MyMola.com | Travel Blog

Scuba Diving, Placencia, Belize

Jaii Fredregill — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 04:28:30 EST

Placencia, located in the relaxed, southern end of Belize, is a place where everything gets done, but at a far less stressful pace than areas with heavy tourist traffic. Good food and friendly people are easy to find in this colorful village that has long been a favorite of ocean lovers and scuba divers. With this coastal haven as our base, we were able to dive the nearby waters and enjoy multiple days of creature spotting around colorful reefs filled with life.

Exploring the Ruins of Tikal, Guatemala

Matt Newkirk — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 19:26:27 EST

Tikal was once one of the most important Maya cities in Mesoamerica. The city reached its height from 200 – 900 AD, with an estimated population of nearly 90,000 inhabitants. By the time the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, the city was completely swallowed up by the surrounding jungle. This is a stop that is not to be missed on your trip to Guatemala.

Scuba Diving Huatulco, Mexico

Jaii Fredregill — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:13:18 EST

Huatulco, Mexico offers a tropical climate, peaceful scenic beaches and warm ocean waters ideal for a relaxing scuba diving vacation. The dive sites are protected by nine separate bays, so the water is calm and full of life.

Scuba Diving Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Jaii Fredregill — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 22:26:03 EST

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is an excellent scuba diving destination largely due to its location at the southern-most point of Mexico’s Baja peninsula where the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean meet.

Scuba Diving in La Paz, Mexico

Jaii Fredregill — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 22:18:05 EST

Baja’s tranquil seaside capital, La Paz, is one of the most charming cities for R&R on the Baja California Peninsula. It is also one of the best places on the Sea of Cortez for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are over 25 dive sites near the shores of La Paz and diving can be done year-round.

How to take the bus from Cabo San Lucas to the Los Cabos International Airport

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 05:13:57 EST

Public buses in Baja are cheap, easy and safe. Here is a short article on where to catch the Ruta del Desierto bus in Cabo Lucas to take it to the Los Cabos International Airport.

Scuba Diving in Nosy Be, Madagascar

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 15:22:12 EST

For many, Madagascar is a far-off, exotic destination reserved for bucket lists and daydreams, but perhaps it's time to make your dreams come true. Pristine waters, white sand beaches and whale shark sightings are part of everyday life in Nosy Be, and with tourism growing at a rate of 11% each year, now is the time to go.

Drive Yourself on a Budget Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Matt Newkirk — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:40:37 EST

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to go on Safari in South Africa. At Kruger National Park, spotting the “Big 5” game animals can be as easy as renting a car and going for an afternoon drive.

Scuba Diving Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique

Jaii Fredregill — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 19:32:40 EST

We paid a visit to the laid-back town of Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique, where we enjoyed a week of relaxation, scuba diving, delicious meals and inviting culture. This lovely seaside town has excellent marine biodiversity along its shores and remains an affordable destination for divers and other travelers.

How to Travel from Maputo to Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 16:40:19 EST

An overview on how to get from Maputo to Ponta do Ouro by car, bus and chapa.

How to Travel from Maputo to Tofo Beach, Mozambique

Jaii Fredregill — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 11:53:31 EST

An overview on how to get from Maputo to Tofo Beach by car, bus and chapa.

Scuba Diving Tofo Beach, Mozambique

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 15:32:42 EST

Scuba Diving in Tofo Beach, Mozambique during humpback whale season was one of our greatest experiences. These amazing whales can be spotted frequently, even from the beach. Add to this some dolphins, a whale shark, and a whole slew of sea life living next to one of the most charming towns in Mozambique and you will understand why so many visit here.

Daytrip from Cairo to Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur

Matt Newkirk — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 13:23:01 EST

Just a short drive away from downtown Cairo, you can see the proving grounds where the Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs of the Old Kingdom developed the technology that allowed them to build the pyramids at Giza. A visit to these sites is a fascinating way to see how the pyramids evolved into the iconic structures that we all recognize today.

The Pyramids at Giza

Matt Newkirk — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 18:05:57 EST

The Great Pyramid at Giza is the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient Wold. Built nearly 4,600 years ago, the pyramids are a marvel ancient human achievement. A visit to Giza should be near the top of any traveler’s bucket list.

Scuba Diving the Red Sea in Egypt by Liveaboard

Jaii Fredregill — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 13:52:28 EST

Whether it be wrecks, hammerheads, or stunning reefs, there is a lot to see when diving the world class waters of the Red Sea, so much so, that it is difficult to know where to go first. From north to south you can almost always expect good to excellent visibility, with water temperatures of 21-28 ˚C (70-84 ˚F).

A Visit to Luxor Temple, Egypt

Matt Newkirk — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 17:17:26 EST

Luxor Temple was the place where pharaohs held their coronation ceremonies during the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. Visiting the temple complex, located right in the center of the city of Luxor, is like walking back in time.

Visiting the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu from Beijing

Matt Newkirk — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 03:39:22 EST

The Great Wall of China is easily accessible from the center of China’s capital, Beijing, on a day trip. The Mutianyu section of the is one of the best preserved, and most scenic sections of the wall; it traverses thick forests and jagged peaks just within the city limits.

Scuba Diving Anilao, Philippines

Jaii Fredregill — Sun, 26 May 2019 00:35:38 EST

Anilao is a hot spot for muck diving in the Philippines located just a few hours south of Manila, but many divers come here for the reef diving as well. Scuba divers from near and far travel here year-round with their cameras looking for the small and the strange. Flamboyant cuttlefish, blue ringed octopus, mimic octopus, tiger shrimp and ambon scorpionfish thrive in these waters.

Scuba Diving Apo Island, Dauin, and Zamboanguita, Philippines

Jaii Fredregill — Mon, 20 May 2019 07:25:44 EST

Apo Island is known for its large schools of jackfish, turtle sightings and stretches of thriving reefs. At the other end of the spectrum, nearby Dauin and Zamboanguita are ideal for muck divers looking for rare and unusual creatures. Making this an ideal spot for any diver, especially those who want it all.

Scuba Diving in the WWII Wrecks of Coron, Philippines

Matt Newkirk — Sun, 05 May 2019 18:08:30 EST

On the 24th of September 1944, the U.S. Navy launched an aerial assault on a Japanese warships in the shallow waters of the Bay of Coron. Seventy-five years later, the shipwrecks left in the wake of the attack are still intact, ready to be explored by recreational divers.

Scuba Diving Lembeh, Indonesia

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 03 May 2019 09:14:33 EST

We teamed up with Two Fish Divers for another scuba diving adventure in Indonesia. This time we traveled to beautiful Lembeh Island in Sulawesi to do some muck diving. Read on to learn more about the bizarre creatures and macro life we were able to find during our time there.

Scuba Diving Komodo, Indonesia

Jaii Fredregill — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 10:01:27 EST

Despite all the stories you may have heard in the media lately, Komodo Island is only tentatively scheduled to be closed for one year and all dive sites in the area are to remain accessible. Komodo Dragons can also be seen on Rinca Island in Komodo National Park, which has long been a preferred area for spotting these fascinating reptiles. If you are considering a holiday here there is no reason to be deterred.

A Scuba Diver's Guide to Lombok, Indonesia

Jaii Fredregill — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 11:47:07 EST

Diving in beautiful Lombok, Indonesia is gaining in popularity as more and more travelers are making their way here. This is a great time to check it out, and here is a guide to the major dive sites.

A Scuba Diver’s Guide to Bali, Indonesia

Matt Newkirk — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 07:07:52 EST

Bali truly has so much to offer divers of all experience levels. Regardless if you are hoping to get your open water certification, or if you are a professional dive instructor, scuba diving in Bali will keep you coming back for more.

Traveling the South Island of New Zealand by Campervan

Matt Newkirk — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 01:09:15 EST

New Zealand's South Island should be on any outdoor lover's bucket list. With amazing natural wonders and countless thrill-seeking adventures to be had, this may just be the perfect destination to explore in a campervan.

Budget Friendly Rainy Day Activities Around Queenstown, New Zealand

Jaii Fredregill — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 03:09:19 EST

Here are some affordable things to do around Queenstown that are perfect for waiting out turbulent weather, or when you just feel like taking it easy for a while.

Sow and Piglets Brewery: A Tale of Craft Brewing from the Great Ocean Road, Victoria Australia

Jaii Fredregill — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 06:53:29 EST

Discovering Sow and Piglets Brewery was one of the highlights of our travels along the Great Ocean Road. If your headed that way, or just looking for excellent craft beer, Sow & Piglets should be on your radar.

Campervan Camping and Road Tripping from Brisbane to Melbourne

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 07:10:14 EST

Our favorite National Parks, beaches, snorkeling spots, animal reserves and campsites between Brisbane to Melbourne.

Where to go for Craft Beer in Melbourne, Australia

Jaii Fredregill — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 00:43:13 EST

There is a lot of excellent craft brewing happening in Melbourne, Australia and we were lucky enough to sample a good amount of it during a recent visit to this fine city. I don’t know that I could ever choose a favorite, but we did find three brewers who standout in this sea of talented beer makers.

The Great Ocean Road by Campervan

Matt Newkirk — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 07:16:39 EST

Spend a week getting lost on The Great Ocean Road in southern Victoria, Australia in a campervan.

Tent Camping in Tasmania

Matt Newkirk — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 09:26:42 EST

We absolutely loved camping in Tasmania. The small island holds some of the most beautiful scenery on the continent of Australia.

Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound

Matt Newkirk — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 05:56:07 EST

Fiordland National Park is the largest National Park in New Zealand. The rugged glacier-cut landscape provides the perfect setting for your next outdoor adventure in New Zealand's South Island.

Exploring Cairns Australia by Campervan

Matt Newkirk — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 21:19:52 EST

The nature and wildlife surrounding Cairns, Australia attracts an increasing number of visitors from around the globe each year. Here are some of the top places to see if traveling here by campervan.

How To Travel in Singapore On A Budget

Jaii Fredregill — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 03:48:23 EST

Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, with so many free sites and affordable options for lodging and food, even budget travelers can enjoy a few days of site seeing around the island. Here are some tips on how to visit this tropical city-state without breaking the bank.

Places to Visit in Dubai at Night

Shivam Khandelwal (Guest Writer) — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 11:03:43 EST

Guest Writer Shivam Khandelwal shares some of his favorite night-time activities in Dubai.

A Complete Guide to Craft Beer in Singapore

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 01:31:55 EST

A guide to finding craft beer breweries, beer bars, hawkers and bottle shops in Singapore.

Diving Thailand’s Similan and Surin Islands Without a Liveaboard

Matt Newkirk — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 13:21:43 EST

The Similan and Surin Islands are some of Thailand's most popular dive destinations. Most of the visitors to these islands do so on liveaboard dive boats, but it is possible to catch a speedboat and dive the same sites while staying in mainland Thailand.

