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

Posted on August 11, 2019 by Admin11

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

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.

Teira batfish at Maeda misaki

In 2017, I noticed that populations started declining.

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.

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

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.

collector urchin

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

Beautiful bat-fish

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

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

The Fastest Fish Jaws on the Planet by Shawn Miller

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Admin11

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.

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.

The sling-jaw wrasse looks like a pretty average fish from its side but has a hidden ability. The 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. It uses suction feeding to catch small animals in tight cracks and crevices on the reef.

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.

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.

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!

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

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Admin11

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.

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

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.

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.

Have a great day!

Dinah’s Goby – living in glass homes by Shawn Miller

Posted on August 11, 2018 by Admin11

Brightly colored gobies are popular subjects for underwater macro photographers in the beautiful waters of Okinawa. The Dinah’s goby (Lubricogobius dinah) adapts by using man-made objects as a protective shelter. Discarded glass bottles and cans are prime real-estate for a variety of Marine life in the Ocean.

Scientific name: (Lubricogobius dinah)
Common Name: Dinah’s goby
Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Sandy bottom, living in shells and bottles
Depth: 20-50meters
Diet: Plankton
Average Size: 25mm

You will need a designated macro lens to photograph this beautiful Goby. Approach slowly and avoid any sudden movement.

Goby glass bottle © Shawn Miller

When threatened, the Goby will retreat into the glass bottle.

The Dinah’s goby © Shawn Miller

I was fortunate to have the goby pose for a photograph.

The Dinah’s goby © Shawn Miller

I used the Light&Motion Sola Nightsea to light up the mouth of the bottle to create this beautiful image.

The shy goby in a more natural home.

Know your nature with Shawn Miller. Have a great day!

Frogfish of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Posted on July 23, 2018 by Admin11

Frogfish are found throughout the Ryukyu Islands in shallow water. They are popular subjects for underwater macro photographers in Okinawa. They are masters of camouflage and mimicry so they can be difficult to find. The juveniles resemble toxic nudibranchs, tunicates, seaweed, algae, soft corals, and sponges.

Warty clownfish (Antennarius maculatus) © Shawn Miller

Spotted frogfish (Antennarius pictus) © Shawn Miller

Scarlet frogfish (Antennarius coccineus) © Shawn Miller

Painted clownfish (Antennarius maculatus)

Painted frogfish (Antennarius pictus) © Shawn Miller

They are also known as anglerfish. They spend most of their time staying in one location using a specialized fishing pole and lure to attract prey. They are vicious hunters and are capable of swallowing fish larger than itself.

Spotted clownfish fishing (Antennarius pictus) © Shawn Miller

They move slowly, crawling over the reef with their pectoral fins or by using jet propulsion in open water.

Sargassum Frogfish (Histrio histrio) © Shawn Miller

On several occasions, I have seen large anglers the size of a football at Maeda point” Meet Frogzilla ”

Giant frogfish (Antennarius commersoni) © Shawn Miller

Sometimes humans see random faces on natural objects. The scientific term for this is Pareidolia. Can you see the frogfish resemblance?

Sponge or Frogfish © Shawn Miller

Faces in the Yanbaru forest © Shawn Miller

Linchens and frogfish © Shawn Miller

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.

Anemone-fish of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Admin11

Have you ever wondered how many species of anemonefish are found in the beautiful waters of Okinawa? There are six anemonefishes found here. Most are found in shallow water and all live in a venomous sea anemone for protection. Their biggest threats are over-collecting.

(1) Nemo – Is known as the false clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris). In my opinion is the most beautiful anemone fish of the Ryukyu Islands.

false clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) © Shawn Miller

The false clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) photographed in black & white.

false clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) © Shawn Miller

(2) The Tomato anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus) is the most abundant anemonefish found here. The juveniles sometimes have multiple white stripes.

Tomato anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus) © Shawn Miller

Sometimes the Tomato anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus) can be found in large colonies with over sixty fish living together in multiple sea anemones.

