KristysWorld

Black striped salema are a small fish that are found in many waters around the world, and also in the ocean surrounding the Galapagos Islands. They are bait fish for sea lions, larger fish, aquatic birds, and many other animals. They are vast in number and their main defense against predators is to swarm in tight clusters to confuse attackers and make it harder to isolate and capture the individual fish. When threatened, these fish dart rapidly in all directions and move even closer together. Even when not threatened, they find safety in the school and they stay close to other fish. These scuba divers entered the water to explore the surroundings and check out the marine life. They saw a sea lion hunting in the shallower area around the rocks and then they saw why she was there. There was a huge school of black striped salemas cruising through. In response to the sea lion's attempts to catch them, they changed direction abruptly and closed ranks. The sea lion regarded the scuba divers with a mix of curiosity and playfulness. It is very common for predators like the sea lion to work together, taking turns ambushing the fish. It's very possible that she was hoping the divers would create opportunities for feeding. Sea lions are naturally curious about humans in the water and they will often buzz past closely, seemingly in an invitation to play. The salemas also saw an opportunity and they gathered around the divers, hoping to avoid the sea lion. The scuba divers were totally engulfed in the school of fish, occasionally swallowed up by the darkness as the light above was almost completely blocked out. Salemas are unspeakably beautiful and being completely surrounded by an endless school was an unforgettable experience for these scuba divers.

Snapping turtles are generally shy and reclusive animals that avoid contact with humans in most cases. But these reptiles are more intelligent and more curious than we give them credit for. Occasionally, this curiosity overcomes their caution and they will approach people to have a closer look. This is a remote lake in Northern Ontario that sees very few humans. A quiet family cottage is nestled in the trees on this small island. The dock is used infrequently and the atmosphere is generally peaceful and still. Animals come to the nearby shoreline to drink and snapping turtles float in the bay on sunny days or climb out on the rocks to bask in the sun. It's not unusual to see these things from a distance. But this very curious common snapping turtle has ventured right up to the dock and she is peering curiously at the family on the dock, as well as their dog. Several times each summer, the remnants of fish that are caught are left at the end of the dock for the resident turtles. It's very possible that hunger has brought this turtle over and she is hoping for a snack. As the turtle looks expectantly up towards this family, they are amused at her endearing expression. One of them gets into the water with a GoPro while the other family member records from the dock. The beagle is jealous of the attention that the turtle is getting and he tries to compete. It's a comical scene as they all laugh at this unusual visitor at the dock.

Scorpionfish are a family of highly venomous bottom dwelling fish that have sharp spines coated with a very venomous mucous. Many of the world's most venomous fish belong to this family. They are widespread through tropical and temperate seas and oceans around the world. While they are common throughout the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, they are seldom seen by people. This is largely because their camouflage is so perfect that they blend in flawlessly with the coral and rocks in their surroundings. One of the greatest dangers for people is that these fish are difficult to avoid because they look like the bottom that they rest on. These fish are also likely to lie still and avoid moving, relying in their ability to go unnoticed. Unfortunately for humans, the venom of the scorpionfish is highly potent, causing extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, and occasionally, death. Symptoms come on rapidly and the sting itself is a painful one. Those who are stung and do not seek medical attention within a few hours can be at serious risk. Scorpionfish are ambush predators that remain motionless until a smaller fish ventures too close to their mouth. The scorpionfish can lunge forward quickly and inhale rapidly, allowing them to capture an unwary fish in the blink of an eye. Scuba divers in Belize have found this beautiful specimen lounging on a coral head in shallow water. these are exciting fish to see because getting a close look at one is rare. They are so easily passed over without being observed that divers will stop and have a good look, pointing these fish out to other divers as they do so. It's also a matter of safety to make sure that other divers are aware so that they do not inadvertently touch these fish. There are many good reasons for scuba divers to avoid touching the reef. This is just one of them.

