Monthly Archives: November 2018

Deadliest Marine Fish of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Posted on by

The reef stonefish is the most venomous fish found on Okinawa. The stonefish resembles an encrusted rock and sometimes has algae growing from its skin. The reef stonefish is an ambush predator and spends its day patiently waiting for a fish to pass by. The stonefish is not aggressive at all. It is extremely dangerous because it doesn’t show any flashy warning signs. The spines deliver an extremely painful sting with strong venom injected into the body.

Reef, rock, sponge or fish?

IMG_0988

Reef stonefish ( synanceia verrucosa ) Sunabe, Okinawa

If you spend any time exploring the ocean, I encourage you to look at these images and get familiar with these deadly facial features.

37059972063_6a80c038b1_oThe reef stonefish will also bury itself in the sand. Does that make it a sand stonefish?
IMG_7828

IMG_7853

The false stonefish is much smaller and is usually found in shallow water. Its a master of concealing itself from visual detection.

43841230074_9a32ff9591_oThe false stonefish is more active than the reef stonefish. It generally gives predators a warning sign by displaying its brightly colored pectoral fins.

False stone fish

Most of the false stonefish and scorpionfish will fluoresce beautifully under blue light.
40111577984_cc4e5ae142_o

 Ways to avoid injury

    • Be respectful and avoid harassing, touching and feeding marine life

 

    • Maintain good buoyancy control

 

  • Wear exposure protection- felt bottom booties

People often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment. 

If you would like to use any of my photographs, please contact me directly.

Have a great day!

The Fastest Fish Jaws on the Planet by Shawn Miller

Posted on by

The Sling-jaw wrasse is my favorite fish to observe underwater. The large wrasse is fairly common in the beautiful waters of Okinawa. It primarily swims using its pectoral fins, similar to the way a bird uses its wings. It can be seen at all of the popular snorkeling and diving locations on Okinawa.

IMG_1211

  • Scientific name:   Epibulus insidiator
  • Common Name: Sling-jaw wrasse
  • Distribution:  Indo-Pacific
  • Habitat: Coral reefs
  • Diet:  Small fish, crabs, and shrimp
  • Average Size:  29cm 
  • Threats: Habitat loss and overfishing

The Sling-jaw wrasse looks very strange when viewed head-on. It has the ability to rotate its eyes 360 degrees.

DSC_8028 The sling-jaw wrasse looks like a pretty average fish from its side but has a hidden ability. DSC_8044The Sling-jaw wrasse has the ability to protrude its jaw longer than any other fish in the ocean. Its jaw is used to extend its reach and suck in prey. The scientific term for this is known as jaw protusion. DSC_8045It uses suction feeding to catch small animals in tight cracks and crevices on the reef.

DSC_8049

To increase its chances of catching prey the wrasse will team up with other fish and the octopus. It’s pretty amazing to watch this team hunting take place. The scientific term for this is known as nuclear hunting.

DSC_8038

5956578931_2c035291fc_o(1)

Sometimes a still photograph just can’t capture the behavior taking place. In order to really appreciate this animal behavior, it must be seen in the wild. Nuclear hunting at Maeda point.

Hundreds of fish washed ashore after Typhoon trami. This mature wrasse could not cope with the devastating power of Typhoon trami.

IMG_3803

People often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment. 

If you would like to use any of my photographs, please contact me directly.

Have a great day!

The Protector of Zakimi Castle Ruins

Posted on by
The Japanese sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis) is another fascinating predatory bird found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. They are an uncommon species found on Okinawa. I have observed these pigeon-sized predatory birds feeding on insects and small birds.
    • Scientific name:  Accipiter gularis
    • Common Name: Japanese sparrowhawk
    • Distribution:  Ryukyu Islands
    • Habitat: Forests, parks, and farm fields. 
    • Diet:  Small birds and a variety of insects
    • Average Size:  27cm 
  • Threats: Deforestation and Jungle crows
They are found perching high on the Ryukyu pine trees (Pinus luchuensis). IMG_2474 (1) The females have yellow eyes and the males have bright red beautiful eyes. 0K2A4097 IMG_6604 They are impressive ambush hunters and surprise their prey in mid-flight. IMG_0544 (2)They pluck the feathers off their catch before bringing it back to the nest IMG_0476 They stay busy feeding their chicks in mid-summer. When songbirds are scarce they feed on cicada and other large insects. IMG_6534 - Copy The chicks have darker banding bars on their chest. When its time they will leave the nest in search of their own hunting ground. IMG_0581 - CopyPeople often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment.  My Mission: To Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for Future Generations

If you would like to help me make a difference Please check out my Patreon Site https://www.patreon.com/MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Your donations will help worldwide conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support.  Shawn M Miller.

Fly like a gray-faced buzzard eagle by Shawn Miller

Posted on by

The Gray-faced buzzard (Butastur indicus) is one of the most fascinating predatory birds of the Ryukyu Islands. They are a common species that migrate to Okinawa in the first week of October. I have observed these mid-sized predatory birds feeding on small insects, rodents and lizards.

