If you have ever watched Blue Planet and wanted to really delve into the deep blue sea, you should take the opportunity to head underwater first hand this year.
Our oceans are vast and full of a myriad of creatures, and with only 5% of the oceans currently explored, we can only wonder what lurks beneath in that other 95% of the uncharted ocean.
Deep sea diving and deep sea fishing are hobbies and an experience which many people choose on holiday and all over the world there are some incredible spots to enjoy this unique pastime.
If you are looking to see some of the most incredible animals in the sea then diving is the right thing to do, and here are just a few of the amazing animals you could see face to face under the water.
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Whale Shark
Sharks are often feared and revered all over the world but it is important to remember that not all sharks are dangerous.
The whale shark is the biggest fish in the sea, weighing over 20 tons and growing up to 40 meters long. They are a bottom feeding fish and enjoy copious volumes of plankton, and many divers spend their whole lives trying to encounter one of these beautiful creatures.
Whale sharks can be typically encountered from June to September in Isla Contoy in Mexico, and they gather to feast on the plankton which grows here.
Variable Neon Slug
We know that on a list of incredible creatures found in the sea, a slug isn’t what you might expect to find, but neon slugs are a sight to behold.
Nembrotha kubaryana is a creature often seen happily living on hard coral and they can be seen in a whole myriad of colors. They grow up to 4 inches long and have around 2000 species across the world.
You’ll be glad to see one of these animals on a dive because if the bright colors, fun patterns, and unique forms they take. They are a photographer’s dream and well worth seeing up close.
Psychedelic Frogfish
This list is starting to feel like a party going from neon slugs to psychedelic frogfish, and it will only get better from here.
Frogfish, also known as anglerfish, are small and stocky animals who often camouflage themselves with a whole myriad of appendages. These fish are not known widely for their remarkable good looks and often look like small lumps of sponge.
However, in Indonesia there is a species of the frogfish which is wholly different from the rest. The psychedelic frogfish is covered in crazy colours and this makes them stand out on the sea floor.
They use pectoral fins to ‘walk’ on the sand and also use mimicry to lure in prey. These unique fish are certainly worth a look.
Pygmy Seahorse
Seahorses are always popular in the ocean and these small creatures are some of the sweetest animals to grace our seas.
Pygmy Seahorses are perhaps the cutest of all and live in the Coral Triangle of south east Asia. The Hippocampus bargibanti is less than 1 inch long and lives in fan coral where it can camouflage itself and stay safe from prey.
These tiny creatures are incredibly shy but if you manage to see one you’ll let out a huge ‘awwww’.
Manta Ray
The manta ray is a type of fish which looks like a pancake, and it is a unique and stunning sight to behold in the ocean.
Related to sharks, manta rays have 2 main species and can reach sizes of up to 23 feet. When you dive down and come across these beauties they will often be either feeding and cleaning, or they will be swimming acrobatically through the waters.
They feed on plankton and other small creatures in the ocean and are largely peaceful and relaxed. Unfortunately the opportunity to see these animals in the wild might be fading as poachers target them often.
At present the animals are vulnerable, and if you want to share a space with these animals you will need to act quickly.
Redspotted Blenny
The Blenniella chrysospilos, or Redspotted Blenny, is a fish found in the Indian ocean in coral reefs.
They are adorable creatures who have fleshy filaments on their heads that make them look cute and funny. There are over 800 different species of blenny in the world and they take a trained eye to spot at times.
These tiny, cute creatures tend to stay near the sea floor and they often hide in underground burrows or make their homes in objects such as bottles.
Leafy Seadragon
How exciting does this next creature sound? Glauert’s seadragon is a species of seahorse which is found in Australia and it is an eye-catching animal to behold.
Seahorses have a way of standing out in a crowd and the leafy seadragon stands out even more due to its resemblance to mythical dragons. These creatures are nicknamed leafies and are a prize find when on a dive out at sea.
Edithburgh is a great place to spot these beauties and you’ll feel like you’ve come across a fantasy when you come face to face with one.
Caribbean Reef Shark
Carcharhinus perezii is an adorable requiem shark found in Brazil. It is a species of shark which is harmless and incredibly friendly, and as a result it is very popular among divers.
If you have always been a little scared of sharks and are looking to change your opinion, a swim with these beautiful fish will make you fall in love with the ocean giant.
Banded Sea Krait
The idea of a snake swimming close by as you dive in the ocean might send a shiver down your spine, but in fact, these snakes won’t target a human specifically and they are a true sight to see.
The banded sea krait is known for hunting in parties and their venomous bite will render prey unable to escape. It might sound a little scary, but as a diver, there is something truly fascinating about spending time in the water with these guys.