The 10 Best Sightseeing Activities in Singapore

Matt Newkirk — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 12:57:33 EST

There is so much to see while visiting Singapore. Here is my list of some of the best activities for short-term visitors to check out.

Where to Dive from Singapore on a Long Weekend

Matt Newkirk — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 09:13:08 EST

Singapore is a great jumping off point to some of Southeast Asia's most sought-after diving destinations. Here are my top picks for a the best places to go diving on a long weekend from Singapore.

Scuba Diving Mactan Island, Philippines

Jaii Fredregill — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 10:23:23 EST

Mactan Island has great diving just minutes from the Cebu-Mactan airport, making it an excellent destination for those who are short on time, cash or both.

Scuba Diving Bunaken, Sulawesi

Matt Newkirk — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 05:03:52 EST

The island of Bunaken, just off of the coast of Sulawesi, is truly a scuba diver’s paradise. Divers flock from around the world to explore the waters surrounding Bunaken, hoping to discover what makes this tiny island one of Indonesia’s most sought-after scuba diving destinations.

Scuba Diving Nusa Penida, Indonesia

Jaii Fredregill — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 12:29:41 EST

The legendary diving around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan has made it on to every divers bucket list. Here are the many ways to access the incredible dive sites that surround these beautiful islands.

Top Spots for Live Music in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Jaii Fredregill — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 03:36:02 EST

A look at some of the best venues for live music in Ho Chi Minh City's thriving music scene.

Where to Go for Craft Beer in Ho Chi Minh City

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 02:11:24 EST

The craft beer scene in Saigon is getting a lot of attention lately. Here is a guide to local breweries and what they're brewing.

A Beer and a Chat with Heart of Darkness CEO John Pemberton

Jaii Fredregill — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 09:19:36 EST

I took a trip to the Heart of Darkness taproom in Saigon to drink their beer and talk to CEO John Pemberton. Read on for more about our discussion on craft beer, Vietnam, collaboration and the steady genius of Master Brewer Duane Mortan.

Raise a Glass, Save an Orangutan

Jaii Fredregill — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 06:45:15 EST

Orangutan Project has recently introduced some fun new ways for travelers and pub patrons to donate to their very worthy organization through fundraising businesses. You can now give your support by simply raising a glass, ordering a meal or taking a beachfront getaway to beautiful Borneo.

Visiting Orangutan at the Semenggoh Nature Reserve in Kuching, Malaysia

Matt Newkirk — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 11:29:07 EST

Semenggoh Nature Reserve is home to 30 rescued orangutans in Borneo. The reserve offers visitors a rare chance to get a good look at one of man's closest relatives.

Scuba Diving Pulau Hantu, Singapore

Matt Newkirk — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 13:04:59 EST

Pulau Hantu may not be a wold-class dive destination, with its muddy seafloor and typical visibility of only one to three meters, but it is a great day trip for divers in Singapore who need to get a quick scuba fix.

Observing Morning Alms (Sai Bat) in Luang Prabang, Laos

Jaii Fredregill — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 10:13:49 EST

An overview of Sai Bat (morning alms) in Luang Prabang, Laos and how to observe this Theravada Buddhist ceremony respectfully.

Scuba Diving Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai

Matt Newkirk — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 11:44:14 EST

The tiny islands of Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai are known around the world for having some of the best scuba diving anywhere on earth. If you are looking for a spot that showcases the best of what scuba diving in Asia has to offer, Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai is the trip for you.

How to Choose a Dive Shop for Your Scuba Adventure

Matt Newkirk — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 06:52:37 EST

Choosing a great company to dive with can really make or break your dive trip. Selecting a quality dive shop can seem a little daunting, especially for people that are new to scuba diving. Here are some tips that I have put together from my personal diving experience that hopefully will be helpful when you are choosing a company to dive with on your next vacation.

Lost in the Right Direction: My Volunteer Experience at Lao Friends Hospital for Children

Aya Husni Bey — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 08:04:16 EST

Guest writer Aya Husni Bey writes about her life-changing experience volunteering abroad with Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC) in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Muck Diving Tulamben and Amed Bali

Matt Newkirk — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 12:21:43 EST

Whether you are a free diver, scuba diver, or just a sun worshiper, Tulamben and Amed are uniquely beautiful places to spend a few days while traveling around Bali.

How the Soi Dog Foundation is Working to End Animal Cruelty in Thailand and Throughout Asia

Jaii Fredregill — Thu, 24 May 2018 12:57:03 EST

Over the past 15-years, Soi Dog has achieved a lot as a leader in animal welfare in Thailand. Here's more on what they've accomplished and the challenges they face as they work to stop the suffering of street animals and end Asia's horrific dog meat trade.

Good Things are Happening at the Elephant Conservation Center in Sayaboury, Laos

Jaii Fredregill — Sat, 19 May 2018 07:45:47 EST

Saving the elephant. A humbling look at one of the most amazing creatures on earth and what we can do to keep them safe.

Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden is Leading the Way for Sustainability in Laos

Jaii Fredregill — Thu, 17 May 2018 05:29:53 EST

How Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden is becoming a leader in sustainability and ecotourism in Laos.

A Weekend Getaway to Bintan Island, Indonesia

Jaii Fredregill — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 06:05:30 EST

How a ferry ticket, borrowed car and zero planning lead to 30 relaxing hours of beach hopping and good food on Bintan Island, Indonesia.

A Visit to 4 Top Craft Breweries in Cleveland, Ohio

Jaii Fredregill — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 04:29:12 EST

I paid a visit to Cleveland and four of the many outstanding breweries that can be found this side of Lake Erie.

5 Spots for Craft Beer in Osaka Japan

Jaii Fredregill — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 01:19:20 EST

The popularity of craft beer has exploded in Osaka, with so many brewers and beer bars you need a map to find them all, literally. Here are 5 breweries to get you started.

Visiting Himeji Castle During the Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura)

Matt Newkirk — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 06:07:43 EST

Himeji Castle is often touted as one of the best place to go to see the cherry blossom bloom (sakura) in Japan.

Sightseeing in Tokyo

Jaii Fredregill — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 06:31:53 EST

Who needs sleep when we've got ramen? A visit to Tokyo's Shinjuku ward during Sakura.

Things to do in Kyoto, Japan

Jaii Fredregill — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 13:40:21 EST

A look at some of Kyoto's most popular culture and historic sites, much of which is free or priced to accommodate any budget.

Sustainability at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

Jaii Fredregill — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 03:36:14 EST

Supertrees, Cloud Forest and Flower Domes are just a few of the wonders at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore's most comprehensive sustainability efforts.

Palaweno Brewery

Jaii Fredregill — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 07:13:54 EST

Visiting Palaweno Brewery, a locally owned and operated brewhouse turning out some great beer, and exceptional small-batch coconut rum, on the tropical island of Palawan, Philippines.

Gong Xi Fa Cai (Happy New Year) from Chinatown, Singapore

Jaii Fredregill — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 07:33:14 EST

A visit to Chinatown Singapore during the celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Craft Beer in Bengaluru

Jaii Fredregill — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 08:47:28 EST

Five great breweries I discovered while exploring the craft brew scene in Bengaluru, India.

4 Inspiring Stories of Conservation from the Field: Laos

David D'Angelo — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 11:35:54 EST

Guest writer David D'Angelo discusses four organizations focused on social responsibility and conservation.

Sentosa, Singapore's Resort Island

Matt Newkirk — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 06:59:42 EST

Sentosa Island has something for kids of all ages. The small island is covered in theme parks, water parks, and golf courses. It boasts several beaches where visitors can relax and enjoy a tropical seaside cocktail, world class dining, and even a casino.

Craft Beer in Charlotte, North Carolina

Jaii Fredregill — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 09:39:59 EST

A visit to a few of the 30+ breweries that make up the booming craft brew scene in Charlotte, NC.

Things to Do in Point Reyes, California

Jaii Fredregill — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 04:15:36 EST

One short day of oysters, beer and whale watching in Point Reyes, CA.

Visiting San Francisco

Jaii Fredregill — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 14:37:08 EST

A nostalgic stroll through my hometown to visit a few of my favorite places.

Crabbing from Kayaks in Half Moon Bay California

Matt Newkirk — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 12:27:37 EST

Make the best of winter in Northern California and hop in a kayak to do some crabbing along the ocean shore. There really is nothing better than freshly caught dungeness crab!

Scuba Diving in Monterey Bay California

Matt Newkirk — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 07:14:08 EST

Life in Monterey's kelp forest is diverse and abundant. The cold water brings a host of species not found in warmer waters. Giant sea bass, leopard sharks, colorful rockfish, lingcod, and countless varieties of macro creatures make this their home.

How Monterey Bay Aquarium is Working to Save the Sea

Jaii Fredregill — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 07:03:54 EST

A look at the conservation and sustainability efforts of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Singapore's Little India

Matt Newkirk — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 10:33:11 EST

Little India in Singapore is a great place to get a taste of Indian culture when traveling around Singapore. The food, shopping and people make this a must try for your itinerary.

Visiting Haw Par Villa

Matt Newkirk — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 16:08:12 EST

Haw Par Villa is one of the most underrated attractions in Singapore. It is not like anything else you will see on the island. Wandering around the park is a great way to spend a few hours or even an afternoon.

What's Cooking in Charlotte, NC?

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 10:55:48 EST

Where to find exceptional food and hospitality in Charlotte, NC.

In and Around Sedona, AZ

Jaii Fredregill — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 12:23:26 EST

A quick look at things to do in and around Sedona, AZ.

Desert Oasis in the Abu Dhabi Empty Quarter

Matt Newkirk — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 12:10:33 EST

Whether you are looking to re-create the “Arabian Nights” fantasy of your youth, or are just hoping to escape the shopping malls and city lights of Dubai, The Qasr Al Sarab in the Empty Quarter of Abu Dhabi is a truly unique experience that is sure to thrill even the most discerning traveler.

Scuba Diving Ko Phi Phi

Matt Newkirk — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 12:52:47 EST

Like so many of Thailand's islands, Ko Phi Phi is a stunning sight to behold, with sheer limestone cliffs rising straight from the depths of the sea, hundreds of feet into the sky, capped with dense green jungle, and surrounded by turquoise waters and patches of snow-white sandy beaches.

Scuba Diving Candidasa Bali, Indonesia

Matt Newkirk — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 05:03:13 EST

Diving in Candidasa truly is a world-class experience. The condition of the deep reefs rival anything else that I have seen inside the coral triangle of South East Asia. But these sites really are reserved for more experienced divers, as the combination of the unyielding currents and the relatively deep dives can be a bit challenging for beginners.

5 Top Phnom Penh Sights You Can See in 1-Day

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:53:03 EST

Where to go and what to see during an extended layover or with limited time in Cambodia's capital city Phnom Penh.

Exploring the Temples of Angkor Wat

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 15:01:10 EST

A short fulfilling journey to Siem Reap, Cambodia to visit Angkor Wat.

