My Tale of New Things and of Fishes

I caught a fish staring at me yesterday. Wide eyed, gazing steadily at my face, with an expression that seemed to question what exactly I was doing in its territory. She (as was assumed) did look very intimidating, and when she turned round and swam away, I took that as a cue and swiftly moved on to explore other parts of the reef.

 A few days ago, I wouldn't have had the slightest idea of what reef fish I would encounter, but thanks to the insightful tuition from the staff Bron and Chloe, I can now (not so proudly) say that I was stared down by an Emperor Fish.

Emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)

The underwater world is in one word: exquisite. It is beautiful and amazing, indescribable and breathtaking all at once. I have never seen so much

harmony in one place. There are all kinds of creatures living down there together, in a system that they seem to have developed and perfected. The coral reef is home to all sorts of fish, from trumpet fish, to spotty spotted fish, to the over colourful Titan trigger fish and amazing schools of tiny fish that move in the most synchronized rhythm I have ever encountered. And no underwater encounter is ever complete without sight of the wise looking Green Turtles, which we were quite fortunate to see a decent number of today.

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

And since the best is always saved for last, this post shall be concluded by mentioning the four dolphins we saw today. I mean, it’s not every day that you see dolphins. And yes, they do look as sweet as we all think they do. I shall stand by that despite the fact that I only saw their fins. But yes, Bottlenose dolphins do look sweet and huggable. However, do not attempt the aforementioned, it might distress them.

Bottlenose Dolphins (T.aduncus)

This week on marine has definitely been one of the most exciting and most different weeks I have ever experienced in my life. It’s a totally new world that I have been immersed (literally) in and I cannot wait to learn more and learn..and learn…and learn.

Sarah Kagotho is from Nairobi, Kenya and volunteering with us under the GVI National Scholarship Programme for 12 weeks.

My Tale of New Things and of Fishes