Tomato anemonefish colony © Shawn Miller

The Tomato anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus) in black & white.

Tomato anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus) © Shawn Miller

(3) Clark’s anemonefish ( Amphiprion clarkii ) is fairly common as well. A tough anemonefish for sure!

Clark’s anemonefish ( Amphiprion clarkii ) © Shawn Miller

The juveniles are often found in small nursery anemones. Is it possible these baby anemone fish see the fluorescence of the anemone? I have always wondered how the hatchlings find a small anemone far away for a reef.

Clark’s anemonefish ( Amphiprion clarkii ) and fluorescence © Shawn Miller

For some strange reason, the Clarks anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii) turns dark black when living in the giant carpet sea anemone.

black Clark’s anemonefish ( Amphiprion clarkii ) © Shawn Miller

(4) The orange anemonefish (Amphiprion sandaracinos) is uncommon here. They all have a white dorsal stripe running from the lip to the tail.

Orange anemonefish (Amphiprion sandaracinos) © Shawn Miller

5) The saddle anemonefish (Amphiprion polymnus) is scarce here. They are usually found living in a large carpet anemone around white fine sand.

saddle anemonefish (Amphiprion polymnus) © Shawn Miller

(6) The pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) is fairly common here. They all have a white dorsal stripe running from the eyes to the tail and a narrow white head bar.

pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) © Shawn Miller

The pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) in black & white.

pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) © Shawn Miller

The three-spotted damselfish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) seeks shelter in sea anemones at the juvenile stage for protection. It leaves the anemone when its ready and never comes back.

The three-spotted damselfish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) seek shelter in sea anemones at the juvenile stage for protection.

The three-spotted damselfish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) © Shawn Miller

Okinawa offers some of the best shore diving in the world. What are you waiting for?

Please consider making a small donation to support my mission. Have a great day!

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=882UZYPUEX7KE

Hazardous marine life of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Admin11

Okinawa offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba-diving in the world. The ocean is filled with vast amounts of marine life only found here. With all recreational hobbies, there are hazards to be concerned with. Okinawa has much hazardous marine life, most of which is located in very shallow water.

Safety first or pay the worst – Image taken by Shannon Fox

Ways to avoid injury

- Be respectful and avoid harassing, touching, and feeding marine life.
- Maintain good buoyancy control
- Recognize warning signs of aggression
- Avoid wearing shiny jewelry
- Wear exposure protection

The Lionfish is beautiful but a hazardous fish. The spines deliver a painful sting with potent venom injected into the body. The Lionfish is native to this region, so there is no need to try to kill it.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.

Lionfish ( Pterois volitans) © Shawn Miller

Most sea urchin injuries are due to people accidentally stepping on them in the shallow surf. Wearing proper footwear decreases your chances of getting injured.

First aid: Remove visible spines. Wash with soap and water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment if spines have entered the joints.

The Diadema urchin (Echinothrix diadema) © Shawn Miller

Moray eels deliver a vicious bite with razor-sharp teeth. In some cases, the eels latch on and do not let go. Avoid placing hands into holes and feeding the eels.

First aid: Control the bleeding and seek medical treatment. Monitor for signs of infection

Moray eel -Gymnothorax flavimarginatus © Shawn Miller

The crown of thorn starfish has sharply pointed spines that deliver a painful sting. The spines inject venom, which causes extreme pain, discomfort, and possible nausea. Most injuries occur because divers are cutting up the starfish with a dive knife and a spine accidentally penetrates the hand. The starfish has a purpose in the ecosystem, so leave it alone.

First aid: Remove visible spines. Wash with soap and water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment if spines have entered the joints.

The crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci © Shawn Miller

Coral moderators – COT’S © Shawn Miller

The blue-ringed octopus is one of the most beautiful marine animals. It is only the size of a golf ball but is extremely venomous if bitten. Avoid picking up this shallow-water octopus.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Apply pressure and limit your movement. Immediate medical treatment. Monitor ABC’s

Blue Ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata) © Shawn Miller

Fire coral are calcareous hydrozoans that deliver a painful sting. Avoid touching or rubbing against it.

