A Favorite Among International Divers – Today’s Highlight Was the Dragon Moray Eel!
The typhoon swell has gradually started to settle down, but with the strong west wind, the Kushimoto area was still closed today.
Instead, we headed to Sue, which was protected from the wind, and enjoyed a relaxing day of fun diving.
Although there was still some leftover swell from the typhoon, the conditions were calm enough for an enjoyable dive.
The surface water temperature was 24°C, while the bottom was 20°C. The deeper water was a little chilly, but thanks to the warm weather on land, diving in a wetsuit was still comfortable.
Today I was diving with a guest from the United States.
The number one “wanted” species for today’s dives was the Dragon Moray Eel.
Our guest told me that this species is extremely rare in Hawaii, so seeing one was one of the main goals of this trip to Japan.
Since I see them quite often here, I honestly couldn’t remember exactly where they usually hide! After searching based on memory, we managed to find three individuals.
As more international divers visit us, I find myself introducing this moray eel more and more often.
The Dragon Moray Eel is a common species in Japan, but in many other parts of the world it is rarely seen, making it a favorite among visiting divers.
It’s easy to understand why everyone gets so excited when they finally see one!
We were also happy to confirm that the Mijin Benihaze（Yellow Pigmy goby) was still doing well after the typhoon.
Despite the powerful swell, this little goby had safely made it through.
Its tiny face peeking out from its home is always adorable, making it one of the most popular fish for underwater photographers.
I wonder if we’ll be able to find them in the Kushimoto area once the seasonal dive site reopens. I’ll definitely have to go and check!
The photo below was taken previously.
Since today’s dives were all about macro life, we also enjoyed observing a variety of crustaceans.
One of them was the Zarakaimen Kakure Ebi (Periclimenaeus gorgonidarum).
Seeing it reminded me how much I used to enjoy photographing this shrimp inside its bright orange sponge. It creates the impression that the shrimp is surrounded by glowing flames, making for a very dramatic and beautiful image.
Just before finishing our second dive, we found two little fish sitting quietly together.
Normally, fish tend to stay close to others of the same species, but these two were completely different species.
They looked as if they were having a conversation, and the scene was so charming that I couldn’t resist taking a photo.
The Kushimoto area has been closed since Friday, but it looks like we’ll finally be able to return tomorrow.
The visibility is still an unknown, but I’m looking forward to diving in Kushimoto again after several days away.
It’s hard to believe we’re already reaching the middle of July.
We still have a few openings for fun diving during the July holiday period, except for the busiest day.
We also have availability for our Discover Scuba Diving program on the final day of the holiday.
If you’re planning to visit Kushimoto this summer, feel free to get in touch with us.
See you underwater!
Today’s Sea Conditions (Sue area)
- Weather: Sunny
- Air Temperature: 25–32°C
- Water Temperature: 20.6–24.2°C
- Visibility: About 5 m
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Recommended Exposure Protection
- 5mm two piece wetsuit
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- 5mm two piece wetsuit