A group of rhinoceroses are known as a "crash". This seems to be a very appropriate term given the immense power of these magnificent beasts. This crash of white rhinoceroses is grazing happily on lush, green grass on the protected safari where they live. They are huge animals, weighing as much as 2,400kg (5000lbs). Their front horns are capable of reaching a length of 150cm (59inches). A fully grown, adult rhinoceros has no natural predators. Humans are the only ones who would harm this animal. Juvenile rhinoceros may fall prey to large cats, crocodiles, and wild dogs and hyenas. Rhinos face extreme pressure due to illegal hunting, largely motivated by black market trade of rhinoceros horn. Powders made from these horns is sold under the guise that they are an aphrodisiac or that they cure cancer. South Africa is home to 80% of the remaining wild rhino population. Once illegal, sale of rhinoceros horn was made legal again in South Africa in 2017. The government argued that legal trade might actually allow for horn harvesting from live rhinos and it could potentially prevent the slaughter and imminent extinction of these animals. Many conservation organizations oppose this claim, arguing that it will increase the demand for these products.

The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai Thailand is a wonderful place for animals who need a forever home. Although their primary focus is rescuing elephants from abuse and torture, they will take in other animals, such as this herd of water buffalo. Water buffalo are used for labour on farms in Thailand, often pulling ploughs or carrying extremely heavy loads. They are the primary means of tilling rice fields in Thailand. They are also used for food when they are no longer productive workers. Water buffalo are also used for milk production with the milk being richer in protein and fat than the milk of dairy cattle. These animals eat submerged plants and reeds, as well as hay and other green fodder. The milk production can be improved with diets higher in greens. These water buffalo have been rescued from farms where health care was were poor and the animals were being subjected to inhumane conditions. They will live here at the Elephant Nature Park where they will be rehabilitated and given the care that they need.

Tarpon are magnificent fish and ferocious predators. They grow to almost 2m (6 feet) in length and a whopping 165kg (275lb). This scuba diver in Belize was returning to the boat after an afternoon dive. As she cruised over the coral in the shallows, she was confronted by a school of tarpon that were drifting past in front of his face. Tarpon this size have no predators except large sharks and they have little fear as they meet up with this clumsy human. A very unique thing about tarpon is that they have a specialized swim bladder. This can also function as an accessory respiratory organ, allowing them to breathe air from the surface so that they can survive in water with very low oxygen saturation. They are also able to swim much faster than other fish in the same environment because of their increased oxygen uptake. This makes them formidable predators. They have voracious appetites, inhaling their food whole. For a scuba diver, a school tarpon so close up is a very interesting sight!

Giraffes are one of the most beautiful animals on earth. They are gorgeously patterned and wonderfully gentle. They are enormous and very capable of defending themselves with their powerful hooves and heavy heads that they can use like a club. Few animals will take on a fully grown giraffe. But with little reason to worry, healthy and strong giraffes wander casually over many areas of the African continent. Protected by the herd, a giraffe will rarely need to defend itself. These giraffes live on a protected safari where they have a large expanse of land to roam. They have no predators here and there can be no poachers. They see curious humans who watch them from vehicles on established pathways through the safari. Occasionally, they are as curious about the visitors as the visitors are about them. These giraffes have taken an interest in the tour bus full of people. As the herd crosses the road, they stop to inspect the guests. Although there are zoos where animals are treated well and where they do have sufficient space to wander freely, safaris like this one provide a habitat that is much closer to what nature intended for these majestic creatures. By carefully choosing the facilities that we support, we are doing better for the animals. The facilities that do not have the welfare of the animals as their top priority will continue if people choose to spend their money there.

Back yard ponds are ideal places to observe some of the most beautiful birds that nature has to offer. This striking bird is an indigo bunting. They are one of the most vibrant and beautiful birds in North America. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts take extreme delight in getting a close look at one, whether at the edge of the forest or at the back yard feeder. But these bird lovers have a pair that frequent their feeder and their pond. Indigo buntings are one of the most striking of all the songbirds that appear at the backyard feeders in North America. They are a rare sight and an exciting one with their vibrant blue plumage. Bird enthusiasts and nature lovers anxiously watch and hope to catch a glimpse of these beauties paying them a visit. Indigo buntings frequent the edge of forested areas and farm land, enjoying the hardwood lots where they meet meadows. The birds love seeds and berries, but they also eat a lot of insects and caterpillars. This is extremely beneficial for keeping the moths and caterpillars in check. Without them, trees and other vegetation would suffer and decline as leaves were devoured by the insects. The male of the species is a brilliant blue during mating season, while the female is a brown colour and far less striking. During winter months, even the males are brown. This is very common in birds as more vibrant colour is a signal to the females that the males are robust and carry strong genes, making them the most desirable mates. Amazingly, Indigo Buntings migrate at night, using the stars for guidance. These birds possess an internal clock that enables them to continually adjust their angle of orientation to the stars, even as that star moves through the night sky. This is a very unique trait. The indigo bunting is as fascinating as it is beautiful! As if the indigo bunting was not enough of a sight, it was closely followed by a flicker who came to enjoy the pond as well.

