The Fire Beneath The East China Sea

What a fantastic surprise! This month we received the paratype of Calliostoma shawni ( Poppe & Tagarao, 2020), A beautiful species found in the waters of Okinawa. This rare species is named after naturalist and underwater photographer Shawn Miller for his continued support of malacological research.

Calliostoma shawni
Calliostoma shawni

Calliostoma shawni is found at night feeding on fire coral (Millepora sp).

Calliostoma shawni
Calliostoma shawni

The average size of this beauty is 7mm-13mm.

Calliostoma shawni
Calliostoma shawni

During the day, it hides in the tiny crevices of the fire coral.

Calliostoma shawni
Calliostoma shawni

Interested in seeing this species in its natural habitat? Let me know, and I can show you.

If you would like to learn more about this species, check out Visaya Vol 5 Nov 4 -September 2020


Do you like seashells? Learn more about the gastropods of Okinawa @ okinawanaturephotography.com/seashells-of-okinawa/

Have a wonderful day!

Thriving Upside Down by Shawn Miller

Randall’s assessor (Assessor randalli) is a rare fish found living in submarine caves. They are usually seen hovering upside down in small groups. The male guards the eggs by keeping them in his mouth until they hatch (mouthbrooders). A challenging fish to find and photograph. These exotic species are sought after by fish collectors.

* This species is named after Ichthyologist John Ernest Randall. 

  • Scientific name: Assessor randalli
  • Common name: Randall’s assessor or Randall’s devilfish
  • Distribution:  Japan-Taiwan
  • Habitat:  Submarine caves
  • Diet: Crabs, shrimp, and fish
  • Average size: 25-40mm
  • Color: Dark blue

Can you see the assessor’s hovering upside down?

DSC_8112

 Why do these fish live upside down?

  • A way to confuse predators
  • Evasive stratedy, making it easier to back into crevises
  • An adaption made for presision swimming among the submarine caves  

DSC_7193

DSC_7000

 

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

 

 

The Paintpot Cuttlefish – Cephalopods in Okinawa

The Paintpot cuttlefish (Metasepia tulbergi) is one of the most beautiful marine animals in Okinawa. The skin of the paintpot cuttlefish is toxic (poisonous) if consumed. The paintpot cuttlefish contains a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin (venom) used to paralyze its prey. Avoid handling or harassing this beautiful animal. If bitten, seek immediate medical treatment.
  • Scientific name: Metasepia tulbergi
  • Common name:  Paintpot cuttlefish or flamboyant
  • Distribution:  Ryukyu Islands
  • Habitat:  Sandy bottom and coral reefs
  • Diet: Crabs, shrimp, and fish
  • Average size: 50-80mm
  • Color: Golden-yellow with red coloration
DSC_4989 Cool facts about the Paintpot Cuttlefish  
  1. They have eight arms and two tentacles
  2. They are capable of producing a dark cloud of ink to escape from predators
  3. They have a parrot-like beak used for eating prey
  4. They use jet propulsion to move quickly through the water
  5. They can change their texture, pattern, color, and shape
  6. They use their arms to walk on the sand
  7. They are considered venomous and poisonous
When threatened, the paintpot cuttlefish produces vibrant colors to warn predators that they are toxic. The scientific term for this is aposematism. DSC_8214 They have a two-part parrot-like beak used for feeding. Cephalopod Beak Cephalopods can produce a cloud of ink to confuse and escape from predators when threatened. Cephalopod ink Below is a sequence of images, displaying their ability to change texture, shape, and color. They are masters of camouflage. An example of how well they blend into their environment. DSC_8207DSC_8208If detected or threatened, they will display colorful warning signs. DSC_8209DSC_8211

Every year, I look forward to finding the gigantic paintpot cuttlefish named Paintpot-Zilla. 20130617-DSC_0519-2

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 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

The Art of Underwater Wide-Angle Photography – Tokina 10-17mm fisheye

I started shooting with the Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DXA back in 2012.  It is the most popular fisheye lens used for wide-angle underwater photography. It is also known for its close focusing capabilities underwater and on land. The lens is a high-quality product built for professionals working in the field. The Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye is my favorite lens in my bag and has been my go-to lens for the project “Crabs with Beach Trash Homes

_MG_9986

If you plan on using the fisheye lens underwater, you will need an underwater housing. I currently use the Nauticam Na-D500 with the 100mm Zen dome port (Dp-100-N120T).

