Bashful Bommie on Opal Reef

Bashful Bommie on South Opal Reef which stands about 18m from the sand, has two different underwater environments: the reef edge that stretches to the south provides shelter for some of the smaller coral reef fish, while the other side is a deeper ocean channel leading to the deep blue which creates an environment for the bigger reef fish and visitors.

Around the bottom of the reef wall there are lots of holes where a barramundi cod might hide.

The bottom of the walls are fringed with sea fans.

This single sub-adult Sailfin snapper is a little out of place, they are found in greater numbers further north.  He seems to be seeking solace with these yellow tail fusiliers.

It’s not just Barramundi Cod you’ll find on the reef. Giant Sweetlips are there too.

You’ll find more butterflies here than an English garden in summer, and in greater varieties.  This Dot & Dash Butterflyfish, could have been more esoterically named “Morse’s” Butterfly.

This is a pair of Saddled butterflies – got to be one of the prettiest butterflyfish.

And finally, a Vagabond, maybe so named because he looks like a threadfin, but with a black mask.

You can always find a patch of reef top to do your 3 minute safety stop.