Scuba Diving in Ari Atoll, Maldives

Jaii Fredregill — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 11:54:46 EST

Our journey to Angaga Island to dive Ari Atoll, snorkel the house reef and lie on the beach.

Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetlands

Matt Newkirk — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 14:45:39 EST

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s concrete jungle? Look no further, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve has you covered.

Hội An Vietnam, City of Lanterns

Matt Newkirk — Fri, 26 May 2017 09:29:20 EST

Walking through the streets of Hội An is like walking back in time. Rows of old shops and warehouses, lit with the warm glow from the traditional silk lanterns, lead down to the riverfront, once an important port city for commerce, it is now filled with wonderful trendy restaurants and bars where travelers can while away the hours over glasses of wine, cold beer, and Vietnamese food.

Scuba Diving Kri Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Matt Newkirk — Thu, 04 May 2017 07:41:24 EST

Raja Ampat has it all, manta rays on nearly every dive, black tip and white tip sharks buzzing you while you swim, huge schools of bump-head parrotfish, and barracudas.

5-Days Trekking in Baliem Valley

Jaii Fredregill — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 01:34:41 EST

A week of trekking with the Dani people through beautiful Baliem Valley in the highlands of Western New Guinea.

Scuba Diving in the Similan Islands, Thailand

Wed, 15 Feb 2017 06:28:40 EST

A short video of some of the amazing life to be seen when diving in the Similan Islands.

Taking a Dive in the Similan Islands

Matt Newkirk — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 08:13:16 EST

A lesson on adjusting expectations when traveling; food poisoning, a questionable liveaboard, and some fantastic diving that made it more worthwhile.

Urban Hiking in Chennai, India

Jaii Fredregill — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 16:57:32 EST

We set out to explore the sites, sounds, and culture found throughout this colorful, city and discovered a friendly, sweltering, wonderland.

Playing Tourist in George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Jaii Fredregill — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 08:20:25 EST

George Town highlights for those looking for a weekend get-away or travelers just passing through.

Hạ Long Bay Boat Cruise

Jaii Fredregill — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 12:06:40 EST

A cruise through Hạ Long Bay is one of the most sought-after sites in Vietnam. If you're concerned about having enough time during your holiday to include this scenic stop in your agenda, here is how you can fit this journey into a single day.

Diving with Mola Mola at Nusa Penida, Bali

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 08:38:40 EST

Video of one of my favorite diving trips of all time. Mola Mola Sunfish, Manta Rays, and Amazing Macro, Bali has it all! Bali truly is the amazing dive destination you have been looking for - you have to check it out for yourself!

Big Fish Little Island, Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida, Bali

Jaii Fredregill — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 09:51:33 EST

A few days in paradise, exploring Nusa Lembongan and the incredible dive sites of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia

Diving Manta Point Nusa Penida Island, Bali, Indonesia

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 13:21:46 EST

Swimming with the majestic manta rays of Bali.

Surrounded by Dolphins in Langkawi, Malaysia

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 01:05:41 EST

A weekend in Langkawi, swimming, diving and touring mangroves. Oh yeah, and then there was that giant pod of dolphins...

Trekking Bako National Park

Jaii Fredregill — Sun, 01 May 2016 11:38:25 EST

Getting back to the great outdoors at Bako National Park.

Down the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

Jaii Fredregill — Sun, 01 May 2016 21:31:28 EST

Like the rest of this energetic metropolis, Bangkok's Chao Phraya River attracts crowds of locals and tourists alike, providing transportation for residents and a glance at daily life around the khlongs for vacationers.

Back to Basics, Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 23:16:54 EST

A trip from downtown Singapore to nearby Tioman Island, Malaysia for some diving, blue skies and sunshine.

Diving Malapascua

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:18:00 EST

We took a plane, to a car to a boat to a little place called Malapascua Island in Cebu, to do some diving. Here's what happened.

Visiting Xi'an China

Jaii Fredregill — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 05:40:43 EST

The Terracotta Army, the Muslim Quarter, a 14th century city wall and a thriving nightlife. With so much to see and do in this wonderful city it may be difficult to decide where to start.

Turtle Cam

Sun, 08 Nov 2015 07:16:53 EST

Stalking the majestic sea turtle.

Scuba Diving in Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 08:18:42 EST

A short video from our scuba dive trip to Utila, Honduras. June, 2015.

Scuba Diving Belize, Shark Ray Alley

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:10:42 EST

Scuba diving and snorkeling in Belize between Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, including popular Shark Ray Alley.

Spotted trunkfish (Lactophrys bicaudalis), Placencia, Belize

MyMola.com — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:08:36 EST

Spotted trunkfish (Lactophrys bicaudalis) are one of only three recognized members of the Lactophrys genesis. The others are the buffalo trunkfish (Lactophrys trigonus) and the smooth trunkfish (Lactophrys triqueter). All are native to the western Atlantic Ocean and are referred to as cowfish, or simply boxfish, depending on where they are encountered. The spotted trunkfish is yellow, white or a combination of both with dark spots. Its snout and fins protrude from a triangular, trunk-like body, armored with heavy hexagonal scales. This armor and the colorless toxin secreted from its glands greatly deter predators. In fact, the toxin is so powerful, it can kill a large shark if ingested. Due to the weight of its scales, this fish is most often observed moving in a slow hovering motion powered by the non-stop fluttering of its pectoral fins. However, it will use its tail fin to propel itself quite quickly if it feels threatened. We photographed this spotted trunkfish while writing our post, Scuba Diving, Placencia, Belize.

Giant hawkfish (Cirrhitus rivulatus), Huatulco, Mexico

MyMola.com — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 14:37:28 EST

As its name suggests, the giant hawkfish is the largest member of the hawkfish family, growing up to 60 cm/24 inches in length. They are seen regularly by divers around the Gulf of California where they are called “China Marino,” but have been identified as far south as the Galapagos Islands. These fish are typically unfazed by diver activity and are known for their ability to prop themselves on their pectoral fins and even brace themselves against crashing waves in shallow rocky waters. They feed mainly on small fish and crustaceans and are currently categorized as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. We photographed this giant hawkfish during a dive in Huatulco, Mexico. Read more in our post Scuba Diving Huatulco, Mexico.

Gray angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus), Placencia, Belize

MyMola.com — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 22:48:44 EST

These fish are commonly found along the western Atlantic, particularly in warmer waters around the Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Adults measure up to 60cm (23 inches) and can weigh as much as 2kg (4.5 lbs), making them the largest known species of marine angelfish. Though they feed mainly on sponges, their diet includes tunicates, algae, gorgonians, and seagrass. Juveniles also fatten up by cleaning parasites off other species. These fish are sometimes curious about divers, and may even follow along on a dive. We photographed this gray angelfish during a dive in Placencia, Belize. Read more in our post, Scuba Diving Placencia Belize - Nurse sharks and Oceanic Manta Rays.

Pikachu nudibranch (Thecacera sp), Sekotong, Lombok, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 21:23:53 EST

Pikachu nudibranch (Thecacera sp) - This colorful marine mollusk is part of the Thecacera genus of sea slugs. It is nicknamed for its resemblance to the adorable character, Pikachu, from the Pokémon franchise. At just 2cm, this Pikachu nudibranch is not easy to spot. Sightings are rare but are known to occur around Indonesia, Borneo, Western Australia and Japan. We photographed this Pikachu nudibranch while diving off the coast of Sekotong in Lombok, Indonesia.

Yellowtail Surgeonfish (Prionurus punctatus), Hualtuco, Mexico

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:55:51 EST

These lovely spotted fish are easily identified by their bright yellow tails and the dark vertical stripes across their eyes and gills. The three sharp protruding spines on either side of their tails are easily seen and serve as their main defense against predators. They are very common from the Gulf of California to El Salvador. We photographed these Yellowtail Surgeonfish during a dive in Huatulco, Mexico. Read more in our post Scuba Diving Huatulco, Mexico

Flamingo Tongue Snail (Cyphoma gibbosum), Utila, Honduras

MyMola.com — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 14:51:42 EST

The orange-yellow color and dark spots that make these snails easy to see comes from their retractable mantles when wrapped around their shells. These small sea snails make their home in the western Atlantic Ocean preying on soft corals like sea fans and whip corals. They live nearly their entire existence attached to these corals and are able to ingest the coral's chemical defenses and absorb them into their bodies for their own protection. Females attach their eggs to their coral prey and the larvae hatch in just 10 days. After a short planktonic stage, they attach themselves to a soft coral of their own to live out their days. Corals are able to regrow polyps the flaming tongue scrapes away with its radula and thrive on, keeping both themselves and the flamingo tongue alive. Though this species was once very common, it is currently in decline in areas heavily trafficked by snorkelers and divers. We photographed this flamingo tongue while freediving between Lighthouse and Moon Hole in Utila, Honduras.

Juvenile Spotted Drum Fish (Equetus punctatus ), Utila, Honduras

MyMola.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 16:47:50 EST

There are around 275 species of drum fish living in oceans and freshwater. One of the loveliest drums to encounter is the juvenile spotted drum. Spotted drums are most striking as juveniles when their long flowing fins accentuate a black and white striped pattern that becomes quite hypnotic as they swim in repetitive circular patterns beneath coral overhangs, and in other sheltered crevices. As they mature, and their bodies grow, their dorsal fins become shorter and the stripes along their back half morph into spots. Drum fish are named for a deep sound they produce by beating their abdominal muscles against their swim bladder. The purpose of the sound varies from species to species, but for many it is used for mating, or as a danger warning. These fish are found in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea and in the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Brazil.

The Bullseye Round Stingray (Urobatis concentricus), Hualtuco, Mexico

MyMola.com — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:47:00 EST

The Bullseye Round Stingray (Urobatis concentricus) is named for the circular shape of its flat spotted body and belongs to the round family of stingrays. This ray grows to a length of 19 inches and a width of 11 inches. Its tail is much shorter than most stingrays, but it does have a venomous spine near the middle of it. Like all stingrays, the bullseye round is non-aggressive toward humans and only raises its tail in defense when it feels threatened. There are some who believe this stingray is not a full species, but simply a color morph of the round stingray (Urobatis helleri). However, the taxonomy of the bullseye round is still being investigated, so there is not currently no confirmation either way. It is endemic to Mexico but is currently listed as Date Deficient on the IUCN Red List. We photographed this Bullseye Round Stingray during a dive in Hualtulco, Mexico.

Thornback Cowfish (Lactioria fornasini), Gili Air, Lombok, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 15:35:55 EST

The Thornback Cowfish (Lactioria fornasini) is a slow-moving fish due to the hexagon shaped plate scales that cover it to create a box-like armour. As a relative of the pufferfish, the thornback cowfish produces similar toxins. Generating a powerful neurotoxin called ostracitoxin through their symbiotic relationship with bacteria. The ostracitoxin is carried in the organs and skin and can even be released into the water. It is found in the tropical Indo-Pacific, Japan, and Hawaii where it feeds on invertebrates it hunts by blowing streams of water along the sand to expose its prey. This fish grows to between 6 to 9 inches long and can camouflage itself by changing color to blend with its environment. Like many cowfish, it is typically solitary, and males are territorial during mating season. We photographed this thornback cowfish during a dive in Gili Air Indonesia.

