Indonesia

Raja Ampat is rightly known as the most-biodiverse marine ecosystem in the world. The abundance of healthy coral reefs and marine species is a divers’ dream. For this series, Jean-Pierre Nathrass will be highlighting a few of our favourite marine creatures that you can see during your visit to the region

Photographs by Meridian Adventure Dive

A Dutch diver by the name of Max Ammer began to spread the word about Raja Ampat in 1990. He had spent time in the region searching for sunken World War Two ships and airplanes and realized the biodiversity was like nowhere else in the world.

The smallest creatures that get the most attention from divers worldwide. More than 3,000 species of these gastropods have been identified worldwide. If you keep your eyes peeled for these small critters, you can expect to see as many as 100 of these on a single dive in Raja Ampat.

Ranging from 0.5cm to 60cm in all colours and shapes, nudibranchs are unique animals to observe. While some species can be easier to spot and more commonly found on the colourful reefs, the area is also home to some of the rarest of the species.

The Varicose Phyllidia, also known as the scrambled egg nudi by some, is one of the more-commonly found nudibranchs in the area. With their blue-grey ridges and yellow spikes that run the length of the black body, these nudibranchs can be found on almost every reef in the area. You will mostly encounter them on bare coral, and rock formations and are often found in groups. The Dusky Nembrotha or Neon nudi is a dark nudibranch with bright; almost neon-coloured raised green spots and stripes that run down the length of its body. These nudibranchs can be distinguished from similar species by their bright neon orange head, oral tentacles, and foot that give the effect of a glimmering neon sign. Keep an eye out for these show-offs in patches of dark green coloured coral, moss, and short dark patches of seaweed mostly found in shallower parts of reefs.

Chromodoris Anne or Anna’s sea slug is a colourful and flamboyant nudibranch species. This blue-greyish nudibranch can grow up to 5cm and are generally wider than other species of that size. The yellow edges of the foot and mantle are raised and with black borders that frame the entire upper body. Further, the species have bright orange gills resembling tree branches - a unique and magnificent variant to observe. As the name suggests, Leopard Nudibranch is identified by the unique black spots found on the brown areas of this species. The size of this area and the spots are different in each individual nudibranch. Usually, these have a shimmering blue line that borders the body of the nudi. In the right light, it can give the illusion that it is hovering above the surface it is found on. While not as bright or ornate as many of the other species in the area, spotting this rare nudibranch is an excellent addition to the list of spotted critters.

The cuttlefish is a truly unique sea creature. Found seemingly hovering a few centimetres above the reef with a strange glimmering effect, it will then suddenly propel away with the effect reminiscent of a UFO in a sci-fi movie. This alien-like mollusc has a soft outer body with an internal shell known as the cuttlebone. Air/water chambers are used to regulate its buoyancy, allowing it to hover gracefully.

The cuttlefish uses a fin that surrounds the bottom of the body to swim. When the need for faster movement arises, the fin is shaped to suck in and then forcefully displace water, similar to that of a water jet engine. While the cuttlefish can quickly escape predators using this technique, it is also a master at distraction and camouflage.

When threatened, the cuttlefish can release an ink-like substance to provide an opportunity to escape. Furthermore, cuttlefish are able to instantly change colour and texture to perfectly match that of the environment. Watching a cuttlefish undergo this transformation is an incredible experience, as this not only allows them to hide from predators but also makes them the perfect hunters. Using their camouflage, they can stalk and hunt larger fish, crabs, squid, and even other cuttlefish. There are over 100 known species of cuttlefish varying in size and location. The giant cuttlefish has been known to weigh as much as 10kg. In Raja Ampat it is possible to spot cuttlefish from the size of a nail to one the size of a foot. Raja Ampat is the perfect diving location to find four of the seven ocean turtle species of the world. The area is an official sea turtle sanctuary and home to the leatherback, green, hawksbill and Olive Ridley species. While it is more common to encounter the green and hawksbill in the Waigeo region, the leatherback and Olive Ridley are known to nest in some of the more-remote and less-visited areas in Raja Ampat. While to most divers, these species of turtles will look the same, some defining characteristics make it easier to identify each.

Both the oldest and the largest of the turtle species are leatherback turtles. This species is believed to have survived the dinosaur extinction. They can grow up to an impressive size of over two metres and weigh up to 900kg. While their size alone should be enough to identify these turtles, they also have a softer shell structure than other turtles that resemble leather, hence the name.

If there is one place underwater that can rival the dense flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest, it is Raja Ampat. Over 600 unique hard corals and over 1,300 species of unique marine fishes have been discovered in the waters of Raja Ampat – that is approximately 75% of the total number on the planet.

Green turtles are one of the larger turtle species growing to sizes up to 1.2 metres, and they are listed as endangered because their eggs are considered a delicacy in some regions. In addition, the green turtle is the only species classified as a herbivore, feeding primarily on seagrass, getting its name from the greenish colour of fat and cartilage rather than the colour of its shell.