IMG_4283

If you want to use the zoom function underwater, you must attach a zoom ring (P#19127) to the lens. The Nauticam zoom ring installation process is relatively easy.

_MG_0093-3

Below are some of my favorite underwater photographs taken with the Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DXA combined with my older Ikelite underwater setup. I mainly focus on macro photography, but I will be pushing myself to shoot more wide-angle this year. 

28330743291_4c5097f234_z

IMG_6353

29572691275_d860b55bee_z-2

Striped surgeonfish on the move (Rear curtain sync)

Ctenochaetus striatus on the move

Masked bannerfish on the move ( RCS )

IMG_7371

Okinawa is best known for its beautiful beaches and seascapes. All photographs were taken with the Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DXA.

16034067922_367c13a10e_z

11268791714_e442cc953f_b

18237824403_2e1c1ab075_zLearn more about my favorite lens @ Tokinalens.com

I want to thank TokinaLight & Motion, Nightsea, and Black Fin Grouper for all their continuous support over the years.

Have a great day!

Fish Populations Decline At Maeda Point – Not A Good Sign!

I originally got SCUBA certified at Maeda Misaki in 1992. I have seen this popular snorkeling location drastically change over the years with the increase in tourism. Meada point is now a high traffic area, literally thousands of people enter the water on a given weekend.
Maeda misaki diving

Maeda misaki diving

If you have ever been to maeda point you have seen the beautiful schools of Teira batfish (Platax teira). In the late 90’s there were massive schools of hundreds of these beautiful fish. Below is an old photograph I found in my photo album. This was a common site back in the 90’s.
IMG_3952

Teira batfish at Maeda misaki

In 2017, I noticed that populations started declining.
36719219461_cdbfd09ebd_b

Schools of batfish

2018-2019, I started seeing numbers decline to less than twenty individuals. July 2019, I went to the same location on three different days and didn’t see any batfish.
28330743291_4c5097f234_z

Wide angle macro

These fish are a huge tourist attraction. What could have caused the decline of the batfish populations? Possible reasons for decline:
  • Feeding the batfish man-made products
  • Noise pollution from an increase in boat traffic
  • Moved on to a safer location
  • Overfishing
  • Contaminates entering the water – sunblock, shampoo, perfume and urine
IMG_3955

Fu (wheat gluten)

In the past, guides would feed the fish sausage and bread. In recent years many local companies switched over to Fu (wheat gluten). It’s much cheeper than fish sausage.  Kilos of Fu enter the water for fish consumption on a given week at Maeda point. Could this gluten based product be good for the fish? Why you should not feed wild animals:
  • Interfere’s with their natural diet and feeding cycle
  • Makes the fish more vulnarable to predators
  • Reef algae overgrowth due to the fish being full
  • Increase’s your chance of getting bitten
Sometimes, I see plastic bags filled will remnants of fish food floating on the surface of the water. With the increase in tourism, I am finding more trash left behind at Maeda Point. This is a photograph I took recently at Maeda point. A collector urchin (Tripneustes gratilla) is covering up with discarded sausage wrapper.  
DSC_5400

collector urchin

This is one of my favorite photographs taken at Maeda Point.
9230436502_587b9d051d_z

Beautiful bat-fish

Hopefully the teira batfish populations are not a blur left behind.
9270574955_bf4f52dc06_z

Fading away

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 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

Cryptic fish, Comets and Stars by Shawn Miller

The Comet (Calloplesiops altivelis) is a type of marine betta found in the beautiful waters of Okinawa. They hide in caves during the day. At night they come out to feed on small crustaceans. They are a mysterious fish and can be challenging to photograph. Comets are uncommon, yet very little is know about the behavior of these cryptic animals.

  • Scientific name:  Calloplesiops altivelis
  • Common Name: Comet (Marine betta)
  • Distribution:  Ryukyu Islands
  • Habitat: submarine caves
  • Diet:  crustaceans and fish
  • Average Size:  20cm 

7006188038_3c294260c8_z

Calloplesiops altivelis © Shawn Miller

DSC_3007

Calloplesiops altivelis © Shawn Miller

Look close, can see the resemblance between the comet and the spotted moray eel?