Hermit Crab, Ari Atoll, The Maldives

MyMola.com — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 20:54:35 EST

Most hermit Crabs live their lives inside seashells and other salvaged objects that serve as armor to protect their soft spiral shaped abdomens from predators. There are two types of hermit crabs, marine and terrestrial. All marine hermit crabs live in the ocean, except for a single species, Clibanarius fonticola, that lives in fresh water. Terrestrial crabs prefer land in tropical areas near water. Both breath through gills, and must keep them damp or wet in order to avoid suffocating. All hermit crabs are scavengers, feeding on plants, fallen fruit, turtle eggs, dead fish, plankton and just about anything edible they come across. These social creatures live and forage in groups. Most are nocturnal, preferring the safety of darkness on land and in the water. As they grow, hermit crabs must find new homes to accommodate their larger size. Whether aquatic or terrestrial, these crabs will fight one another for the best shell, and have even been known to steal shells from one another when they can get away with it. We photographed this hermit crab on Angaga Island in The Maldives.

White-nosed coatis (Nasua narica), Tikal, Guatemala

MyMola.com — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 20:48:50 EST

White-nosed coatis (Nasua narica), or “pizotes” in Spanish, are related to the racoon and found throughout the Americas. They are social animals who live in troops of three to 20 animals. These troops include females and their young only. Males will leave their troop at around two years of age when they reach adulthood and remain solitary unless mating. These are polygynous animals, so during a short mating period from February through March, troops will permit a single male to live among them and mate with the sexually mature females. After mating has come to an end the adult male is chased from the troop because they often become aggressive toward juveniles and may even kill them. White-nosed coatis are omnivores and have been known to travel as far as 2,000 miles in search of food. Their preferred meals consist of fruit, insects, carrion, and small reptiles or rodents. They are exceptional tree climbers, using their long tails to balance themselves. However, most of their foraging is done on the ground, where they poke their flexible snouts into crevices in search of prey. They share a dependent relationship with balsa trees, seeking sustenance from balsa tree flowers, particularly when food is sparse. The coati’s faces become covered in pollen when they dip their long snouts in to drink the nectar. When the coatis move through the forest, they spread the pollen from one flower to the next. We photographed this White-nosed coati during a visit to Tikal in Guatemala.

Manta Ray, Laughing Bird Caye, Belize

MyMola.com — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 18:48:02 EST

The Manta ray is the largest of more than 500 species of rays. The name manta means blanket in Spanish and was given to these animals due to their large, flat, diamond shaped bodies that resemble the spreading of a blanket as they gracefully glide through the water. There are currently two recognized species of manta rays; the Giant oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris), and the Reef manta (Mobula alfredi). Both live up to 50 years and are known for being highly intelligent. Their ability to memorize and map terrain through sight and smell is an indication of highly developed long-term memory. Manta rays can also recognize their own reflection and are believed to be self-aware. Reef Mantas, the smaller of the two species, are sighted far more often than Giant mantas because they stay close to shore and tend to be curious and social. They usually grow to around 3.5 meters, but some get as big as 5.5 meters. Giant oceanic manta rays have a wingspan of up to 9 meters and can weigh as much as 3000 lbs. Wary of human interaction, they live offshore in open water and are believed to migrate much farther than reef mantas. If you see a manta in the wild the best way to ensure a positive interaction is to hover away from their cleaning station and wait for them to investigate you. These curious beauties will normally swim quite close to check you out if you’re patient and non-aggressive, but if you chase them their powerful pectoral fins will carry them away in a flash. The patterns on the belly of each manta is unique, just like a fingerprint. Researchers use these patterns to identify and track mantas. You can help researchers by photographing the underside of mantas you encounter and submitting the photos online at MantaMatcher.org All mantas are currently listed as “vulnerable to extinction” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. There numbers have decreased significantly over the past 20 years due to overfishing and the use of their gill rakers in traditional Chinese medicine. We photographed this manta ray during a dive at Laughing Bird Caye.

Rusty Guard Crabs (Trapezia bidentata), Huatulco, Mexico

MyMola.com — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 20:03:10 EST

Rusty Guard Crabs (Trapezia bidentata) grow to be no more than two inches wide. These tiny crustaceans live out their lives along the branches of small polyp corals like Pocilloporas and Acroporas; with whom they share a mutualistic relationship. As their name suggests, the guard crab protects the coral from predators, often by waving their fat, stubby claws at any perceived threat. In return, the crabs feed on the coral’s polyps and mucus, typically massaging the polyps until the mucus is released and collected in their leg hairs before being passed to their mouths. We photographed this Rusty Guard Crab during a dive in Huatulco, Mexico.

Yellow Stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Belize

MyMola.com — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:19:32 EST

The Yellow Stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis) is a small stingray with a wingspan of up to only 14 inches. It is commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean from Trinidad to North Carolina and is non-threatening to human beings. However, these rays can inflict extremely painful injuries when threatened, and most that have been reported occurred when people accidentally stepped on the rays who slash and raise their tail spines when attempting to flee. Still, lethal injuries are very rare. The yellow stingray is aplacental viviparity, meaning their embryos develop inside eggs that remain in the body of the mother until they ready to hatch. During their 5-6-month gestation period, the embryos are sustained first by yolk, then by uterine milk called histrotroph during the later part of their development. Females give birth no more than twice per year, with litters of one to seven pups. This ray is not one of the 45 species of stingrays listed as threatened or endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their numbers are currently at healthy levels, so they are listed as “Least concern.” We photographed this yellow stingray during a dive at Laughing Bird Caye in Belize. Read more in our post, Scuba Diving, Placencia, Belize: Nurse Sharks and Oceanic Manta Rays.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta), Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Belize

MyMola.com — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 16:33:06 EST

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) can be found in the Indian, Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans. Adults can weigh up to 1,000 lbs, but the average full grown adult weighs in at around 300 lbs. Their considerable size detours many predators. However, large marine animals, such as sharks, do feed on loggerheads. These turtles live up to 50-70 years, and reach sexual maturity between 17-33 years old. However, they have a very low reproductive rate; females lay just four egg clutches before becoming dormant for two to three years. A total of nine distinct population segments of loggerheads are protected under the 1973 Endangered Species Act, but they are currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Loggerheads are often caught as bycatch in trawling nets. This along with coastal development of housing and tourism for humans are the leading threats to their existence. We photographed this loggerhead during a day of diving at Silk Cayes Marine Reserve in Belize.

Nurse Shark ( Ginglymostoma cirratum), Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Belize

MyMola.com — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 21:29:53 EST

Unlike many shark species, nurse sharks are able to move water through their gills independently without swimming, which enables them to rest along the ocean floor. This sedentary bottom dweller behavior and their sometimes social nature with humans can lead people to believe these sharks are harmless. However, though nearly all bites by nurse sharks are a result of misguided human behavior toward the sharks, they are currently one of the most likely species of shark to bite human beings. Nurse sharks are suction feeders. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates, small fish and stingrays, and though their mouths are quite small, they have the strongest suction ability recorded in an aquatic animal. They feed individually at night but have also been know to hunt in packs during the day The endangered status of nurse sharks on the IUCN list varies by species and location, it ranges from decreasing to unknown due to lack of data. In the country of Belize, nurse sharks are protected by law. To harm or kill a nurse shark is considered a serious offense by law enforcement and the Belizean people. We photographed this nurse shark during a dive in Belize near Silk Caye.

Pacific Arrow Crab (Stenorhynchus debilis) , Huatulco, Mexico

MyMola.com — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 23:17:08 EST

The Pacific Arrow Crab can grow to up to 4-6 inches in width, and is characterized by its triangular shell and 10 long spindly legs. This crab is a nocturnal hunter who feeds on algae, gastropods and small crustaceans. However, the Arrow crab is not a picky eater, and will feed on just about anything dead or slow. The Pacific Arrow Crab makes its home in reef crevices and rocky intertidal areas. It is found throughout the Mexican Pacific, and, during El Niño years, has been spotted as far as north as the southern California shores of the United States. We photographed this Pacific Arrow Crab during a dive in Hualtuco, Mexico

Pacific Seahorse (Hippocampus ingens), Hualtuco, Mexico

MyMola.com — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 18:32:15 EST

The Pacific Seahorse (Hippocampus ingens) also called the Giant Seahorse, can be found from San Diego, California to Peru. This species has been documented at up to a foot long (30 cm), though most are found to grow to only about half this size. Males can be distinguished from females by a keel on their chests. Pacific Seahorses have several traits commonly found in seahorses including, skin rather than scales, no teeth, and a digestive track but no stomach. These incredible creatures can be found in depths of up to 60-meters, making their homes in coral and rocky reefs and in seagrass beds. They can camouflage themselves by changing shape and color. To compensate for their limited swimming abilities, they use their tales to anchor themselves to their environment and to catch a ride on seaweed and other passing objects when they need to travel long distances. The Pacific Seahorse is currently listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to threats to its environment and overfishing for the aquarium trade and Chinese medicine. We photographed this Pacific Seahorse during a dive in Hualtuco, Mexico.

Translucent Gorgonian Shrimp (Manipontonia psamathe), Anilao, Philippines

MyMola.com — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 17:50:11 EST

Very little is known about the Translucent Gorgonian Shrimp. It likes to make its home on coral or Gorgonian sea fans in the Indo-Pacific and Australia at depths of 3-60 meters. Due to the transparency of its body, its organs are completely visible from its exterior. We photographed this Translucent Gorgonian Shrimp during a dive in Anilao, Philippines, Read more in our post, Scuba Diving Anilao, Philippines.

Southern Stingray (Hypanus americanus), Huatulco, Mexico

MyMola.com — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 19:42:13 EST

The southern stingray is highly adapted to life on the seafloor. They are often found buried in the sand, nearly completely hidden with only their eyes and spiracles exposed. The spiracles are like breathing tubes that allow the stingray to pass water through their gills while buried. Hiding in the sand is not the southern stingray’s only defense against predators such as hammerhead sharks. They also possess a long serrated and venomous spine that they can use when threatened. Their venom is not deadly to humans, but it is extremely painful. Southern stingrays can hunt in vast ranges of the ocean’s coast, following the tides, as they sweep the sandy bottom for prey. They swim by moving their body in a wavelike motion, which allows them to move quickly and efficiently in order to cover large distances with ease. In addition to an excellent sense of smell, southern stingrays have special organs called of ampullae of Lorenzini, that allow them to sense the electro-magnetic fields of buried prey. Some studies have shown that they communicate using their excellent sense of smell combined with the production of pheromones. One example of this, is after giving birth to their young, females excrete a pheromone that lets males know that they are ready to mate again. Female southern stingrays are significantly larger than males, and can grow to a maximum disk-width of over 5 feet. Southern stingrays are listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. They are not know to be aggressive toward human beings, but will raise their barbed tails as a defense mechanism if they feel threatened. We cautiously photographed this huge female along the Pacific coast of Mexico, while diving in Huatulco, Mexico.

