear. The list also includes a thumbnail-size photo of each species. Now click on the "Species Profile" button next to the photo and a complete species profile and larger image of the species will appear. The profile includes details including information about size, distribution, habitat, reproduction, feeding, behavior, diver interaction, and distinguishing characteristics. Many profiles include photography tips. Click your browser's back button to return to the regional list and continue reading about each of the species that you find interesting.

Idea: CoralRealm.com provides members with an opportunity to create their own, personal "Life List" of marine life. Use this unique feature to develop a list and descriptions of marine life that you can take on your next trip. Review the list and species profile before your dive to refresh your memory. Or, identify a few species and make them top priority on your "critter hunt" list.

  Start with a particular family or species of marine life.

In full daylight! This clever octopus is a master of disguise, changing its body form, color and texture to look like the scenery.

Your next dive destination may be known for a particular species of marine life. Use the CoralRealm reef fishes and sharks encyclopedias to research the species by common, scientific or family name. Learn all you can about the distinguishing characteristics and behaviors between similar species. Check out CoralRealm marine life feature articles for additional information. Then, on your next dive trip, make it your mission to identify and observe the species you've studied. Over time, become an expert on a particular species or family!

Idea: Use a dive slate to record species names and a brief description of distinguishing features for selected species. Take this along on your dive as a quick reference. Make a check mark by the species and note the number encountered during the dive. This is useful when recording observations in your dive log later.

  Become an expert on a particular species that captures your interest.

Not just an empty hole! Knowing how to approach different species is the secret to close observation.

Becoming knowledgeable about ALL species of marine life would be a daunting goal. Even the best marine biologists tend to have their areas of expertise. So, why not chose a species that captures your interest and fascination? Learn all you can about the species you've chosen and then make your trips "missions" to learn more about the species. CoralRealm species profiles include "Best Places to See" information. You might also want to check out the feature articles when deciding on a species. These interesting and in-depth articles might spark your interest. Many of the articles include first-hand information and easy-to-understand, scientific reports found no where else.

Idea: Develop a file of information about the species that you've chosen to study. Take the file with you on dive trips to study prior to dives. Make entries in your dive log about the species behaviors you've observed on dives and the frequency of encounters with the species. Share this information on the CoralRealm forum or with other divers who share your interest in the species.

  Chose to learn and see more!

This fascinating, tiny and transparent whip coral goby is easy to find once you know where it lives its entire life.

Choosing to become more knowledgeable about the marine life you encounter is the first step to becoming a consistently great "critter hunter." Next, you'll need to set aside a few minutes every day or week throughout the year to read about one or two species. Even if you only read something once a week, you will have learned about 52 species in a year! And best of all, when you're on your next dive adventure, you'll know when, where and how to spot the "best of the reef" during your dives. This is great way of enhancing your diving enjoyment, getting the best return on your dive trip investment, and becoming known as a great "critter hunter"!

A cuttlefish is a master of disguise, changing his color and pattern to match the surrounding reef.		Nudibranchs can been seen in a wide array of colors and patterns

   Read Tulamben
   Prime Critter Hunting Territory

   Read Bali Stop-Over
   for information about non-diving attractions of Bali