Pl 2

This spiny lobster has found an unusual, but perfect place to hide from predators. Unlike Atlantic lobsters, spiny lobsters lack claws for defence. They also have very long antennae, which they use to sense animals and objects around them. The barrel sponge that is providing shelter here is actually an animal. Sponges are among the longest-living animals on earth. The oldest known sponge lived for almost 2500 years. They are stationary filter feeders that draw in water, ingesting the nutrients and expelling water and waste. Spiny lobsters are opportunistic feeders, cleaning up carrion and other debris on the ocean floor. They also eat crustaceans, mollusks, sea urchins, worms, and vegetable matter. Colourful and fascinating, spiny lobsters are a delight for scuba divers to observe.

The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their incredible biodiversity, including various species of manta rays. Giant manta rays, can often be spotted in the warm waters surrounding these islands. These majestic creatures are known for their impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 29 feet (8.8 meters), and their graceful movements as they glide through the water. Manta rays are filter feeders, consuming plankton and small fish by swimming with their mouths open to capture food. In the Galapagos, they are often seen performing acrobatic jumps or rolling in the water, which may help them dislodge parasites or interact with other mantas. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is an excellent location for diving and snorkeling, offering opportunities to encounter manta rays, along with other marine life such as sea turtles, sharks, and thousands of fish species. Conservation efforts in the area aim to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats, as they are vulnerable to threats such as overfishing and climate change. These lucky scuba divers found themselves in the middle of a huge congregation of these massive beasts as the circled around them curiously.