Jewel Moray (Muraena lentiginosa), Huatulco, Mexico

MyMola.com — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 21:14:07 EST

The Jewel moray is a ornate moray eel found in the gulf of California, and eastern pacific through Central America. Though popular in the aquarium trade, Jewel morays are far more beautiful in the wild. They help to balance the populations of their prey, mollusks, invertebrates, crustaceans and cephalopods, making them highly beneficial to their ecosystems. Due to their narrow heads, Moral eels are unable to create enough negative pressure in their mouths to swallow.They are the only known animal that uses a second set of jaws, called pharyngeal jaws, to eat. The extendable pharyngeal jaws, stored in the eels throat, are pushed into their mouths when they feed to assist in the capture and devouring of prey. Once caught, the pharyngeal jaw is used to pull the prey down their throats to the digestive system. We photographed this jewel moray during a dive in Huatulco, Mexico with Scuba Diving Anfibios, Huatulco. Read more in our post, Scuba Diving Huatulco, Mexico.

Durban Dancing Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis), Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

MyMola.com — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 20:33:40 EST

The Durban dancing shrimp earned this name due to its sudden sporadic movements. It is also known as the Hinge-beak shrimp for its moveable angled beak. It is easily identified by the bright red and white lines and white markings that cover its translucent body. Females carry anywhere from 200 to 1700 eggs, which spawn in 9-18 days depending on temperature. The Durban dancing shrimp is found throughout the Indo-Pacific, living in large groups around rocky reefs and under overhangs between 5-35 meters deep. They are social beings who sometimes share their homes with other creatures; offering them cleanings by waving their tiny arms over their heads. We photographed this shrimp during a dive near Ko Phi Phi, Thailand.

Psychedelic Batwing Sea Slug (Sagaminopteron psychedelicum), Gili Air, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 01:15:58 EST

Very little is know about this colorful sea slug. They are found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific oceans and are believed to be simultaneously hermaphroditic. We tripped out on this 4 mm long psychedelic slug, through the microscope setting on our Olympus TG-5, while diving in Gili Air, Indonesia.

Nudibranch (Thecacera picta)

MyMola.com — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 22:36:05 EST

Nudibranch (Thecacera picta) This species of nudibranch was first discovered in Japan but has since been confirmed to live as far south as Australia and the Maldives. These tiny sea slugs feed on bryozoa, which are microscopic filter feeding organisms that live in colonies. Nudibranch means “naked lungs”, a name given due to the organism’s exposed gills which are located on its back.

Poison Ocellate Octopus (Amphioctopus siamensis), Anilao, Philippines

MyMola.com — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 02:47:38 EST

The Poison Ocellate Octopus is a type of blue-ringed octopus. They are highly venomous, with yellowish skin and a distinctive blue ring under each eye that can be displayed rapidly when the octopus feels threatened. Despite their small size, each octopus has enough venom to kill approximately 26 adult humans. Victims are often unaware of being bitten, because the bite is nearly painless, and the neurotoxin instantly numbs the skin on contact. Most bites result in death within minutes from respiratory failure. There have been documented cases of victims surviving when immediately put on artificial respiration, typically for a minimum of 10 hours, which is how long it takes to metabolize the venom. No antivenom is currently available. These octopuses are not aggressive, and very few human fatalities have ever been recorded. I was photographing what I believed to be a common juvenile octopus, about the size of my thumbnail, during a dive in Anilao, Philippines, when it flashed the blue ring seen in this photo as a warning. The octopus then swam into a small vacant clam shell and closed the two halves to hide. When Poison ocellate octopuses feel seriously threatened their color changes to a high contrast striped pattern.

The Hairy Frogfish (Antennarius striatus), Anilao, Philipinnes

MyMola.com — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 00:19:10 EST

The hairy frogfish are covered in dermal spinules resembling hair that provide them with the ability to change their color and pigment pattern in order to blend with their environment. Therefore, color and appearance varies greatly across the species. Hairy frogfish have very healthy appetites and will eat just about anything they can fit in their mouths. Their diet consists primarily of crustaceans and fish, but they can extend their jaws wide enough to eat prey as large, and sometimes even larger, then themselves; including other frogfish. These camouflaged predators often lie in wait for their prey. A first dorsal spine, called an illicium, dangles from their foreheads, much like a fishing pole. An esca hangs from the tip of the illicium like a lure, enticing unsuspecting prey to move closer until the hairy frogfish pounce and trap them in their giant mouths with one swift gulp. However, hairy frogfish are not sedentary creatures. They hobble about on jointed pectoral and pelvic fins with the help of their anterior dorsal fin and anal tail, often employing jet propulsion to launch themselves from place to place. Hairy frogfish jet propulsion is generated by filling the mouth with water and then forcefully expelling that water through tube shaped gill openings behind their pectoral fins. Hairy frogfish have been found in parts of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They are not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, they are suffering habitat loss at a more rapid rate as rising temperatures continue to cause an increase in coral bleaching. We photographed this hairy frogfish during a dive in Anillo, Philippines.

The plains zebra (Equus quagga), Kruger National Park, South Africa

MyMola.com — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 00:52:40 EST

The plains zebra (Equus quagga) is the most common of the three distinct species of zebra. In case you are wondering, zebras have totally black skin, only their hair has white stripes.Like human fingerprints, each zebra's stripe pattern is unique, and zebras can be identified by their stripes. In addition to providing camouflage, research has demonstrated that the zebra's stripped pattern actually serves to discourage biting flies. A useful trait on the Southern-African plains. Zebras are highly social, and belong to one of two distinct social groups. Most live in harems which are made up of a single stallion, along with several mares and their offspring. The rest make up herds of young male bachelors, who band together until they reach full maturity and form harems of their own. Stallions typically obduct young females from their herds when they reach sexual maturity. The young female's dad typically defends the females of his heard from outside stallions. Young female zebras may temporarily join several harems until they become pregnant, at which point they will permanently stick with the father's harem. We photographed this zebra during our self-drive Safari at Kruger National Park in South Africa.

The Pelican. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

MyMola.com — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 00:32:32 EST

The Pelican is easily recognizable by its pronounced beak and gular pouch that connects the lower jaw to the neck. When the bird gathers its prey, seawater is drained into the pouch so the catch can be swallowed. Pelicans prey on fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and turtles. Their fossil record shows a lineage of at least 30 million years, which is believed to have originated in Europe.The oldest known pelican fossil found in Luberon, France, revealed that the pelicans beak and gular pouch have been part of the animals make-up for all of its traceable existence. We photographed this pelican during a day of diving in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Read more in our post, Scuba Diving Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Blue Spiny Lobster (Panulirus inflatus), El Arco, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

MyMola.com — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 21:46:39 EST

Unlike other lobsters, spiny lobsters do not have large claws. However, they do possess hefty front walking claws, and a very long pair of antennae, which they rely on for defense. For their defense spiny lobsters produce frictional vibrations by rubbing a plectrum at the base of their antennae against a file like surface on their body. This produces an extremely unpleasant sound that scares off predators, much like fingernails on a chalkboard to humans. Theses lobsters are primarily nocturnal hunters, leaving their hiding spots at night and at dusk to prey on crabs, and other invertebrates. Most lobsters are intolerant of one another but are not known to feed on on other lobsters. There are many species of spiny lobsters distributed all over the world from Asia to the Caribbean. We photographed this Blue spiny lobster during a dive near El Arco in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Spiny Tiger Shrimp (Phyllognathia ceratophthalma), Anilao, Philippines

MyMola.com — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 21:40:25 EST

The Spiny tiger shrimp is a small colorful creature that grows to only about 2 cm and goes by many names. These shrimp typically live in pairs or small families under sponges and coral. They are quite shy and rarely seen by most divers. This shrimp likes to dine on brittle stars and can be quite fierce in capturing its prey. Despite its size, it has been know to stab a brittle star repeatedly with the sharp tip of its claws until the star is too weak to fight back and can be consumed by the shrimp. We photographed this Spiny tiger fish during a dive in Anilao, Philippines.

Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko, Ranomafana Rainforest, Madagascar

MyMola.com — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 20:07:53 EST

The satanic leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus) is endemic to the island of Madagascar, and can be found no where else on earth. This mostly nocturnal species uses its camouflage to hunt for the small insects that it preys upon. Like other species of geckos, the satanic leaf-tailed gecko has no eyelids, and uses it's long tongue to keep its eyeballs clean and free from debris. Geckos have specialized foot pads covered in fine layers of keratin (the same material that human fingernails are made from). These keratin layers form a huge surface area that allows the gecko to 'stick' to objects that it is crawling on. Satanic leaf-tailed geckos can only be found in a small portion of Madagascar's rainforest region, and are threatened with habitat loss. They are also popular in the exotic pet trade, and many geckos are captured to be exported as pets. We saw this gecko while hiking in Ranomafana rainforest in Madagascar.

Bullseye Electric Ray, Isla del Espiritu Santo, Baja California Sur, Mexico

MyMola.com — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 21:14:13 EST

Bullseye electric rays (Diplobatis ommata) are solitary, nocturnal bottom-dwellers, who bounce along the ocean floor on their pelvic fins, feeding on bristle worms and small crustaceans, like shrimp and crayfish. They can generate a shock using an electric organ. Such organs are common in electric fish who create electrical fields for mating, navigating, immobilizing prey, and even defense; though their electrical shock is not particularly dangerous to humans. Bullseye electrical rays are found along the Pacific coast from the Gulf of California to Ecuador; they are listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, due to the considerable amount of shrimp trawling that takes place in their limited habitat, often resulting in the rays being taken as bycatch. We spotted this bullseye electric ray while diving Espíritu Santo Island National Park in The Sea of Cortez.