First aid: Rinse with vinegar. Remove foreign matter. Wash area with salt water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs.Seek medical treatment if infection occurs.

Fire coral ( Millepora sp) © Shawn Miller

Fire coral ( Millepora sp) © Shawn Miller

Fire coral nematocysts © Shawn Miller

The reef stonefish is the most venomous fish found in Okinawa. It is truly a master of camouflage. The Stonefish resembles a rock blending into the coral reef. The spines deliver a painful sting with potent venom injected into the body

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment immediately.

Stone-zilla -huge stonefish © Shawn Miller

Reef stonefish ( synanceia verrucosa ) Sunabe, Okinawa

Reef stonefish ( synanceia verrucosa ) © Shawn Miller

The reef stonefish buried under the sand!

Reef stonefish ( synanceia verrucosa ) under sand

Reef stonefish ( synanceia verrucosa ) Sand dweller © Shawn Miller

Cone shells are sought after by many shell collectors for their beauty. The marine snail injects potent venom with a harpoon-shaped tooth.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Apply pressure and limit your movement. Immediate medical treatment. Monitor ABC’s

Princely cone hunting – Proboscis out © Shawn Miller

Geographic cone (Gastridium geographus) © Shawn Miller

Textile cone shell (Cylindrus textile textile) © Shawn Miller

Darioconus omaria © Shawn Miller

The most dangerous cone shells of Okinawa are found in shallow water

Venomous cones shells of Okinawa © Shawn Miller

The scorpion fish is another master of camouflage. The spines deliver a painful sting with strong venom injected into the body. These fish usually warn you of their presence by flaring out their fins and spines.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.

Reef Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis Cirrhosa) © Shawn Miller

Stinging hydroids (fireweeds) are common in Okinawa. They are all avoidable as long as you do not touch or rub up against any. The hydroids deliver a painful sting.

First aid: Rinse with vinegar. Remove foreign matter. Wash area with salt water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment if an infection occurs.

Stinging Hydroid (Aglaophenia cupressina). Also known as Sea Ferns, Fire Hydroid, Fireweed, Feather Hydroid, Stinging Seawee

Stinging Hydroid (Aglaophenia cupressina) © Shawn Miller

An injury caused by fireweed. This photograph was taken three weeks after the painful sting.

Hydroid sting © Mark Kane

Sea snakes will not harm you unless provoked. I have never heard of any divers being bitten in Okinawa. Rare cases have occurred with fisherman removing their catch from nets, and they were bitten on the hand.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Apply pressure and limit your movement. Immediate medical treatment. Monitor ABC’s

Turtle head sea snake (Emydocephalus ijimae) © Shawn Miller

Blue banded sea snake (Laticauda colubrina) © Shawn Miller

The Leaf Scorpionfish is a venomous fish found on the reef. It resembles a leaf and blends in with debris very well. The spines deliver a painful sting.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment

The cockatoo wasp fish is a venomous fish found in shallow water. It resembles a leaf and blends in with debris very well. The spines deliver a painful sting.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.

The fire urchin is the most beautiful sea urchin found in Okinawa. Its beautiful colors attract divers to pick it up. The spines inject venom, which causes extreme pain and discomfort.

First aid: Remove visible spines. Wash with soap and water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment if spines have entered the joints.

Porcupine sea urchin (Platybrissus roemeri)

The flower urchin is the most venomous sea urchin found in the world. It is a collector urchin, often using rocks or dead coral to cover itself.

First aid: Remove foreign matter. Wash with soap and water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment

The pedicellariae inject venom, not the spines. It’s excruciating and irritating.

” Ball of spines” The burrowing urchin is an abundant echinoderm found here. Most injuries occur reef walking without proper foot protection. The sharp spines are painful and irritate the skin.

Burrowing sea urchin (Echinometra mathaei)

The bristle worm is also known as the fireworm. It delivers a powerful sting when threatened. The bristle-like spines inject venom, which causes extreme pain and discomfort.

