A Relaxing Macro Diving Day Focused on Finding Nudibranchs
Today was another beautiful day in Kushimoto, with clear skies and calm seas during a break in the rainy season. There was almost no wind throughout the day, and it felt more like summer than June.
We were joined by a guest whose trip had been postponed due to rough weather back in April. We were happy to finally welcome them to Kushimoto.
Today’s main goal was to search for nudibranchs. Although the peak season is coming to an end, we were still able to find and observe a variety of species throughout the day.
One of the highlights was Bornella anguilla. We had been talking about how nice it would be to see one, and it appeared at the perfect moment.
This species is well known as a “swimming nudibranch,” but not everyone notices its cute little eyes. Its facial expression is surprisingly charming!
Next was Madrella ferruginosa, a master of camouflage. It blends so well with its food source that it can be difficult to spot unless you know exactly what to look for.
The bryozoan beneath it serves as its food source, and its body color closely matches the host. One of the secrets to finding nudibranchs is knowing what they eat, and this species is a perfect example.
Many nudibranchs were washed away by the recent typhoon, but little by little they seem to be returning. Today we were also able to find a large Miamira flavicostata.
It was an impressive individual and looked healthy and undamaged despite the recent rough seas. We were happy to see it doing well.
When searching for nudibranchs, we naturally spend more time looking at sponges. As a result, we often come across creatures such as Lauridromia intermedia and Lauridromia dehaani, crabs that carry sponges on their backs for camouflage.
However, not every individual is equally skilled at hiding!
One crab was carrying a sponge that looked so obviously out of place that it stood out immediately. It was a funny reminder that camouflage does not always work perfectly.
Although the rainy season officially began after the recent typhoon passed through, the forecast calls for sunshine and cloudy skies through Tuesday.
Weekdays in June are often quiet, making it possible to enjoy relaxed diving with very few other divers around.
If you are planning a trip to Kushimoto, June weekdays are a great time to visit. Even if it rains, diving can still be enjoyable as long as the sea remains calm.
We welcome inquiries for both fun diving and introductory diving.
This is one of the best times of year to enjoy diving at your own pace.
See you underwater!
Ocean Conditions (Kushimoto)
- Weather: Sunny
- Air Temperature: 19–27°C
- Water Temperature: 23.3–23.5°C
- Visibility: 10 m
Recommended Exposure Protection
- 6.5 mm Two-Piece Wetsuit
- 5 mm Wetsuit
- Drysuit with a long-sleeve shirt and long pants underneath (including thermal layers)
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Announcements
◾️Event Information
• Tide Pool Barred-chin blenny Photo Tour confirmed!
• Coral Spawning Observation Night Diving Confirmed!◾️Media
• We are one of the guide shops responsible for posting seasonal ocean updates from Kushimoto on “海旬”.
• Instagram is regularly updated!
• Our YouTube channel is now available!
• A video of Japanese Giant Salamander was featured by diving_partner on their platform.