These fish are swirling around each other in a mysterious dance and it has caught the attention of a scuba diver in the Galapagos Islands. The cause of this beautiful dance is a mystery as there is nothing in the midst of them that would be considered food. They also do not seem to be concerned about any predators in the area. And there does not seem to be any attempt at mating behaviour. The Galapagos Islands are home to a rich abundance of marine life that is brought here by three converging ocean currents. The currents collide and create an upwelling that brings nutrients from the depths, attracting plankton and smaller bait fish. This in turn, brings the larger fish such as jacks, hammerhead sharks, and Galapagos sharks. Whale sharks and dolphins also congregate here. Life in the ocean is a delicate balance with animals being predators one minute and prey the next. This balance can change in an instant and the animals here are always wary and cautious. It is very possible that this behaviour is meant to be confusing to possible predators, or perhaps it is there way of practicing at forming a tight bait ball when the need arises. Whatever the reason, this scuba diver was fascinated by the mesmerizing sight and captured this on video.

Mathias has always had a way with animals so it was no surprise when he was able to coax a few hummingbirds over to sip on some nectar that he put in his outstretched palm. In a secluded area on the edge of the rainforest in Ecuador, these hummingbirds gather nectar from flowers. They are attracted to bright colours and they have learned that these humans offer sweet nectar in the small, bright red dishes. With wings that beat hundreds of times per second, the hummingbirds are a blur to the human eye until they hover or land. It is rare that we get a good look at these beautiful creatures because they are always moving so quickly. Mathias is demonstrating how to coax the beautiful little birds over for a drink. They are so trusting that they will also land in his hand to rest as they sip on the nectar. Hummingbirds have an incredibly fast metabolism that requires them to eat constantly. They struggle with going more than a few hours between meals. As they sleep at night, hummingbirds actually slow their metabolism, entering a state that resembles hibernation so that their need for calories will also decrease. There are many different species of hummingbird and they come in various sizes and colours. Almost all of them are striking with their iridescent plumage and vivid colours.

In a freshwater cenote in Mexico, these divers experience the thrill of looking a crocodile in the eye. Scuba diving takes the lucky few into a world of adventure and incredible sights. Most of us think of diving as drifting along, exploring coral reefs or swimming through schools of fish. Often it involves swimming near a sea turtle or watching a shark cruise past. But there is another side to diving that is less common and less frequently imagined when we say the words "scuba diving". Cenotes are rivers of fresh water that are a popular diving destination, especially in Mexico. Limestone formation and erosion caused an enormous system of underground lakes and rivers, many of which are connected by tunnels and crevices. Scuba divers have been able to explore these beautiful and crystal clear cenotes for many years. The fish are unique and so is the animal life, because it is fresh water, not salt water that runs through them. Cenotes offer tunnels, ledges, overhangs, open areas, and even mangrove roots to explore. These scuba divers had reached the turnaround point in their open cenote dive near Akumal, Mexico. They surfaced in a large pool in the mangroves from a depth of 12m (36 feet). The limestone ledges and mangrove bushes around the opening were the perfect habitat for crocodiles. This large male is 2.5m (7.5 feet) long and has a head and jaws that are full of very impressive teeth. The divers approached cautiously for a close look and some video and photographs of the formidable looking beast. Well camouflaged and large enough that he does not have any true predators, this male was not worried about a few people in his pool. But as they became braver and closed the distance, the crocodile gave them a warning that they had entered his personal bubble. With a display of his hundreds of teeth, the divers quickly got the message to move back. Crocodiles are ambush predators that patrol the shores of the waters they inhabit. They recognize land animals that come to drink as prey. They will move silently and slowly until they are close enough for a lunge attack and they will snap their powerful jaws on the creature, dragging it into the water. Animals that are not killed quickly will be drowned and then eaten. But crocodiles are not used to hunting food in the water and they rarely see the marine animals as food. They also don't consider humans as food. Although these divers were in no danger of being attacked, they were clearly being told that the crocodile didn't trust them enough to have them move any closer.

Pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers in North America. Once the second largest, only to the ivory-billed woodpecker which is now extinct, the pileated is a giant among birds. They grow to 45cm (18 inches) and have such a solid bone structure that they can pound their enormous bills into the wood of decaying trees in such a way as to leave a field of debris at the base of the tree. Nature lovers hiking in a forest or woodlot are likely to see evidence of the pileated woodpecker's work in the form of large holes and shredded tree fibers, as well as chunks of wood in a pile on the ground. The pileated chisels deep holes in decaying trees to get at the larvae of insects that burrow into the trees. Their preferred food is carpenter ants and beetle larvae. This eliminates pests that can threaten trees and it also creates habitats for other animals such as owls. The pileated woodpecker makes a loud racket as it bangs its large beak against tree trunks, creating a sound that can be heard for a mile or more. These birds often beat their beaks against trees in territorial displays, choosing hollow trees with the best resonance. They can rap their beak against a tree between 11 and 30 times per second. Weasels, squirrels, snakes and foxes will prey on the young in the nest, but a full grown pileated has few predators except owls and hawks. The beautiful red crest and impressive size of these birds makes them a very welcome sight at any backyard bird feeder. They will appear daily if they are offered suet.

Hawksbill sea turtles are critically endangered animals, nearing extinction in the past century. Check it out as this one checks out divers at a shipwreck. So cool!

Lionfish are an invasive species wreaking havoc on reefs and fish populations in the Atlantic Ocean since their accidental release by humans a few decades ago. With no natural predators, these fish have bred and multiplied freely. They have voracious appetites, devouring large quantities of smaller reef fish each day. Conservation experts encourage scuba divers to spear the fish and remove them from the ocean to preserve the delicate balance on the reefs. Another school of thought is that sharks, eels, groupers, and other predators should be taught to see the lionfish as a food source. These divers in Belize are witnessing the reaction of large reef sharks to the opportunity presented by this spearfisherman. It is no surprise that a shark can smell blood in the water from an impressive distance, and they can track that smell to the source. But equally impressive, these sharks had learned to react to the sound of the spear being released.When the tip of the spear strikes coral, the sharks turn abruptly and swim toward the sound, having learned that this might mean a meal can be had. They even react to the sound of the spear being released when it strikes nothing. The sound of the rubber band twanging and the spear cutting the water is almost imperceptible to the human ear, but to these sharks, it is clear enough to have them react from a distance as if somebody rang a dinner bell. These scuba divers are in no danger as long as they move slowly and stay away from the fish and the spear. The sharks become agitated, and they could accidentally bit in a frenzy, without meaning to attack a human. But the divers know to keep a safe distance from the food and the competitive response to the lionfish., Scuba diving is a thrill beyond words. Divers enter a world of powerful and formidable animals, each with their own ability to defend themselves. In this world, humans are intruders, and improper behavior can have immediate and serious consequences.