First aid: Remove bristles using tape. Wash with soap and fresh water. Seek medical treatment if needed. Monitor signs of infection

The eel tail catfish is a venomous saltwater fish found in shallow water. They usually travel in large numbers at night. The spines deliver a painful sting.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.

Sea anemones deliver a painful sting with venomous tentacles. Below is a photograph of the vicious predator Dofleinia armata. I had these anemones in my aquarium for three years. I have seen them feeding on lionfish, scorpion fish, and venomous cone snails.

First aid: Rinse with vinegar. Remove tentacles with tweezers—Wash the area with salt water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment if infection occurs.

Branching anemones are found living in the sand. They deliver a nasty sting! I have personally experienced its painful sting.

The false stonefish ( Scorpaenopsis diabolus) is another master of camouflage. The spines deliver a painful sting with potent venom injected into the body. These fish usually warn you of their presence by flaring out their fins and spines.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.

Stingrays are found in sandy areas near coral reefs. They have a serrated barb located at the base of the tail. Keep your distance to avoid any injuries!

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Control the bleeding. If the barb is lodged in the body, do not remove it. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment! May require surgery to remove the barb.

Spiny Devilfish ( Inimicus didactylus ) is a shallow water sand dweller. The spines deliver a painful sting with potent venom injected into the body. These fish usually warn you of their presence by flaring out their fins and spines.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.

The titan triggerfish is the most aggressive fish I have encountered. It is territorial and will guard its nest aggressively. Attacks can be severe, leaving wounds requiring stitches. On several occasions, I pointed a dive light in their direction, and it scared them off. They do not like the directional light for some reason.

First aid: Control the bleeding and seek medical treatment. Monitor for signs of infection

Balistoides viridescens, Titan triggerfish

Titan trigger fish bite – Photo by Daisuke Uruchida

The black-spot triggerfish have threatened me on many occasions. It is smaller than the titan triggerfish but more aggressive. They usually will bite at the fins first.

Barnacles do not bite, but they sure are sharp! These barnacles have cut me on a few occasions. The tides can drop significantly, leaving rocks and barnacles exposed. Injury can be avoided by simply wearing exposure protection.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Monitor for signs of infection.

The needlefish is a very dangerous fish found in shallow water. They have narrow beaks with razor-sharp teeth used to catch prey. These needle-shaped fish can swim fast and jump out of the water. There have been cases of swimmers getting injured from impalement. Avoid shining your dive light on the surface of the water (where the water surface and air meet) during the night for an extended period.

First aid: Control the bleeding; if the fish is lodged in the body, leave it and seek medical treatment. Monitor for signs of infection

The coral rabbitfish is a sought-after fish in Okinawa. Fishermen and free divers often get injured handling this venomous fish. The spines deliver a painful sting.

First aid: Wash the area with soap and fresh water. Remove foreign material and control any bleeding. Soak the limb in hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek immediate medical treatment.

Another popular fish with the Okinawan fisherman is the Surgeonfish. The Orange spine unicorn has a razor-sharp fin used for defense. Avoid handling this fish by the tail.

The Box Jellyfish is the most dangerous jellyfish found in the ocean. It delivers an unbearable sting with its venomous tentacles. These stings require immediate treatment and can be life-threatening.

First aid: Rinse with vinegar. Remove tentacles with tweezers—Wash the area with salt water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. Seek medical treatment immediately.

Box Jellyfish ( Chironex yamaguchii ) under blue light

The man of war ( AKA Blue bottle jellyfish) is commonly seen during winter. I often find them washed ashore on local beaches. The tentacles deliver a painful sting.

First aid: Remove tentacles with tweezers—Wash the area with salt water. Pain control if needed-hot water (113 F / 45 C) or use hot packs. If symptoms get worse, Seek medical treatment.

Blue bottle

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. Please click on the donation link below if you would like to contribute to support my mission.

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

Okinawa Nature Photography

沖縄自然写真 By Shawn Miller

Tag Archives: Fish of okinawa