Best of Mike #182

If you could add eyeballs and gills to a feather, you would end up with.... a Juvenile Spotted Drumfish.

They have to be one of the most graceful things you can find underwater.

This is the not yet grown up version, of the fish that was the subject of the BoM #179.

They are very tiny, shy and nervous.... which makes them a challenge to photograph.

But they are very territorial, confine themselves to a small area and like to swim in repetitive patterns.... so it you are patient, you can usually get a pixture.

Best of Mike #181

A little fish love.... probably not.

A peck on the cheek before the mister heads off to work.... probably not.

Actually, the small yellow and black fish you see in this pixture.... is operating a "cleaning station.

His job is to remove parasites from the larger fish (a Creole Wrasse).... and what he takes off, he calls that a meal.

The white that you see is the Creole Wrasse's mouth.

They have the ability to extend it, as you see here, to filter plankton from the water.... and make a really great pucker.

Best of Mike #180

They may not be the mightiest fish on the reef.... typically only about 6in long.

But Hamlets have to be a contender for the fiercest.

They are carnivores that specialize in feeding on crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp, and occasionally eat other fishes. 

They are very territorial.... spending all day, every day defending their little patch of the reef.

They see no reason to back down when something even as big as diver gets in their space.

On more than one occasion.... I have had one make a run at me.

 They have even nibbled on the knuckle.... when I didn't give them space as quickly as they thought I should.

Best of Mike #179

This fine fellow is a Spotted Drumfish.

Drumfish, you say.... this looks nothing like a drum.

And that is true, because they are named for the sound they make.... not the way they look.

This is an adult Spotted Drum but even so, they are not large.... typically 6-9 inches long.

During the day, you will find them under ledges or near the opening of small caves.... swimming in repetitive patterns. 

They are a nocturnal feeder, leaving the protection of their ledge or hole only at night.... to feed.