As the name suggests, the hawk-like shape of their beaks easily identifies hawksbill turtles. This sharp protruding beak is perfectly adapted to feed on sponges found in the crevices of reefs. Unfortunately, these sponges are toxic to most other marine species and, if left unchecked, could overgrow and suffocate other coral formations. The hawksbill turtle is one of the smaller turtle species growing to up to 90cm. These turtles are most often encountered gracefully swimming over reefs and slopes or busy feeding on shallow reefs.

While the Olive Ridley might not be the best-known turtle species, they are the most-populous species worldwide. This small turtle only grows to 70cm and is often incorrectly identified as a green turtle due to its olive-green shell colour patterns. Despite the small size, the species are migratory and travel considerable distances between their feeding and nesting areas. This turtle is known to dive as deep as 150m to feed on crustaceans found on the seabed.

Turtles play a vital role in the marine ecosystem, with most turtles feeding on jellyfish, keeping the natural balance in check. Jellyfish commonly feed on more undersized and juvenile fish species, and without turtles keeping the jellyfish numbers controlled, these fish species run the risk of becoming endangered over time. Turtles numbers are drastically declining worldwide, with Raja Ampat being one of the most-important protected areas in the world for the survival of the species.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to swim with jellyfish? Well you can in Raja Ampat! There exist lakes in Raja Ampat that are home to non-lethal, non-poisonous jellyfish that you can swim with.

Although not an actual starfish, the feather starfish is a close relative to the starfish and is known to be one of the oldest and most-primitive species of animal alive in the world. These starfish have many appendages that grow from their bodies which resemble feathers. While these so-called feathers vary significantly in their colour and exact shape, they are all perfectly suited to blend in with their environment. These starfish are often hidden between soft coral formations, which their colour and shape perfectly mimic, where they feed on micro-organisms found in the reef systems. Feather starfish can detach themselves from their hiding spots and use the ocean currents to gently drift, much like a feather in the wind to a new area.

While this is an impressive feat and makes for some incredible photo opportunities, what is even more impressive is that the feather starfish can walk along the reef and seabed. Despite the large number of appendages on the body of the starfish, it can move slowly over a surface using small movements on each individual appendage.

These starfish can be found in a variety of colours and shapes, from pitch black to vivid orange.

While clownfish might have found their fame from Finding Nemo, these distinctive fish are much more interesting than an animation film can ever do justice. Also known as anemonefish, clownfish are primarily found in the warm waters of shallow and sheltered reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and there are about 30 different identified species. Besides the famous bright orange and white striped variant, these comic fish sport colours ranging from reds to blacks. Some are even classified as false clownfish. These fish are mostly found living in a symbiotic relationship with anemones. In many cases, these will match colours to provide natural camouflage, and while there are thousands of anemone species, less than 20 of these can support this relationship. In some instances, a single pair of clownfish will be the only ones ever to call a single anemone their home.

Clownfish males are role model dads; they will do all the preparation, guarding, and maintenance of the nest, and while the males play the role of caretakers, the females are in charge of the school. All clownfish are born male but will change sex when their partner dies, or the school has lost a number of females to balance out the group. n

Are you questioning your next

It may seem like an odd question but it’s actually perfectly understandable to ask yourself if you are ‘Divemaster material’. If you’re questioning yourself then chances are you’re right for the role – cautious, concerned and taking it seriously. Of course, being a Divemaster is a big responsibility but it’s also a lot of fun. If you love meeting new people, travelling to new places and have a thirst for adventure, then taking your PADI Divemaster course will open up a whole range of opportunities.

There are some other requirements too – you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, a PADI Rescue Diver with an Emergency First Response certificate dated within the last 24 months, 40 logged dives and a medical statement signed by a physician in the last 12 months.

own pace and around your existing commitments. Practical sessions can often be completed over weekends in many areas, meaning a longer course overall but no time off work.

If on the other hand you are planning to start a new career and are ready to (literally) dive in then opt for an internship which will give you day in and day out experience of being part of a dive shop team. Internship lengths vary from region to region and dive centre to dive centre so it’s worth looking around to find one that suits your needs.

The PADI Divemaster course is an exciting, challenging and ultimately rewarding experience. Your relationship with your instructor is very different to what you will have experienced so far - they will be your mentor and they’ll be open to discussion and observation.

The course is designed to give you the tools to be a leader and to take charge of diving activities independently as well as alongside other PADI Professionals. Throughout the course you’ll develop your skills through knowledge development sessions, water skills exercises, workshops and hands-on practical assessment. Your instructor will provide you with regular feedback.

First off, browse the PADI Job Board to get inspired with Divemaster career opportunities. Next, use the PADI Dive Store Locator to find dive centres offering the Divemaster course in your local area. Ask what is available but remember to explain your needs and requirements too. n

There is no right or wrong time to start your PADI Divemaster training and now with so many learning options available it is easier than ever – gone are the days of needing to take a month off work for an internship, unless you want to. PADI eLearning allows you to work through the theory components from home at your