Muck
Diving in Kudat
We all know scuba diving on a coral reef is
an amazing experience, with colourful corals and an amazing array of marine
life. With everything from spectacularly coloured fish to tiny shrimp, and all
that’s in between.
However, there is a whole world of weird
and wonderful waiting to be discovered out on the sandy flats, which brings us
to the often underestimated MUCK DIVE!
Sure you won’t be instantly overwhelmed by
the obvious beauty of a coral reef, but with a bit of patience and a keen eye
the inhabitants of the muck are well worth the search.
Out on the sandy flats of Kudat are some
creatures you have to see to believe.
In this harsh environment lacking in
shelter, the cunning creatures who call the muck home, are always on the lookout
for cover, be it a discarded can or coconut husk.
We have been building artificial reefs out
in these baron environments, which has resulted in the reefs being swiftly
populated, and left the surrounding sand flat teeming with life.
 |
| Mimic octopus |
 |
| Frog fish |
 |
| Ambon scorpionfish |
 |
| Urchin carrier crabs |
 |
| Snake eels |
 |
| Sting rays |
 |
| Sea horses |
 |
| Ghost pipe fish. |
With such an impressive list of locals it
can be hard to focus on the task at hand ;) but the work must go on.
So the next time you’re on a dive and you
see the sandy planes lurking just off the reef, head out there and explore, you
may be rewarded with the treasures of the ocean not found by many.
For more information on the exciting experience
that is muck diving watch:
‘Mucky Secrets’ on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJMZ6reOB0E
More info about volunteering with TRACC in Malaysia - Turtle Snorkellers - Divers