Napoleon Wrasse: Ocean’s Gentle Giant

 

The Napoleon wrasse, known scientifically as Cheilinus undulatus, is a true marvel of the underwater world. This majestic fish, often called the "humphead wrasse" or "Maori wrasse". It is easily recognizable due to its distinctive, pronounced hump on its forehead and vibrant coloration. They are found primarily in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region. The Napoleon wrasse is a striking sight due to its sheer size.

Characteristics and Behavior

Male Napoleon wrasses can grow quite large, reaching lengths of up to 2 meters and weighing as much as 180 kilograms. Unfortunately, the average length is less than 1 meter due to over-fishing. Females rarely grow larger than 1 meter. They are the largest extant member of the Labridae family. Their bodies are robust, with thick lips and large, expressive eyes. The hump on its head grows larger as they age. The fish can display a variety of colors, ranging from deep blues and greens to bright yellows and purples. They are a favorite among scuba divers and underwater photographers wherever they are seen.

Social Structure and Reproduction

These fish are known for their complex social structures. Adults are commonly found on steep coral reef slopes, channel slopes, and lagoon reefs in water 1 meter to 100 meters deep. Juveniles tend to prefer a more cryptic existence in areas of dense branching corals, bushy macro algae or seagrasses. Larger individuals and adults prefer more open habitat on the edges of reefs, channels, and reef passes. Adults are typically seen on its own. They are sometimes found in small groups, often consisting of a dominant male and several females.

Breeding typically occurs during the warmer months, with females releasing their eggs into the water column, where fertilization takes place. They are long-lived but have a very slow breeding rate. Individuals become sexually mature at five to seven years, and are known to live for around 30 years. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, with some becoming male at about 9 years old. Interestingly, if the dominant male is removed from the group, it is thought that one of the females can change sex and take his place. This ensures the stability of the social hierarchy.

Ecology

One of the most interesting aspects of their behavior is their diet. Napoleon wrasses are carnivorous, feeding primarily on hard-shelled mollusks, crustaceans, and reef fish. Their powerful jaws and specialized teeth allow them to crush the shells of their prey, or crack open sea urchins by carrying them in their mouths and striking them against a rock with brisk, sideways head movements. They excavate the sandy bottom by ejecting water to displace sand and nosing around for prey. They will sometimes engage in cooperative hunting with the roving coral grouper.

Conservation Status

Despite their impressive size and resilience, Napoleon wrasses are currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations have been declining due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and the impact of climate change on coral reefs. The fish is highly sought after in the live reef fish trade, leading to unsustainable fishing practices in some regions.

Conservation efforts are underway in various countries to protect this remarkable species. Marine protected areas (MPAs) and sustainable fishing practices are crucial for preserving their habitats and ensuring their survival. Raising awareness about the importance of the Napoleon wrasse and the threats it faces is also vital in promoting conservation efforts.

Conclusion

The Napoleon wrasse is not just a beautiful fish; it is a vital component of its ecosystem. As we continue to explore and appreciate the wonders of the ocean, it is essential to recognize the significance of protecting species like the Napoleon wrasse. By advocating for sustainable practices and supporting conservation initiatives, we can help ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitats.

Identifying Pufferfish and Related Species in Taiwan

Seeing a pufferfish is a special moment, but, was it really a puffer fish that you saw during your last dive?  We’ll take a look at some of the common Tetraodontiformes spotted while scuba diving in Taiwan and hopefully, afterwards, you will be able to answer the question: Was that a pufferfish, porcupinefish, or a boxfish?

To begin, the Order of Tetraodontiformes includes many types of fish, like pufferfish, boxfish, and porcupinefish as well as triggerfish, filefish, and the ocean sunfish.  The name of the order comes from the fused teeth found in its members, with most having 4 (tetra) teeth (odon/odous).  The teeth form a hard beak which lets them break through mollusk shells easily.  The majority of the order is found in tropical salt water near reefs.  Some pufferfish, however, can be found in brackish or fresh water and the ocean sunfish is found in open water.

One pufferfish that is commonly seen in Taiwan is the Valentini Pufferfish, sometimes called the saddleback puffer.  Another is the Giant Pufferfish.   The distinguishing traits of a pufferfish are the four teeth in the beak, as well as skin that seems smooth (most puffers have small spines but they only appear when it puffs up).   The pufferfish puff up by quickly sucking water (or air if near the surface) into a chamber near the stomach and some can triple in size once inflated.  They will do this as a last resort when threatened or stressed.

Porcupinefish, very common in Taiwan, are very similar to pufferfish.  They are also able to puff up their bodies by sucking water or air into a chamber near their stomach when threatened or stressed.  However, they are covered in spines which are visible even before puffing up and provide additional protection.  Another difference is their teeth; Porcupinefish have a beak consisting of 2 teeth, instead of 4.