Lionfish are a very destructive invasive species never meant to exist in the Atlantic Ocean. Released accidentally by human interference, they have overpopulated in a world with no natural predators. The lionfish has a voracious appetite, and it devours dozens of smaller reef fish each day. The result is that other fish are declining in numbers while the lionfish breed without check. The lionfish has large fins with a spiny on each end. The spine delivers a powerful toxin that can paralyze smaller animals. The sting is agonizingly painful, and predators avoid the lionfish at all costs. Lionfish hide in coral and under ledges, but a healthy lionfish has little to fear from even a large fish. Occasionally they boldly swim in the open with their fins extended for protection. The lionfish are undeniably beautiful with their colorful stripes and decorate "fans" This scuba diver could not resist getting close when he saw this juvenile lion fish swimming out on the open ocean. He held out his hand and held the lionfish in his palm. The fish looks at him curiously, wary enough of him that it extends all of its fins, warning him not to try to seize it. After a brief moment, the scuba diver lets the fish continue on its way. In the middle of the video, we see a nurse shark cruising through. Like ocean puppies, these sharks follow divers curiously, always hoping that there will be a chance of a free meal. This is Belize, and scuba divers are encouraged to kill and remove lionfish to conserve the resident fish populations. Occasionally, nurse sharks can capture injured lionfish before the divers can deposit them in collection bags. This shark has likely learned that scuba divers present occasional opportunities.

This octopus hunting on the reef shows an incredible ability to change texture and colour. These animals are true super predators. They are the most intelligent invertebrates on the planet, capable of observational learning and problem solving. They have short term and long term memory. They are incredibly strong and more flexible than any other carnivore. But what most people do not realize is that they are highly specialized hunters that can prey on creatures with seemingly impenetrable shells and exoskeletons. The octopus has a tooth on its tongue that helps it drill a tiny hole in the shells of mollusks and crabs. It can dissolve calcium carbonate, the substance that mollusk shells are made of, using its saliva. It can then deliver a highly venomous bite, paralyzing and killing the animal in the shell. This makes it easy for the octopus to open the shell and eat the creature inside. Octopus have sophisticated brains, but the nerve bundles in their arms are complex enough that they can control the movement of all 8 limbs without the need for input from the brain. The octopus also has the ability to taste and smell using each of the hundreds of tentacles on its arms. It uses the arms to reach into crevices and hiding spots and it can detect prey without needing to see it. Pound for pound, there are few animals in the ocean that are such efficient and capable predators.

Caiman lizards are native to several countries in South America, including Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Colombia. They live in swampy areas that provide them with access to water where they find almost all of their food. Their primary diet is snails, although they will also eat crawfish and freshwater clams. They grow to 1.2m (4 feet) in length and can weigh up to 4.5kg (10lbs). They have strong jaws and a powerful bite. They bask on logs and branches where they will be able to drop into water or swampy areas to escape predators. They have broad tails to help them swim and dive and they also possess a third eyelid which is clear, enabling them to see underwater. Little else is known about these fascinating creatures. There has been no actual study ever performed on these lizards in their natural habitat. They are difficult to keep in captivity because they requires arboreal and aquatic habitat as well as soft earth for burrowing. Those born in captivity will eat a variety of food, including cat food, but wild caught caiman lizards will eat almost nothing but snails, which are difficult and expensive to supply. Researchers cannot even estimate how many of these beautiful lizards exist in the wild.

The Galapagos Islands are beautiful and enchanting for many reasons. The animal life is fascinating and the relationship between people and the wildlife is one of respect and coexistence. It's no surprise for residents of Santa Cruz Island to find one of these loveable creatures parked on a bench at the market, sleeping as if he has not a care in the world. The tourists love these animated clowns and they photograph and video them at every opportunity. This sea lion was snoring away when he suddenly woke up and belched loudly, much to everybody's amusement. These sea lions live near the fish market and they show up daily, hoping for scraps and handouts. Their antics delight those who visit these islands. Although it is well understood that feeding the animals can upset the balance and interfere with nature, occasional scraps fall to the floor, especially when the pleading eyes of the sea lions gains them a little sympathy.

These sharks go from curious to aggressive at the smell of a speared lion fish.