7437668294_d3f44d51f7_b

Gymnothorax meleagris © Shawn Miller

When threatened the comet will stick its head into a hole and expose its tail end, which mimics the head of the a dangerous moray eel.  The caudal fin also has detailed white lines that resemble the razor sharp teeth. 

DSC_3002

Calloplesiops altivelis © Shawn Miller

Having trouble getting close to marine life during your night dives? I recommend using the Light & Motion Sola 1200 red light feature. This feature enables the user to photograph marine life during the night without disturbing them. Most marine animals do not see the color red or react less to the red light.

Underwater setup with sola 600

Underwater setup with sola 600

 

 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 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.

 

Masters of Evasion – The Bobtail Squid of Okinawa

The spotty bobtail squid ( Eumandya parva is a small cephalopod found in the beautiful waters surrounding Okinawa. They are hard to find due to their small size. Persistence, patience, and diving with a buddy with good eyes will increase your chances of finding them.

DSC_3378

  • Scientific name: Eumandya parva
  • Common Name: Bobtail Squid
  • Found:  Ryukyu Islands
  • Habitat: Open water @ night
  • Average Size: 15mm – 25mm

Bobtail squid have eight arms and two tentacles used to capture prey. They have a two part parrot-like beak used for feeding. They primarily feed on small crustaceans free swimming in open water.

43057477232_9a230ddb9f_zWhat’s really impressive about cephalopods is that they are masters of evasion.  They are equipped with advanced mirroring cells. These cells can change shape and color to match their surrounding. These vibrant chromotophores are also used for communication and attracting a mate.

28272844497_1d8f7c3a50_z

The bobtail squid has the ability to produce a large ink cloud (smoke screen) when in danger. This cloud of ink will confuse predators and give the squid a chance to escape safely.

9055908826_9fd643b9e2_z 11545089173_d92e317cd9_zSquid have wing-like fins used for precision movement through the open water. Their siphon is used for jet propulsion, allowing a clean getaway from predators.
15231802761_420c562a03_z They can also evade predators by covering up with sand to avoid detection.

7047055933_2ab7599067_bI found this large Euprymna brenneri covering itself with sand to avoid detection. I have only seen two of these in the waters of Okinawa. A new species decribed in December 2019.

43642906542_c6e50a5bb8_z

 Euprymna brenneri

Mating season occurs in the summer months. 

mating bobtail squidLook close and you can see the white bundle of spermatophores produced during the mating process. The eggs will be fertilized and attached to a safe location under a reef ledge. Tiny bobtail squid will hatch from their eggs in three weeks.

bobtail squid and eggsIf you would like to learn more about the Cephalopods of Okinawa, check out my previous posts on the blue-ringed octopus, pygmy squidpharaoh cuttlefish and the shell eating octopuses of Okinawa.

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

Get Fa-Millerized with the Nature of the Ryukyu Islands  – – –  SUBSCRIBE BELOW

The Red Coral of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

One of my favorite types of coral is the red knotted sea fan ( Melithaea ochracea ). Mainly because of the color and the branching pattern. The vibrant red coral, white polyps and the blue water compliment one another. There are many small marine animals that thrive on the red tree of life. This beauty was photographed in the blue waters between Izena and Iheya Island.

14545289327_5e18d36098_bApril 4th 2019, I stumbled upon some colorful micro flatworms that I have never seen before.  Leslie Harris informed me that these fast moving slugs were potentially undocumented benthic ctenophores.

  • Name: Coeloplana sp
  • Benthic ctenophore
  • Size: 8mm-10mm
  • Location: Okinawa, Japan
  • Depth: 40feet

Can you see how well the benthic ctenophore blends in with its host?  This is a great example of mimicry.

DSC_2247Look close at the tiny chamber mounds. These mounds hold the stinging tentacles that are used for catching food and possibly for protection.

59211459_2318276985163609_3312929698148777984_n

DSC_2252 DSC_2268

I found this strange benthic ctenophore (Coeloplana sp) on a dive near Ikea Island. When I first saw the ctenophore, the long stinging cells were extended out in hunting mode.