Boxfish are also commonly found in Taiwan.  The Yellow Boxfish is very common in reefs around Taiwan.  Another is the Longhorn Boxfish.  Boxfish, unlike puffers and porcupinefish, aren’t able to puff up their bodies when threatened.  The defining characteristic of a Boxfish is, as the name suggests, its shape.  Their bodies have a very distinct, square shape with the front and back tapering quickly to the head and tail respectively.

Another defense mechanism employed by all three types of fish is toxins.  Most Pufferfish and Porcupinefish produce tetrodotoxin, which is found in some of their organs.  It is extremely dangerous and is considered one of the most deadly toxins produced by vertebrates.  Boxfish, on the other hand, are able to release a toxin through their skin when threatened which may harm or even kill any fish in the water near them.  They are brightly colored as a way of warning predators.

So, which one did you see?  Did it have the 4 teeth and smooth skin of a Pufferfish?  Or did it have the visible spines and 2 teeth of a Porcupinefish?  Or was it the brightly colored Boxfish?   Next time you are out diving, use this guide to help you decide!

To learn more about Scuba Diving trips or take courses, you can find us at www.fundiverstw.com 

Happy Bubbles!

Friendly Note:  If you see Divers try to get a Pufferfish to puff up, let them know it's not okay.  While it may be cool to see, harassing marine life while diving is frowned upon.  Be an ambassador and set a good example.

Lambai Island: Scuba Diver's Turtle Paradise!

 

With so many beautiful places to explore while scuba diving in Taiwan, we thought we would introduce our favorite place, Xiao Liu Qiu （小琉球）, also known as Lambai Island.

Lambai Island is located on the southwest coast of Taiwan. Approximately a 30-minute drive south of Kaohsiung City, you’ll reach the Donggang ferry terminal. There are several ferry companies, but the most convenient would be Dongliu Line. It’s the blue one located front and center. Their tickets are $440TWD for return service from the counter. You can often get a discounted price if you purchase them from your hotel accommodation. They may charge you an additional $50TWD for oversized luggage.

Fifteen kilometers from Donggang lies the 7^th largest coral island in the world. It is only reachable by boat.  In the past, the island got pushed up the lush coral bed and hardened into limestone. This jagged coral limestone is evident around the entire coast. The most intriguing place to see this would be at Beauty Cave. You can walk along a labyrinth pathway, exploring the crevices and caverns along the way.

One of the reasons Lambai Island is such a great scuba diving destination is because of its location.  Number one, it is in the tropics, so the water stays warm year-round. From April to October, the water temperature ranges from 25-29C. From November to March, the water temperature ranges from 20-24C. The warm water leads to a flourishing coral population in the area.  Number two, it is also sheltered from the strong currents of the Taiwan Strait. Compared to the exposed Penghu Islands, or the island on the east coast, the amount of damage caused by typhoons is minimized.

Aside from the coral reefs, the island's biggest draw must be the abundance of sea turtles.  The island is home to hundreds of green sea turtles and even more come back for laying eggs each year. During this time, Chung Au Beach, on the northeastern tip of the island, is closed off in order to protect the eggs while hatching.   Divers and snorkelers are guaranteed to enjoy swimming with sea turtles all year round.  Such a majestic creature is a beautiful sight to see as they gracefully glide through the water.

For those who are non-divers, or when you’re not diving there are many attractions to see as well.  It is easiest to tour the island by scooter. There are many scenic lookouts along the coast. The most recognizable sight is Flower Vase Rock. This rock has been eroded by the waves around the base to form a narrow base with a wide top to resemble a flower vase.  It is a perfect location to view the sunrise great.  All of the beaches are great for snorkeling and sunbathing, the most popular being Beauty Beach.  Some other sights to visit along the way include Dwarf Cave, the military hide-out built in case of future invasion from China, or one of its 38 temples dotting such a small island.

Come enjoy the underwater beauty of Lambai Island. Whether it’s scuba diving or snorkeling with green sea turtles or sunbathing and snorkeling at one of its many white sand beaches.  There’s something for everyone to enjoy! Check out our website for more info at www.fundiverstw.com

Exploring Moray Eels: Fascinating Facts and Habits

 Moray eels are a type of fish belonging to the family Muraenidae. They are found in tropical and subtropical marine waters, mostly around the equator, living in coral reefs and rocky shorelines.
There are about 200 species in 15 genera. 

Moray eels are known for their long, snake-like bodies. They can range in size from just a few inches to over 3 meters long. Their smooth, thick, scaleless skin secretes protective mucous, some containing a toxin. Their large mouth with sharp teeth is used to tear flesh or grab slippery prey. A second set of jaws in their throat can launch forward to grasp prey to transport it into their throat. They are the only known species to have this pharyngeal jaw. They have relatively small eyes, but have excellent eyesight. They rely on their keen sense of smell, which helps them to ambush their prey. Reef-associated roving coral groupers have been observed recruiting giant morays to help them hunt. This style of hunting may allow morays to flush prey out from niches not accessible to groupers. 

Moray eels are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crabs, squid, and octopus. Groupers, barracudas, and sea snakes are among a few of their known predators. They are also known to scavenge for food and will sometimes eat dead animals they come across. 