Reef sharks are large, magnificent animals that patrol the waters as if they are king. In many areas, these Caribbean reef sharks are the top predators and undeniable bosses in this underwater world. The times when there is an occasional presence of bull sharks or great hammerheads are the only exceptions. With powerful jaws and formidable teeth, these sharks are feared by many and they have the reputation as vicious, killing machines. But the truth is far less ominous than many believe. These scuba divers have entered the water to photograph and document fish, sea turtles, octopus, and other marine life. The sharks have arrived, curious about any possible opportunity for a free meal. The scuba divers know that they are not seen as food by the sharks and they continue their business without concern. Unprovoked attacks on humans by almost any of the shark species are extremely rare, and also easily avoided. Reef sharks are scavengers and opportunistic feeders. They prey on the sick and the dying, which is why they are essential to the overall health of the reef and the delicate ecosystems that exist here. Without them, populations of many animals would go unchecked and they would in turn affect the populations of the animals that they feed on. Nature consists of a complex web of relationships that have existed very well for thousands of years, without the interference of humans. These sharks cruise around and between the scuba divers, knowing that the clumsy humans pose no threat to them. And, despite the thrill of being so close to such a powerful and capable animal, the divers are not concerned themselves. Remaining calm and avoiding any behaviour that resembles a distressed fish, they can easily avoid unwanted attention from the sharks. In this underwater world, scuba divers could possibly distract fish long enough for the sharks to ambush a meal. Or the scuba divers might be spearing invasive lion fish, as is often done here, and the sharks will be able to snatch an injured fish from the spear. Sharks are a breath takingly beautiful part of this underwater domain and scuba divers usually delight in the appearance of curious sharks like these. Their behaviour here shows that there is little reason to fear the sharks and even less reason to want them harmed or eradicated.

Moray eels are ferocious looking beasts that grow to more than 2.5m (8 feet) in length. With gaping jaws and formidable looking teeth, they frighten almost as many people each year as sharks do. But, like sharks, they are very misunderstood and their unearned reputation as savage beasts is actually more dangerous than the eels themselves are. Green moray eels spend their days in coral crevices or caves, only occasionally venturing out in daylight. These animals can be found hunting at night more often as they explore the reef looking for fish, octopus, and squid. They have poor eyesight but extremely keen smell and they can slither in and out of crevices in search of fish that are sleeping or hiding. Part of the reason that these creatures are seen as threatening is their method of breathing. They open their mouths wide to gulp water that will be passed over their gills to provide oxygen. But this displays a formidable set of teeth and leaves people with the impression that the eel is preparing to attack. This misunderstanding has led to great fear of moray eels and they have even been the subject of horror fiction, adding even more to the negative and undeserved reputation as being dangerous. But there is a little known fact about these animals that also involves their teeth and jaws. The moray eel is the only animal known animal with pharyngeal jaws. This is a second set of jaws and teeth in the throat that is launched forward when the eel is seizing prey. This helps the eel capture food and drag it into its throat to be swallowed. As if this were not enough, morays also have teeth in the roof of their mouths. The large upper teeth are used to restrain prey, but they fold back when the eel swallows, preventing breakage. Moray eels are a spectacular sight for scuba divers, especially when seen in the open. Understanding that they will pose no threat to a person acting respectfully, a seasoned diver has no fear of them.

The yellowhead jawfish is a small, but beautiful fish that can be found throughout the Caribbean. It seems to levitate over the sand, ready to dart backwards into a hole if it perceives danger. These fish create burrows by excavating sand and small pebbles with their mouths until they have a hole big enough to hide inside. Divers are delighted to find these fish in groups on the ocean bottom. Often compared with small fairies, the wispy, white fish slowly rise up vertically and away from their holes to snatch shrimp, small fish, or plankton from the water. They can nimbly dart back in with precision in an instant and scuba divers must move very slowly in order to get a close look at these wonderful creatures. One of the most fascinating things about these fish is that the male cares for the eggs, incubating them in his mouth for several weeks. At precise intervals, the jawfish will spit out the egg mass and rotate it before inhaling it back into his mouth. This provides aeration, crucial for the survival of the eggs. The male and female look alike, except when the male is carrying the eggs. At this time, two distinct black lines are obvious on his throat as his jaws and throat expand to accommodate the eggs. While incubating the eggs, the male is unable to feed. By the time his job is done, the male jawfish is actually underweight. This fish was filmed on the sand near Turneffe Caye in Belize.