IMG_2755Some benthic ctenophores live on starfish (Echinaster luzonicus), look close and you can see the stinging cells.

A blue starfish (Linkia laevigata) infested with benthic ctenophores

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 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.

Get Fa-Millerized with the Nature of the Ryukyu Islands  – – – –  SUBSCRIBE BELOW

The Eyes of the Underwater World by Shawn Miller

Okinawa offers some of the best Scuba-diving in the world. I really enjoy the art of underwater macro photography.  Macro subjects can always be found, it just takes some imagination and good framing to create beautiful underwater abstracts. Animal eyes are challenging and exciting areas to focus on. Below are some of my favorite photographs of vision taken on the Island of Okinawa.

47621861482_78729cc3fd_b

Longsnout flathead © Shawn Miller

 

8005639322_5b6ba0fd2c_b

Crowned puffer © Shawn Miller

7567684040_59185d3c7a_b

Leopard flounder © Shawn Miller

7942156944_257444ca28_b

Reef squid © Shawn Miller

8550275053_cffa4732eb_b

© Shawn Miller

27193217491_0a9ea29c28_b

Coral scallop © Shawn Miller

42755481602_70d0cc0e0e_b

Crowned puffer-fish © Shawn Miller

27160730835_50b52bb0eb_b

Pufferfish © Shawn Miller

Hawk fish © Shawn Miller

Hawk fish © Shawn Miller

41792022405_3725d5f6ab_b

Stareye parrotfish © Shawn Miller

15815688208_8808bbf1ba_b

Broadband cuttlefish © Shawn Miller

40394323560_7eba577d86_b

Crowned puffer © Shawn Miller

8263272063_f030b0a690_b

Fire fish © Shawn Miller

5725177263_28a7c8fe2d_b

Hawkfish © Shawn Miller

Get Fa-Millerized with the Nature of the Ryukyu Islands  – – – –  SUBSCRIBE BELOW

Ryukyuan Pygmy squids and hydroid-eating nudibranchs

In the summer of 2018, I documented some exciting animal behavior underwater. While searching for the blue-ringed octopus in a shallow reef cut, I stumbled upon the elusive pygmy squid (Idiosepius sp). I first photographed the Ryukyuan pygmy squid back in 2012 and was excited to see another one. This undescribed pygmy squid is only 10mm-14mm in size. It can be difficult to get an acceptable photograph of it free-swimming through the water.

DSC_0638

Its amazing how fast squid can change color to blend into the sounding background. Look at that camouflage.

29545399098_f064fc3ef3_zThe pygmy squid has defined white nodules on the posterior end of the mantle used for attaching to seaweed and rocks.

Pygmy squid Okinawa

I took a few photographs of the tiny squid and it eventually retreated into fireweed (Aglaophenia cupressina).

DSC_0742The fireweed looks like a harmless piece of seaweed but its actually a dangerous stinging hydroid. The fireweed delivers a painful sting causing redness, irritation and infection.

42679474480_142c77a6f3_b

I returned to the exact location a few days later in search of the pygmy squid. I found the fireweed but it was much smaller, as if it was purposely cut down. These fireweed colonies have been in the same reef cut for over six years. What could have caused this devastation?  Was it possible that a Scuba Instructor cut down the fireweed colonies for the safety of their students? I mention this because the hydroids are in a high-traffic swim-through area, and some days literally hundreds of divers swim through this reef cut.

DSC_6345

My first thought was someone cut down the fireweed but I was wrong. It was actually a brightly colored nudibranch named Tenellia yamasui (Hamatani, 1993). The fireweed was infested with juvenile nudibranchs feeding on it.

DSC_6502

DSC_6492

DSC_6350

You would think that the nudibranchs would be conservative and keep some food for the future. The sea slugs devoured the entire fireweed.

Ever wonder what this stinging hydroid can do to your skin?  To learn more about the dangerous animals and treatments, check out my post on The Hazardous Marine Life of Okinawa.

Hydroid sting © Mark Kane

Hydroid sting © Mark Kane

Get Fa-Millerized with the Nature of the Ryukyu Islands  – – – –  SUBSCRIBE BELOW