Critters of the Lembeh Strait… The nation of Indonesia has many special places in the vast archipelago of over 16,000 islands and perhaps one of the most special of those places is the Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi.
For under the calm waters of the Strait are the perfect habitats and soft black substrate that critters love. The main, sheltered part of the Strait, where the critters thrive is not a pretty place – it often verges on outright muck diving – but it has everything they need.
You can read why they are there on the Understanding the Lembeh Strait page, but this page is dedicated to the stars of the show and what (if you are lucky and have a good guide…) you will probably see there. Nothing scientific about the images are arranged, simply personal preference around my favourite and most charismatic critters!
Critters of the Lembeh Strait – Mimic Octopus
As the name suggests… the mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) is known for its quite amazing ability to almost instantly shape-shift and impersonate both the shape and swimming motion of other creatures to confuse potential predators.
Frogfish
Who doesn’t love a frogfish? These small, stocky ambush predators are a member of the anglerfish family and are qute common in Lembeh. And… because they don’t move much, make excellent subjcect matter!
Critters of the Lembeh Strait – Coconut Octopus
A truly wonderful creature that never ceases to amaze me with its intelligence, attitude and inventiveness. The coconut octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) gets its common name from the way females lay their eggs in coconut shells, which she then guards while slowly starving to death. But it’s not just cocunut shells they will turn into their humble abode…
Critters of the Lembeh Strait
Rhinopias
A member of the scorpionfish family, rhinopias are to be found in the Lembeh Strait, but in my experience are less common than many of the other exotics. Which of course makes finding one of these incredibly photogenic creatures that much better!
Critters of the Lembeh Strait – Blue Ringed Octopus
Small but extremely venomous, blue ringed octopus tend to be small and quite docile – only showing their full colouring if they feel threatened – great care needed!