Scuba divers in the Galapagos Islands were astonished to see this gigantic and magnificent beast casually cruise up to them and through their group. They had been exploring the depths at 20m (60 feet) beneath the waves at Darwin Island, hoping to catch a glimpse of a whale shark. These are the world's largest sharks and they are known to frequent these remote waters in November. While it was not a great surprise to see this beautiful animal appear here, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience to have it casually swim straight towards this group of scuba divers as if it were curious about them. Slowly waving its enormous tail, these sharks drift past Darwin Island, attracted by the convergence of three major ocean currents that bring an upwelling of nutrients. Adventurous scuba divers travel here from all over the world to experience the wonder and awe that comes with swimming near a creature that is as large as a school bus. The whale sharks in this area are almost all pregnant females. They don't often exhibit feeding behaviour here, despite the fact that the conditions are ideal. Scientists are baffled by what causes them to congregate her in such numbers. They are one of the ocean's most mysterious creatures and little is actually known about their breeding behaviour or about how and where they give birth. Whale sharks can reach a length of nearly 20m (60 feet) and they are estimated to weigh between 25,000 and 45,000kg (55,000 to 95,000lbs). They are not only the largest of the shark family, they are also the largest fish in the world. A few of the whale species are larger, but whales are mammals, not fish. For most scuba divers, it is a bucket list item to see a whale shark in its natural habitat. The sheer size and power of a whale shark cannot be accurately described. To witness them up close provides a far greater sense of their impressiveness. For the lucky few, swimming almost close enough to touch one is an unforgettable experience.

Mola mola are one of the most unusual fish species in the ocean. Often referred to as the "the fish that shouldn't be" or "nature's mistake", they are seemingly constructed in a way that makes them look like they should not be able to swim. They grow to gigantic proportions and they can reach a diameter of nearly 5m (15 feet). They reach an unbelievable 2200kg (almost 5,000lbs). Shaped like a giant disk with no head and no tail, it is a wonder that they can propel themselves through the ocean. The mola mola eats jellyfish, along with other fish, but their slow speed and clumsy construction make it difficult for them to eat anything but the slowest moving prey. Once believed to eat primarily jellyfish, scientists are now understanding that this is actually only a small portion of their diet. Their mouths are perpetually open as they lack the ability to close them. This contributes to the notion that they are slow witted fish. They are able to swim quickly for short distances with rapid flapping of the two fins on the top and bottom of their body, but the mola mola is not designed for escape from any determined predator. They dive to extreme depths t evade sharks and other animals. They spend much of their time at more than 200m (600 feet) below the surface. The mola mola prefers to spend a lot of time in deeper and colder water, often where visibility is poor. This makes them difficult for scuba divers to see and the close sighting of one, even for a few moments is very exciting for underwater adventurers. The mola mola is known for being a prolific breeder, with the female laying up to 300 million eggs at one time. This is more young than any other vertebrate in the world. Scientists are studying the mola mola and their migration habits, only recently learning that they often move as much as 26km (16 miles) in a day. They drift on ocean currents but they are also capable of cruising speeds of 3.2km (2 miles) per hour. These scuba divers in the Galapagos Islands have descended to a depth of 30m (90 feet) to look for these shy and elusive animals. They were rewarded with a face to face meeting with several, although the murky water and low light at this depth made it difficult to film perfect video footage of the encounter.

Spotted eagle rays are beautiful and majestic beyond words. These rays were curious about scuba divers in Belize as the divers explore the shallows on a dive site below their liveaboard boat, the Aggressor IV. The eagle rays are patrolling the shallows, skimming over the sand patches looking for conch shells. Spotted eagle rays feed on mollusks and other small animals that burrow into the sand. Their electro sensors in their wings and snout are so powerful that they can detect the electric impulses of animals that cannot be seen. The spotted eagle ray's favourite food is conch. The large shells are easily seen above the sand as the conch makes its way along the bottom of the ocean. It retreats into its shell as a defense against almost any predator. But the powerful jaws of the eagle rays can crush even the largest of conch shells easily. The ray devours the meat inside and leaves shell fragments on the bottom. These spotted eagle rays have encountered a group of scuba divers who are also exploring the shallows at a dive site near Turneffe Caye in Belize. The spotted eagle rays became curious about the divers and their bubbles. To the great delight of the divers, the eagle rays circled them curiously for more than ten minutes.