California Sea Lion, Isla del Espiritu Santo, Baja California Sur, Mexico

MyMola.com — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 17:42:09 EST

California sea lions are furry marine mammals that live along the southern coast of Alaska to Central Mexico. They can be easily distinguished from other seals in their range because they have protruding ears. Sea lions are sexually dimorphic, meaning that males and females do not look the same. Males are much larger than females, and typically weigh around 770 lbs, while females only reach a weight of around 200 lbs. The sea lions feed primarily on fish, squid and shellfish. They are highly intelligent and have been observed cooperating with dolphins when hunting large schools of fish. They are so smart that the U.S. Navy trains them to protect ships from enemy divers by swimming behind the unsuspecting divers and attaching a clamp and rope to their legs. During breeding, males establish a territory on a beach and compete with other males through barking and aggressive behavior to protect their space. A single male will mate with many females, but females typically choose their mate by selecting a male based on his temperament and his breeding territory. A male sea lion typically can hold his territory for about a month, during which time he will fast, surviving on his thick layer of stored blubber. After a month, the male will have to return to the sea to find prey to replenish his blubber layer. Sea lions are abundant along the North American Pacific coast, and are not considered to be endangered. They are an important food source for large sharks and transient mammal-eating killer whales. We were extremely lucky to encounter a playful group of sea lion pups while diving Espíritu Santo National Park in the Sea of Cortez

Cowries Zamboanguita, Philippines

MyMola.com — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 03:27:37 EST

Cowries (Cypraeidae) are marine gastropod mollusks with large egg-shaped shells. Unlike most gastropods, the exterior of the cowrie is cloaked by its dorsal body wall, called a mantle, during most of its lifetime. The mantle secretes calcium carbonate and conchiolin that makes shells shiny and smooth. The use of cowrie shells as currency can be traced back for centuries in Africa, though some believe it was initially introduced there by Arab traders. During the slave trade in the 15th century the shells became widely accepted as payment, when western slave owners found Africans skeptical of paper notes. The use of shell coin currency was also commonplace in the Maldives as far back as 1200 A.D., where cowries were abundant for easy collection and trade. Over time the small shells made their way into many cultures where their traces can still be found. One example of this is in China, where several characters for trade and money still contain the symbol for the cowrie 貝 We spotted this cowrie during a night dive at the Well Beach house reef in Zamboanguita, Philippines

Whale Shark, Nosy Be, Madagascar

MyMola.com — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 17:48:44 EST

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, and despite their name, they are not related to whales. They are the largest living species of sharks and can be found in all warm ocean waters, except for the Mediterranean Sea. They are usually solitary swimmers but can sometimes be spotted in groups if there is an abundance of food in the area. Their flat wide mouths are filled with 300 rows of tiny teeth, whale sharks do not typically use these teeth to eat. Instead, these huge sharks feed on plankton, krill, fish eggs, and small fish. They filter this tiny prey through special filter pads which are located at the entrance to their throats. The dark spotted patterns on their backs is believed to be unique to each whale shark, like fingerprints in humans. Whale sharks have no predators, so the pattern is believed to be used mainly as sun protection, as the sharks spend most of their time swimming slowly along the water’s surface, filtering food. We spotted this whale shark in Nosy Be, off the Northern Coast of the Island of Madagascar.

Salp, Nosy Be, Madagascar

MyMola.com — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 00:35:48 EST

Salps are sometimes mistaken for jellyfish. However, a salp is a tunicate, they do not sting and are totally harmless. Newly born salps are hermaphroditic clones linked together like a chain that is anywhere from one to 50 feet long, depending on the species of salp. Eventually, the chain breaks apart and the individual clones become female, carrying only a single egg until a male from an earlier generation fertilizes her egg to create an embryo. As the embryo grows inside the mother, she develops testes and begins fertilizing young female salps. Once embryos are released by the mother they float freely until mature enough to create their own clone chain to repeat the cycle. Salps are proving to be beneficial in battling climate change as they consume algae blooms. These blooms draw carbon dioxide from the environment. When the salps digest the algae, their waste quickly sinks to the bottom of the ocean with the carbon, thus reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. This salp was photographed during a dive in Nosy Be, Madagascar.

Camel, Giza, Egypt

MyMola.com — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 00:09:55 EST

Dromedary single-humped camels make up most of the camels alive today. They have an organ called a dulla in their throats they inflate and hang from their mouths like a tongue during mating season to attract a mate. Camels are typically found in dessert climates due to their ability to withstand scorching temperatures and sandstorms. They can go several days without drinking water due to their physiological makeup. Unlike other mammals, the red blood cells of camels are oval shaped, rather than round. This promotes blood flow during dehydration and allows camels to withstand drastic changes in body temperature. Camel hooves are separated into two toes, which allows them to keep their footing in sand without sinking. They also have two sets of eyelashes and three sets of eyelids that work to keep sand out of their eyes and can completely close their nostrils during sandstorms. Some believe that camels store water in their humps to keep themselves hydrated. Camels do not store water in their humps, they store fat. The fat does release some water when metabolized. By storing their body fat in their hump(s), camels stay cooler than animals with fat distributed throughout their bodies. Camels sweat very little but can lose up to a quarter of their body weight to sweating without being harmed. Their mouths have thick leathery mouths that allow them to chew thorny plants and other foliage other animals cannot ingest. Camel droppings are so dry that nomadic Bedouins people have traditionally used the droppings as kindling for fires directly from the camel. There are just three species of camels still in existence. Bactrian double humped camels make up less than 10% of the camel population, and a separate species of wild Bactrian camels in Mongolia and northern China are now considered critically endangered. The riding of camels by tourist is on the decline as more travelers consider it to be unethical. We encountered this camel while visiting the pyramids in Giza, Egypt.

Squids, Red Sea, Egypt

MyMola.com — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 01:02:02 EST

Squids are marine cephalopods and one of the most highly developed invertebrates. They maneuver their way around the ocean tail first, primarily through jet propulsion. This also aids in pushing water through their gills. Squids have three hearts, and their skin is covered in chromatophores that reflect light and contain pigment that allows them to change color and skin patterns. The ability to manipulate their appearance serves multiple purposes for squids, including camouflaging themselves when threatened, distracting prey, and communicating with other squids, especially during mating. Though they have many predators, including humans, squids are excellent hunters. Their two tentacles have hooks and suckers that are used to capture prey, including some that is significantly larger than them. Once their meal is caught, squids use their arms to keep it under control and their beaks to slice it into bite-sized morsels. While most squids have only eight arms, the Big Fin species has ten. We photographed these squids at Small Giftun in the Red Sea near Hurghada, Egypt.

Ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris), Sekotong, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 18:10:27 EST

The ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris), is one of the most common clownfish among the 30 separate species known of at this time. Like many reef fish, they are sequential hermaphrodites, meaning that they are all born male, but some do change their sex and become female once they have reached maturity. Clownfish are also known as anemonefish, due to their symbiotic relationships with sea anemones. There are multiple theories as to how the clownfish has evolved to be coated in a specific mucus that makes them immune to the toxic stings of sea anemones. Regardless of how it has come to be, the clownfish benefits greatly from this immunity which allows them to make their homes amongst the stinging tentacles of sea anemones, where many predators do not dare go. Anemones also benefit greatly from the efforts of the fish. Clownfish are very protective of their anemones and are known to even (harmlessly) attack curious divers and snorkelers who get too close. Ammonia are often fed bits of food by clownfish whose waste fertilizes them, and the nearly constant swimming and twitching of the clownfish provides the aeration needed by the anemone to thrive. Clownfish are not the only fish who enjoy symbiosis with anemones. Others who do include cardinalfish and incognito gobies, sometimes called anemone gobies. We photographed this clownfish while diving near Sekotong, Indonesia.

Verreaux's sifaka lemur, Islao National Park, Madagascar

MyMola.com — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 18:00:53 EST

Verreaux's sifaka lemur. Lemurs are close relatives of monkeys and other primates, that can only be found on the island of Madagascar. There are over 100 separate species of lemur in Madagascar, and most are highly specialized, allowing multiple species of lemur to live alongside each other without competing for the same food. The Verraux's sifaka is mainly arboreal, and is so well adapted to jumping from limb to limb, that it is unable to walk on land. Instead it hops along on its hind legs until it can get back into the forest canopy. This lemur is considered to be endangered, with a quickly shrinking habitat. We spotted this one sitting on the trail at Islao National Park, Madagascar.

Yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus), Nosy Be, Madagascar

MyMola.com — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 17:45:27 EST

The yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus) was the inspiration for the modeling of the Mercedes-Benz Bionic, a lower emissions concept car released in 2005. Yellow boxfish are quite agile despite their awkward shape, having mastered the use of their small, fluttering fins for stabilization. When distressed these fish release a neurotoxin tetrodoxin through their skin, which can be lethal to nearby fish. Their bright yellow exterior and dark black spots are nature’s warning to predators, though these colors do fade as the fish ages. In fact, you may not even recognize the oldest of this species, who range from gray to black with just traces of their original yellow color. We photographed this yellow boxfish while diving in Nosy Be, Madagascar. .

Lionfish (Pterois), Nosy Be, Madagascar

MyMola.com — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 17:32:31 EST

Lionfish (Pterois) are aposematic animals, meaning their color and characteristics are meant to warn and repel predators. Lionfish come in a variety of beautiful colors; they are recognizable by their bold stripes, and the large fans of toxic spines that protrude from their bodies. Lionfish are skilled and ferocious hunters. Their bilateral swim bladders allow them to shift their center of gravity, positioning themselves with great precision during a hunt as they disorientate their prey by shooting streams of water at them from their mouths. Known for their large appetites, lionfish have been known to be caught with as many as six small fish in their bellies. We photographed this lionfish while scuba diving in Nosy Be, Madagascar.

Sexy shrimp (Thor amboinensis), Nosy Be, Madagascar

MyMola.com — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 17:17:05 EST

The sexy shrimp (Thor amboinensis) gets it's common name because it is often observed shaking its tail in a raised position. They look a little bit like they are twerking. This tiny invertebrate inhabits several species of anemones and corals in the Indo-West Pacific, feeding on detritus and dead tentacle tissue. The host provides safety from predators and food, while the shrimp provides cleaning services to the host. We observed this shrimp inhabiting a bubble coral while diving in Nosy Be, Madagascar. Read more in our post,

Potato groupers (Epinephelus tukula), Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique

MyMola.com — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 11:40:06 EST

Potato groupers (Epinephelus tukula) are some of the largest predators in the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, reaching a maximum length of 2.6 meters (8.5 feet). While they are known to display territorial behavior towards other fish, they are notoriously friendly towards scuba divers. They often follow divers around for the duration of their dive, and are even known to nudge divers and nibble on hanging equipment. Their mouths are full of dense rows of backwards-facing needlelike teeth, allowing them to grab ahold of prey and swallow it whole. They can change their skin color to enhance their camouflage, as well as to express their mood. We saw this friendly grouper while diving in Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique

Remora fish (Echeneidae), Nosy Be, Madagascar

MyMola.com — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 11:35:51 EST

Remora fish (Echeneidae) are also known as “sucker fish.” Their first dorsal fin, located on their back, works as a sucker which they use to attach themselves to large marine animals like turtles, sharks, rays and whales. It is often thought that remora fish perform the cleaning of the larger animals because they feed off the dead skin flakes and ectoparasites they remove from these host. This is not the case. Their diet is made up primarily of feces from the host. Some remoras attach themselves to gain the protection of their host, and, though they can swim independently, they benefit greatly from the water that flows across their gills as the host swims. It is not unusual for remoras to attempt to attach themselves to scuba divers when in need of a new host. However, the strangest interaction between remoras and humans we have learned of is fishermen who use them as bait, reeling them in once they have attached themselves to a fish. We encountered these remora fish attached to a whale shark during a day of diving in Nosy Be, Madagascar.