Despite their fearsome appearance, moray eels are generally not aggressive towards humans, unless provoked. However, they have been known to bite when threatened. Their bites can be quite painful due to the size of their teeth and the bacteria they carry in their mouths. 

Moray eels are fascinating and important creatures in the ocean ecosystem. They play an important role in controlling the populations of other marine organisms.

Diving Adventures at Long Dong Bay

Long Dong Bay is one of the original scuba diving sites in northern Taiwan. Great for both Fun Diving and teaching courses, regardless, it's a terrific place to practice your favorite recreational water activity. It is located along a stretch of coast fantastic for diving. Keelung City all the way down to Yilan is accessible via the coastal highway number 2 for both boat and shore dives. Long Dong in Chinese means ‘Dragon’s Cave’. The name comes from the underwater rock formation starting at 14 meters and stretches for about 50 meters to a depth of 25 meters. It is said to resemble a dragon laying down, with its back and spines sticking up from the sea bottom, and the cave being the bay itself.

Scuba divers, snorkelers and freedivers can find an abundance of marine life in close proximity to the shore. The calm waters within the bay provide a comfortable, safe place for many water activities.  On shore, while resting, you can take in the beautiful landscape, with stunning mountains and cliffs reaching out towards the sea. There is a hike to a lighthouse on the northern cape, and a hike along the cliff on the southern cape where you may see rock climbers on the tallest face that Taiwan has to offer.

From May to September, the calm waters of Long Dong Bay make it a great location for teaching any of the PADI Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster courses.  Students are able to work on their diving skills while observing a variety fish around them. Advanced scuba divers can work on their buoyancy along the northern wall, or practice their navigation while exploring the underwater terrain. This site is great for photographers who can encounter some unique species such as the flying gurnard or flounders along the sandy bottom or schools of porcupine pufferfish or striped yellow snappers along the wall. During the spring dive shops will suspend bamboo trees to create a squid nursery where you can see thousands of squid eggs and if you're lucky, encounter numerous squid using it as their home.

With Taiwan growing in local and international popularity, why not give Long Dong Bay a try to see what this alluring site has to offer! Contact us at Fun Divers Taiwan to book your next dive trip.
* Trips to Long Dong Bay are subject to scheduling.

To book your next dive trip with Fun Divers Taiwan, contact us at  www.FunDiversTw.com

Happy Bubbles!

Spotting Greater Amberjacks in Taiwan (杜氏鰤)

As you are gliding through the water, enjoying your dive, a glimmer of light catches your attention.  Curious, you move ahead to investigate, when suddenly, a large stream of silver torpedoes dart past you continuously.  After a few moments, they swim by again, and you get a closer look.  You notice the amber colored horizontal stripe along the center of its body; which connects the mouth, eye, and fin.  Their size and speed is astonishing and it gets your heart pumping as you realize you have spotted an “Amberjack”!

The name jack fish includes numerous species around the world but the type most commonly spotted by scuba divers in the waters around Taiwan is the Greater Amberjack.  The Greater Amberjack averages from 7 to 15 kg but fishermen have caught some as large as 70 kg.  They are commonly found between 20 and 70 meters deep in rocky areas or near wrecks and other underwater structures but also venture closer to shore to hunt.

Amberjacks are predators so they are built for speed, which is apparent from their shape.  Their size and strength also makes them a prized gamefish for anglers since they put up a big fight and are challenging to reel in.  Unfortunately, because of their fleshy meat, they are also a popular fish for sushi and are commonly found in restaurants worldwide.

Your best chance to see Amberjacks is from winter into late spring when they spend more time closer to shore for mating.  They head into deeper waters after May, but can be spotted occasionally year round if you’re lucky.  They seem fearless, and almost playful when in the vicinity of divers and can often be seen swimming several laps around Divers and their bubble columns. Make sure to take the opportunity and marvel in this exquisite sight before they depart for another year!

For more info about these excursions, you can go to  email us at  www.fundiverstw.com
Happy Bubbles!

Fun Divers Dive Center is Ready for 2017

With 2017 already into late February, anticipation is mounting. Divers are all thinking of where they can bring their new gear for the first dive.  Nights are filled with dreams of strapping on fins, doing giant strides and the sound of breathing with regulators while descending into the depths of the ocean again.

Nowhere is this truer than at Fun Divers Dive Center, where we have been busy getting everything ready so we can start the 2017 season with a SPLASH.  The shop has been revamped and is better than ever. With a new look and more space, we can hang out and be dive geeks in comfort.


We have a big season planned with monthly trips to a variety of destinations, domestic and international, as well as some fun new dive locations and courses available to try.  Another new thing for this year is this blog, where we will be sharing interesting facts, information on equipment, tours and any other cool things relevant to you guys!


We are excited for this season and are really looking forward to seeing everyone enjoying the sun and the bubbles and making new diving companions again.  Can’t wait to venture out to the squid farms, track down those octopi, and huddle around the clownfish again. All while maintaining proper trim and buoyancy, of course!