  • Scientific name:  (Butastur indicus)
  • Common Name: Gray-faced buzzard hawk or eagle
  • Distribution:  Winters in Okinawa
  • Habitat: Forests, parks, farm fields, and local neighbors 
  • Diet:  Lizards, grasshoppers and a variety of insects
  • Average Size:  50cm 

They are mainly found perching high in trees. Notice how well they blend into the surrounding environment.

8193008090_88ae84274b_b

They are also found perching high on electrical poles, wires, and rooftops.

15420997018_3c9b73673a_b

16297295451_c2d701bc68_b

Look close and you can see the nictitating membrane, its used to protect and moisten the eye.
16599684692_b410d078ac_bI recommend using a telephoto lens to photograph these shy birds. They have a tendency to fly away as soon as you point the camera lens at them.

12497048304_2b902c9224_b

In recent years I have noticed an increase in the population of these beautiful migratory birds.

People often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment. 

 My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Hundreds of fish washed up on the roads of Nagahama, Okinawa

Posted on by

In 2014 Typhoon Neoguri brought in heavy winds and lots of rain. I have experienced many typhoons since 1989 but nothing like this. Typhoon Neoguri was the worse flooding I have ever seen. These photographs are from 2014, better late than never.

IMG_5354

IMG_5364

The rain was overwhelming and caused extreme flooding. The Nagaham dam overflow reservoir could not keep up with the amount of rain.

IMG_5440

The massive amount of water caused hundreds of tilapia and mullet to wash ashore on the local farm roads.

Tilapia are a non-native fish. They were brought here as a food source in the mid-1900s. They have taken over most freshwater sources and compete with native aquatic animals on Okinawa. 
IMG_5410

IMG_5376

With all the rainwater the coastline turned a bright orange. Red soil runoff contributes to coral reef bleaching and fertilizers entering the water from local farming fields.

IMG_5445

Have a great day!

Moai Statue Found Underwater, Okinawa-Japan

Posted on by

A  friend and I stumbled upon a Moai statue underwater. The statue had a good amount of surface growth on it as if it been underwater for a long time.  Is It possible Typhoon Trami uncovered this statue? or did someone place it there on purpose for an underwater treasure hunt?  Typhoon Trami was devastating and destroyed the coral and killed a good amount of marine life.

DSC_6971

Moai statue- Ryukyu Islands

Regardless if the underwater statue is authentic or not, I was excited when I found it. I have never seen anything like this underwater.  I got the same feeling when I went to Yonaguni to see the underwater monument.

  • Moai replica statue size: Two feet in length
  • Dive spot: Kadena north steps
  • Location: Okinawa, Japan.
  • Depth: Forty-five feet

DSC_6973

Moai statue- Ryukyu Islands

Recent update: The mystery has been solved. It was purposely placed there by a dive instructor for a treasure hunt! The statue is not authentic but still a cool find.

I was not well prepared to photograph a subject of this size. The plan was to photograph tiny nudibranchs and gastropods. I had my underwater rig setup with a designated 60mm macro lens.

Underwater Equipment used:

  • Nikon D500 +Nikon AF-S 60mm macro lens
  • Nauticam Na-D500
  • Light & Motion Sola 3800
  • Sea & Sea YS-D2 strobes

Please do not use any images without my permission. Know your nature with Shawn Miller, have a great day!

Searching for the Ryukyu Sea Dragon by Shawn Miller

Posted on by

I have always been fascinated by the beauty of seahorses. I have seen five species of seahorses in the beautiful waters of Okinawa. They are scarce and difficult to find. They have the ability to change color to blend into their surrounding environment. They are often found resting with their prehensile tails wrapped on something sturdy.

The Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) Is the most beautiful seahorse. They live on red or orange gorgonians making them camouflage and difficult to find. They even have tubercles that resemble the polyps of the coral they live on.  They are found in deep water (80-150feet).

FotoJet11The Pontoh’s Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus pontohi) was recently described in 2008. They live on calcareous algae and hydroids making them camouflage and difficult to find. They have fiber-like strands that resemble the algae they live on.  They are found in shallow water (20-60feet).

FotoJet9

Denise’s pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus denise) Is another beautiful seahorse. They live on orange gorgonians making them camouflage and difficult to find. They even have tubercles that resemble the polyps of the coral they live on.  They are found in deep water (100-150feet).

denise's pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus denise)

Another beautiful pygmy seahorse. Could it be a juvenile Hippocampus pontohi, or H colemani or H servensi.

The thorny seahorse (Hippocampus histrix) Is very rare in the waters of Okinawa. This is the only specimen I have found. It was washed up on a local beach during Typhoon trami. They live on gorgonians in deep water. Hopefully, someday I will photograph a live specimen

Spiky seahorse

The Great seahorse (Hippocampus kelloggi) Is the most common seahorse found here. They live on sea-grass and algae in sandy areas. They are found in very shallow water (2-40feet).

40994168420_3d7907dd46_bThe Ryukyu sea dragon  (Kyonemichthys rumengani) is a species of pipefish native to Okinawa. It can be very difficult to find based on its size.

Seahorses are often taken from the sea, dried and sold for medicinal purposes. Their biggest threat is habitat loss and over-collecting.  They hold a high-value for medicinal purposes and in the pet trade market. Populations have drastically decreased over the years, making them harder and harder to find. Let’s protect these beautiful seadragons.

People often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment.

 My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Have a great day!