Sharp-tailed Sunfish in Gorontalo

Several days ago another sunfish showed up in the river mouth where Miguel's Diving ties the dive boat. About this time last year a similar one appeared. Both fish were caught by hook at night during the dark moon. We sent a cutting of the first one to an international Mola mola researcher. DNA testing identified it as Masturus lanceolatus, the Sharp-tailed Sunfish, which is less common that the usual Oceanic Sunfish or Mola mola. As its name implies, the one found in Gorontalo has a small sharp tail, whereas the regular Mola mola has none at all.

Squadron of Mantas

Guests diving in Gorontalo on Christmas Eve day enjoyed quite a show. On the first dive we watched a squadron of eight pygmy mantas, probably Shortfin devil rays (Mobula kuhlii), which are common here. On the same dive a Black-tip reef shark and large Nap.olean wrasse made appearances. Two other Napo.lean wrasse came up from the deep to check out divers on the second dive. But the main attraction was the cuttlefish. A large and very pregnant female was inserting eggs into coral while a large male waited. However, he had to keep chasing off a small male that seemed determined to get in on the action.

Neon Blue - A Rare Lionfish

One of our new discoveries this diving season is the presence of the rarely seen Gurnard lionfish (Parapterois heterura). This shy lionfish usually stays buried in the muck unless disturbed or out for a night's hunting. Growing only to about 23 cm in length, it has very long filaments that wave uncertainly as it scurries along the substrate. Its most dramatic feature is the neon blue radiating lines on the pectoral fins, which is unfurls like gurnards do. Miguel’s Diving staff has discovered this beautiful fish at three different dive sites in Gorontalo.

New Angel Sighting

Guests diving in Gorontalo this past week have been enjoying 25-meter visibility on the wall dive sites. At the popular Shadowlands dive site, we spotted a pair of rarely seen Black-spot angelfish (Genicanthus melanospilos) near the bottom of the third cave. It is a deepwater species that feeds on plankton. Males and females are strikingly different in appearance. This Western Pacific fish is only seen on outer reef drop-offs that are rich in growth.

No Fuel Surcharges at Miguel's Diving

High fuel prices worldwide have had an impact on scuba diving operators including Miguel's Diving. Operators who must use large speedboats to carry guests to distant dive sites have been particularly hit. Divers have had to pay extra to cover the rise in fuel prices.

Divers with Miguel's Diving pay no additional fuel charges. We use a lightweight local style wood boat. Dive sites begin within five to ten minutes of the dock. Although fuel costs for us have doubled, these are still manageable.

Check out our packages, design your own, and contact us for excellent diving at a great price.