The long awaited update of my Pulau Semakau's trip on the 3rd April. Sorry was busy with exams!
Not in any particular order...
A pair of mating Sand-shifting Sea Star (Archaster typicus); it is the season for lurrve!
Sentinel Crab (Macrophthalmus milloti). My first spotting of it!
An unidentified nudibranch that appeared to be dying... =( Note to self: Must remember to collect if I encounter it again!
Acorn Worm... well its cast. This looks to be the remains of a meal that was consumed probably hours ago, judging by it's dried-up look. Click here for more information about this strange yet interesting creatures.
Common Whelk (Nassarius livescens). This one was so hyperactive, thrashing it's muscular foot about that I had to put it down on the ID sheet! lol
Anemone Shrimp (Periclimenes brevicarpalis) next to a Gigantic Anemone (Stichodactyla gigantea). The smaller, less conspicuous one is the male whereas the bigger one is the female. A pair of Anemone Shrimps are usually found in a mutualistic relationship with their adopted anemone.
A far shot of another Gigantic Anemone (Stichodactyla gigantea).
Orange Fiddler Crab (Uca vocans). They have one enlarged, rather not-so-useful claw (except for waving at you); and based on the Handicapped Principle, the larger their claw is, the more they show that they're able to survive with this large 'handicap', and thus the higher their chances of attracting a mate. It's amazing how Nature can turn the concept of Misfortune around!
This looks like an enclosed sea worm or sea anemone?
Underside of a Dog Whelk (Nassarius pullus). Dog Whelks and Common Whelks can be distinguished by their operculum; Dog Whelks have broader and flatter operculum compared to the Common Whelks.
Sandfish Sea Cucumber (Holothuria scarbra).
Peek-a-boo! Hairy Crab (Pilumnus vespertilio)
Finally, after countless times of hearing their snaps, I finally managed to take a shot of a Snapping Shrimp (Alpheus sp.)! This one was shifting through the sand/mud, totally oblivious to the attention was getting. haha!
Gigantic Anemone (Stichodactyla gigantea)
Red Swimming Crab (Thalamita spinimana), a woot! discovery near the reef edge. I wouldn't want to wrestle with the strong claws of this fierce crab! haha
