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Tobago Marine Life
INVERTEBRATES
In this section for simplicity I have grouped several families and species, classing them all as invertebrates, that is to say they have no skeleton. Those listed cover from a wide variation of families, moluscs, echniderms, gorgonians etc.. but are all in some way related all be it distant in most cases.
Caribbean Two Spot Octopus (Octopus filosus)
An illusive and very intelligent creature. Common island wide, but unless they are out hunting you need to search to find them. They are territorial so look for collections of discarded clam shells often left scattered around their hole. Masters of camouflage so double check all holes and cracks you might just see an eye peering back at you. Best time to see them out & about is on night dives.
Caribbean Reef Squid (Sepioteuthis sepiodea)
The reef squid live in family groups so when you spot one you will probably see more. They tend to form rows and you can see them communicate by passing messages with either side of their body. On night dives they will even attempt to communicate or mate with your torch. Very common on Caribbean reefs and Coral Gardens (Speyside) where they live and hunt among the many plumes
Branching Anemone (lebrunia danae)
One of several species of anemone in Tobago the branching anemone is one large carpet like organism which spreads out covering up to a foot square. Unlike the giant and corkscrew variety the branching has no specific interactions or associations. Islandwide but most common on Caribbean and Speyside dives.
Orange Ball Corallimorph (Pseudocorynactis caribbeorum)
I just love these. Found mostly on Kariwak Reef at around 4 - 6m they are nocturnal. So that means night dives to you and me. Brilliant orange in colour you find them close to the sand bed where they filter feed sometimes in clusters of four or five.
Goldcrown Seagodess (Hypselodoris acriba)
An increadibly beautiful variety of nudibranch. This is one of three I’ve seen in Tobago and was about 8cm in length. I saw it on Kariwak Reef but they are not common sightings. The other two were on Mt Irvine Wall. Arnos Vale would be a pretty good bet of finding some.
Lettuce Sea Slug (Tridachia crispate)
The Lettuce sea slug is common island wide in Tobago and can be found in both the blue variety as pictured here on Runway, and the green variety. They seem to ‘bloom’ in large numbers for a period then become rare until the next generation appear. I’m guessing but it is most likely breading patterns. Always a nice treat to find.
Lynx Nudibranch (Phydiana lyncius)
Again, like the seagodess this is a beautiful and rare nudibranch. I have seen no more than about five, mostly on Arnos Vale and Mt Irvine Wall. This one was on Black Jack Hole about 3cm in length. This is why you dive slow.
Giant Barrel Sponge (Xestospongia muta)
Most of the dive sites in Tobago are covered with giant barrel sponges. One or two sites such as Snap,Crackle,Pop and Special have sponges of enormous size. Divers who have dived other Caribbean destinations are always amazed at the scale of the barrel sponges here. They make great hideaways for various shrimp and crabs and on night dives you’ll notice parrotfish sleeping inside. What is most noticeable about our sponges are how they grow twisted and contorted because of the currents.
Stove Pipe Sponge (Aplysina archeri)
A species of tube sponge this yellow variety is common on all Speyside dive sites and can be seen in large clusters and formations looking like Peruvian pan pipes. They get everywhere don't they! Their bright yellow makes a beautiful addition to the scape of Snap,Crackle,Pop.
Sea Fans (Gorgonia ventalina)
Found on most reefs of Tobago but most common on the south Atlantic. Especially along the crest of Cove Ledge as shown in the photo and inner crest of Flying Reef. Provide shelter for many juvenile fish species and food source for cyphoma.
Ruby Brittle Star (Ophioderma rubicundum)
One of many species of brittlestar found in Tobago. They tend to live hidden under corals and in holes, rarely seen outside during daylight, however night dives are a good opportunity to see them walking over the reef, we saw this one on a spawning brain coral during a night dive on Cathedral.
Christmas Tree Worm (Spirobranchus gigantius)
You will see these worms on every reef in Tobago. A tube dwelling worm which grows up to 10cm in length, all you see is its ’tongue’ which it uses for filter feeding. The worm is pressure sensitive and will disappear the instant it detects something close to it.
Boulder Brain Coral (Colpophyllia natans)
Tobago’s most famous underwater landmark. The big brain coral is on Kelleston Drain in 17m, it reaches a height of 3m and a diameter of 9m. Yes its huge, but its not the only one. Take a look around the other Speyside dive sites and you’ll notice many large brain corals and even signs of those that were perhaps at one time even bigger.
Giant Basket Star (Astrophyton muricatum)
If you remind me I will show you a basket star during the day. They appear like balls of wire wool under rocks. But at night they climb up onto corals and open out to feed. Beautiful.
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