Trinchesia sibogae nudibranch, Ponta do Ouro Mozambique

MyMola.com — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 11:27:53 EST

This colorful nudibranch, commonly found in the Indo West-Pacific, is called Trinchesia sibogae. Like other nudibranchs, Trinchesia sibogae is hermaphroditic, meaning it has both male and female reproductive organs, but cannot fertilize itself. The sex organs of nudibranchs are on their right side, to mate they often do a little dance before standing side-by-side to inseminate each other. A nudibranch’s egg count can be as little as a single egg, or as many as 25 million. Toxins from sea sponges collected by a parent nudibranch can be found in its eggs, and are intended to deter predators. This Trinchesia sibogae was photographed during a dive in Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique.

Honeycomb Moray Eel (Gymnothorax favagineus), Tofo Beach, Mozambique

MyMola.com — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 10:57:50 EST

Despite their appearance, moray eels are not related to snakes, they are actually fish. Moray eels have very small gills, which require them to open and close their mouths frequently to aid in respiration. They are not venomous, but many acquire a toxin in their skin from ingesting algae, making them potentially poisonous to eat. Moray eels are born from eggs. Once they hatch, they float in the open water for about eight months in a larval stage before being able to swim back down to inhabit the reef. We saw this moray eel diving off of Tofo Beach, Mozambique.

Octopus mating and reproduction, Tofo Beach, Mozambique

MyMola.com — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 12:50:22 EST

Octopus breeding is one of the greatest romantic tragedies of the sea, with both females and males typically dying soon after they mate. Female octopuses have even been known to kill and eat males during mating. To mate, the male octopus places his sperm packets (spermatophore) inside the mantle cavity of the female using a special arm called a hectocotylus that has a central groove, similar to a spoon. As a benthic animal, the female carries the sperm and eggs separately until the eggs have been laid; only then will she spread the sperm over the eggs to fertilize them. An octopus can lay up to 200,000 eggs at a time. Eggs take weeks and sometimes even months to fully form inside the female, and another 2-10 months to hatch, depending on temperature, conditions, and species. Most octopuses hatch as paralarvae and float about in a planktonic state feeding on other organisms floating alongside them, such as larvae, copepods and arthropods. A young octopus can increase its weight by up to 5% per day, and will do so until it has increased its body mass enough to sink down to the ocean floor, where it develops directly into adulthood. Sadly, the lifespan for these highly intelligent creatures is 6-months to 5-years, depending on the species. There are currently around 300 known species of octopus. This tiny octopus was trapped in a bag of garbage we pulled from the ocean while diving with Liquid Dive Adventures near Tofo Beach, Mozambique. Here Captain Manny is releasing the octopus back into the sea after rescuing it from the plastic bag. Read more in our post, Following the Whale Song: Scuba Diving Tofo Beach, Mozambique.

White-Spotted Pufferfish, Red Sea, Egypt

MyMola.com — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 19:17:43 EST

The white-spotted pufferfish (Arothron hispidus) is commonly spotted in the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea. These fish have four teeth that grow continuously, and fuse into a beak shape. They use this ''beak'' to eat crustaceans, corals, and other invertebrates. Like other pufferfish, they have a symbiotic relationship with certain types of bacteria which produce powerful neurotoxins that are stored by the fish in its skin and organs. They are generally shy and non-aggressive, but are capable of inflicting a powerful bite if threatened. We photographed this puffer on a night dive in the red sea with Blue Force Fleet

Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin Red Sea, Egypt

MyMola.com — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:30:22 EST

This is an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Until 1998, all bottlenose dolphins were thought to be the same. Today they are divided into three distinct species, the common bottlenose, Berrunan dolphin, and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin. This is an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, which can be distinguished by its more slender body, a greater number of teeth (23-29) on each side of the jaw, and spots on its belly. These air-breathing mammals have a diet consisting of small fish and squid, they can grow to 8.5 feet in length, and weigh upwards of 500 pounds. Like other dolphins, they use echolocation or bio-sonar to ''see'' in low-visibility water. We were super lucky to swim with this wild dolphin and his friends in the Red Sea

Humphead Wrasse, Ras Mohammed Egypt

MyMola.com — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 04:56:12 EST

The humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), also called Napoleon wrasse, can be found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and the Red Sea. The males, who are larger than the females, can grow to be up to 2 meters and weigh 180 kg/400 lbs. Though they are sometimes seen moving in small groups, humpheads are solitary creatures who live primarily on their own. They prey on invertebrates, annelids, sea urchin, crustaceans and fish. Humpheads are cleaver hunters, like many wrasses they can be seen smashing urchins open on rocks in order to eat them. They sometimes follow stingrays around, waiting for them to stir up the sand and release a tasty meal, they also team up with roving coral groupers to form hunting parties from time-to-time. Humpheads have long lifespans, living between 30-50 years, but do not mature sexually until they are 4-6 years old. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, with some males becoming female at around 9-years old. Humphead wrasse are currently endangered due to habitat loss, and extreme unethical overfishing, taking place to appease those who consider the fish to be a delicacy. We encountered this humphead diving Ras Mohammed.

Pufferfish, Apo Island, Dauin, Philippines

MyMola.com — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 15:16:34 EST

Pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) include more than 120 species worldwide, though some are currently endangered due to overfishing, habitat loss and pollution. Most live in the sea, but some species live in fresh or brackish water. They are called “pufferfish,” because they take in water to puff to twice their original size when threatened. They have spines, rather than scales, which become very pronounced when they are expanded. During puffing their organs get pushed to one side and flattened, which can kill them. Agitating or frightening a puffer is a serious dick move. Pufferfish are considered the second most toxic animal on earth, after the Columbian Poison Golden Frog. Most contain tetrodotoxin, a toxin 1,200 times more lethal than cyanide, enough to kill around 30 humans if ingested. Consumption of puffer fish is obviously foolish. However, they are considered a delicacy in some parts of Asia, most notoriously, Japan, where chefs receive extensive training on how to remove the toxic portion of the fish before they can obtain the license required to serve “fugu,” which is eaten raw or in a soup. We photographed this White-spotted puffer (Arothron hispidus) while diving Apo Island, Philippines.

Pharaoh Kufu's Solar Barge, Giza, Egypt

MyMola.com — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 13:24:15 EST

Discovered in a pit at the foot of the Great Pyramid in Giza, this boat was intended to carry the Pharaoh Kufu in the afterlife. At 4,600 years old, It is the oldest boat in existence. It is truly a marvel of ancient engineering, as there are no nails or screws holding it together, instead a complex system of knots and lashes hold the interlocking wooden planks together with rope. The boat was powered by 20 oarsmen, and four sternsman who would steer the 143-foot-long vessel. It has been given the name ''Solar Barge'' by egyptologists because the ancient Egyptians believed that the pharaoh Khufu would travel to the sun in this boat to be reunited with the sun god Ra in the afterlife.

The Leopard Flounder, Zamboanguita, Philippines

MyMola.com — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 09:23:38 EST

The Leopard flounder (Bothus pantherinus), is a lefteyed flounder. Its right eye migrates to its left side during a metamorphosis that takes place between its larval and juvenile stages. During this metamorphosis these fish also become flat. As a benthic species, flounders are bottom dwellers. Leopard flounders spots help them to dodge predators by blending in with the ocean floor. Should it become necessary for these fish to swim close to the surface, they become nearly transparent and more difficult for predators to see. We encounter this Leopard flounder during a dive in Zamboanguita, Philippines.

The Large-spotted Snake Eel, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 09:22:58 EST

The Large-spotted Snake Eel (Ophichthus polyophthalmus) AKA Many-eyed Snake Eel, prefers the bottom of the sea, where it uses its pointed nose to nestle beneath the sand, waiting for prey with just its head poking out. It is a nocturnal predator, feeding at night on small fish and octopuses. It can be seen in the open reef during daylight hours, particular when mating. We were diving in Komodo, Indonesia when we first encountered these eels, exchanging what looked like a kiss.

Nembrotha Lineolata Nudibranch, Zamboanguita, Philippines

MyMola.com — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 07:12:00 EST

These Nembrotha Lineolata nudibranch breath through pronounced branchial plumes branching from the rear of their bodies. These plumes surround the anus, meaning that the nudibranch breath and poop from the same region of their bodies. A fun but gross fact that we have found particularly good for piquing the interest of children. We photographed these Nembrotha Lineolata nudibranchs during a dive in Zamboanguita, Philippines.

Zebra Urchin Crab, Anilao, Philippines

MyMola.com — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 06:26:36 EST

Zebra urchin crabs (Zebrida adamsii) spend their lives riding on the backs of sea urchins in the Indo-Pacific region. Females usually stay on a single urchin, while males move from one urchin to another looking for mates. After their eggs hatch, the offspring go through several planktonic larval stages, floating around in the open water, until they reach maturity and settle down onto sea urchins of their own. We saw this one, carrying around a clutch of eggs during a dive in Anilao, Philippines.

Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Anilao, Philippines

MyMola.com — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 06:19:26 EST

Despite their name, ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) are not really pipefish. They differ from true pipefish because they have dorsal fins along with enlarged pelvic fins, which the female uses to brood her eggs until they hatch. They spend the majority of their time in open water, returning to reefs and lagoons only for breeding. We saw this one in Anilao, Philippines.

Frogfish, Anilao, Philippines

MyMola.com — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 06:01:33 EST

Frogfish are highly efficient ambush predators who use a special organ which consists of two parts, the rod (illicium) and the lure (esca), to attract prey. Once the target is within range, the frogfish can strike within 6 milliseconds, swallowing the prey whole. The frogfish's mouth and stomach can expand an astonishing amount, allowing the frogfish to swallow prey more than twice its size. We photographed this one in Anilao, Philippines.

Paddle-flap Scorpionfish (Rhinopias eschmeyeri), Anilao, Philippines

MyMola.com — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 05:52:20 EST

The paddle-flap scorpionfish (Rhinopias eschmeyeri) is an extremely rare variety of scorpionfish that can be found throughout the Indo-West Pacific. These ornately decorated scorpionfish are poor swimmers and are most often seen ''walking'' along the seafloor using their pelvic fins as legs. They do not have teeth, so they swallow their prey whole. We photographed this one in Anilao, Philippines.

The Coleman Shrimp and the Rainbow Urchin, Anilao Philippines

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 20:07:13 EST

The Coleman Shrimp (Periclimenes colemani) has a unique symbiotic relationship with the rainbow urchin (Asthenosoma varium). The urchin provides a mobile home for the shrimp, complete with protection from predators via its highly venomous spines. In turn, the shrimp removes parasites from the urchin. The spines of the urchin can inflict a painful sting that can last for several hours, as I discovered the hard way during this dive in Anilao, Philippines.

Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Anilao, Philippines

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 20:00:22 EST

Despite its name, the flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) is not a fish, but a cephalopod. Due to the short size of its cuttle bone, the flamboyant cannot swim; instead it walks along the ocean floor, floating occasionally. This species of cuttlefish grows to only 6-8 cm/3.1-2.4 inches. It waves its arms to scare off predators and rapidly changes colors in what looks much like a scrolling billboard. The flamboyant is also the only cuttlefish believed to be poisonous. Here is one we encountered while diving in Anilao, Philippines.

Salp Anilao Philippines

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 19:51:02 EST

Why is this fish swimming around inside a salp? This holocentrid fish lives in the open ocean during its larval stage. It has taken up residence inside the salp until it can grown big enough to survive on its own. We encountered this fish and salp during a black water dive in Anilao, Philippines.

Juvenile Harlequin Sweetlips, Apo Island, Philipinnes

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 19:43:33 EST

Juvenile Harlequin Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides) escape predation by swimming erratically to mimic the movements of the poisonous flatworm. Their large white spots are believed by some to be an additional deterrent, as they resemble the markings of nudibranchs, which are also toxic to ingest. When they grow to adulthood, their appearance changes dramatically. They become freckled with smaller spots and develop their large namesake lips, which they use to borrow through the sand to eat invertebrates. We saw this little guy while diving Apo Island in Dauin, Philippines.

Blue-ringed Octopus, Lembeh, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 19:32:19 EST

There are four distinct species of blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena) that can be found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. When threatened, they are capable of quickly changing pigmentation to display bright blue rings on their skin. They are among the most venomous creatures on the planet. A single bite from a blue-ringed octopus can deliver enough venom to kill more than 25 adult humans. Their muscle-paralyzing venom is completely painless, and the majority of victims are unaware of the attack.

Devil Scorpionfish, Lembeh, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 19:28:04 EST

The devil scorpionfish, or goblin fish, (Inimicus) is a highly venomous ambush predator. Spending the majority of its time lying in wait for prey on the seafloor, it has adapted to use the four lower rays of its pectoral fins as legs. Using sub-carangiform locomotion, it walks along the seafloor searching for spots to wait for prey.

Mimic Octopus Lembeh Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 19:22:00 EST

Mimic octopus get their name because they have been observed imitating a wide array of other species in order to evade predators. They achieve this by changing their body shape, color, and skin texture. We saw this mimic octopus in Lembeh, Indonesia.

Octopus, Lembeh, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 19:17:23 EST

Octopus are among the most intelligent invertebrates on the planet, but they have a relatively short lifespan. Males usually die shortly after delivering their sperm to females. Females care for the fertilized eggs, and usually die once they have hatched. We saw this coconut octopus hunting for a new shell while diving in Lembeh, Indonesia.

Stonefish, Lembeh, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 19:10:33 EST

Though the stonefish is known as “the world’s most venomous fish,” it is its ability to blend perfectly with rocky reefs that allows it to capture prey. The patient predator will sometimes wait hours for a fish to come within striking distance of its powerful jaws. We almost didn't see this stonefish while diving Lembeh, Indonesia.

Green Turtle, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 19:00:32 EST

Green sea turtles spend most of their time submerged, but must return to the surface to breathe air. They can hold their breath for hours at a time unless stressed or hunting, during which breathing intervals can be reduced to just minutes. We saw this turtle while diving Komodo.

Coconut Octopus, Lembeh, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 18:43:58 EST

The Coconut Octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) earned its nickname when marine biologist observed the species collecting each half of a broken coconut from the seafloor to carry about and hide inside when predators where near. Such makeshift shelters are not limited to coconut shells either. We came across this octopus trying out a large cozy clam shell during a recent dive in Lembeh, Indonesia.

Bobtail Squid, Lembeh, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 18:32:35 EST

Bobtail squid grow to only 8-cm. They have a symbiotic relationship with the bioluminescent bacteria that live in a light organ in their mantle. The bacteria is fed by the squid and in return it provides the light needed by the squid to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.

Bobbit Worm, Lembeh, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 18:27:19 EST

Bobbit worms (Eunice aphroditois) bury themselves in the sand then extend their bodies to ambush prey who trigger the sensor on their antennae. They attack with extreme force, using their powerful jaws and sharp teeth to tear prey apart, often with a single bite.

Striped Eeltail Catfish, Lembeh, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 18:20:10 EST

Striped eeltail catfish (Plotosus lineatus) can be found in brackish waters, lagoons, and coastal reefs. They frantically sift through the sand looking for crabs and small fish to eat. The spines on their dorsal fins are covered in a toxic mucus that can be painful, and even fatal to humans. We saw this crazy ball of fish in Lembeh, Indonesia.

Hairy Frogfish, Lembeh, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 18:11:20 EST

The hairy frogfish is an extremely effective ambush hunter. Their skin is covered in irregular dermal spindles which resemble hairs and they can change color to disappear in their surroundings. Hairy frogfish use their first dorsal spine as a fishing lure, and their mouth opens wide enough to devour prey as large as themselves. We encountered this fish in Lembeh, Indonesia.

Crocodile Fish, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 17:54:48 EST

The crocodile fish is a large member of the scorpionfish family that can grow to nearly 20 inches in length. Effective ambush predators, they lie on the bottom waiting for an unsuspecting prey to swim in front of their mouth. We saw this one in Komodo National Park.

Reef White Tip Shark, Komodo, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 17:48:42 EST

Here is a pregnant reef white tip shark passing by at Batu Balong in Komodo. Reef White tips mate year-round in the Pacific Ocean, unlike those in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans who mate only in early summer.

Orbicular Batfish, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 17:42:45 EST

We spotted this Orbicular Batfish while diving Komodo National Park. Juvenile Orbicular Batfish live in sheltered areas like mangroves and estuaries until reaching maturity. Once in the open sea males can grow to up to 20-inches long.

Barracuda Tornado, Sipadan, Malaysia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 17:34:51 EST

Barracuda use the element of surprise to prey on smaller fish, crustaceans, squid and marine invertebrates. They are capable of swimming up to 40 km/25 miles in short bursts to overcome their prey and devour them with their long rows of sharp teeth. Because they can grow up to 2 meters/6.6 feet, barracuda have few natural predators besides sharks, killer whales and humans. This is a close up of a barracuda tornado we took in Sipadan, Malaysia.

Halgerda Batangas Nudibranch, Sekotong, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 17:19:16 EST

We came across this Halgerda Batangas Nudibranch while diving Deep Water Corner near Sekotong, Indonesia. The name nudibranch translates roughly from Latin as ''naked lung'' or in this instance ''naked gills.'' A name given to these creatures because they shed their shell following their larval stage, leaving their gills exposed.

Cuttlefish, Gili Air, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 13:20:05 EST

Cuttlefish are members of the cephalopod classification, along with octopus and squid. They can change color at will, and they use this ability for both camouflage and social communication. We spotted this one at the Bounty dive site near Gili Air, Lombok.

Green Neon Sea Slug, Gili Air, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 13:14:32 EST

The green neon sea slug (Nembrotha Kubaryana Polyceridae) eats poisonous sea squirts and stores their toxins as a defence. When threatened, this nudibranch releases the stored toxins in a cloud of mucus to protect itself from predators.

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), Gili Air, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 13:07:00 EST

Green sea turtle is known to migrate up to 1,600 miles to reach their spawning grounds. They usually return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs. Female green sea turtles lay between 60 to 200 eggs, but it is estimated that less than 1% of green sea turtles reach adulthood. Turtles must breathe air from the surface, but they can hold their breath for several hours at a time and even sleep underwater.

Shortfin Lionfish, South Lombok Indonesia

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 18:46:14 EST

Dendrochirus brachypterus, or shortfin lionfish, grows to a maximum length of 17 cm. Like all lionfish, they are generally non-aggressive, but are capable of delivering a potent venom through long spines along their back.

Tenellia Sibogae Nudibranch, South Lombok, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 18:43:21 EST

Our dive guide Ipan spotted this Tenellia Sibogae Nudibranch during our dive at Deep Water Corner in South Lombok. Nudibranchs, also called “sea slugs,” are known for their vivid colors and patterns. Though they are fascinating to look at, nudibranchs can be dangerous and even deadly if consumed by predators. Some nudibranch are able to generate their own toxic defense, while others take on the venom from the stinging cells of the coral they consume. The most dangerous nudibranchs fill their gut with air, allowing them to float along and nibble on such deadly creatures as Man o’ War whose toxins they ingest.

Valentin's Sharpnose Puffer

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 18:37:52 EST

Valentin's sharpnose puffers can be found in the Indian, Red and Pacific Oceans where they grow to no more than 11 cm. These adorable omnivores dart quickly around reefs, feeding on filamentous green and red algae, tunicates and even mollusks. Though their small size should be enough to discourage consumption, they are also quite poisonous to eat.

Bargibant's Pygmy Seahorse

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 18:34:21 EST

Bargibant's pygmy seahorse was first discovered by accident in 1969 when a biologist was preparing samples of a sea fan for lab work. It is one of the smallest species of seahorses in the world at less than 2 cm in length. Like all seahorses they mate for life, and the male gives birth to their offspring rather than the female. We saw this one diving in South Lombok with Two Fish Divers.

Crampons on Fox Glacier

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 18:30:28 EST

Hiking Fox Glacier, New Zealand. Crampons are required in order to get traction when walking on the glacial ice. Oscar Eckenstein designed the first 10-point crampon in 1908.

Fox Glacier, New Zealand

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 18:26:24 EST

New Zealand is currently home to more than 3,000 glaciers. Glaciers are basically huge masses of compacted ice and snow. As gravity pulls the enormously heavy sheets of glacial ice downhill towards the sea, pieces of rock are picked up and frozen into the ice. As the ice slides downhill, the rocks trapped in the glacier work like sandpaper to grind down mountains into dramatic vertical u-shaped canyons. This entire process can take millions of years.

Ice cave on Fox Glacier, New Zealand

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 18:23:11 EST

Ice caves are formed as melting water forms rivers beneath the surface of the glacier. These beautiful structures can extend deep within the ice.

Fox Glacier Heli Hike, New Zealand

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 18:19:34 EST

The Fox Glacier is the third largest of New Zealand’s 3,000 glaciers. Fox Glacier is more than 8 miles long and descends 8,500 feet from the Southern Alps into the coastal rainforest, carving a dramatic canyon as it slowly slides down the mountain and into the ocean. We landed on the glacier in a helicopter to go for a hike. What an amazing day.

Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound, New Zealand

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 16:33:57 EST

It took nearly 20 years to complete the Homer Tunnel, and work began with just 5 men who were equipped with hand picks and wheelbarrows. To this day, the tunnel is just wide enough for a single car lane and driving through it continues to be an exciting experience.

Guinness at the Donegal House, Kaikoura, New Zealand

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 16:24:32 EST

Guinness at the Donegal House, Kaikoura, New Zealand. Where camping is free and spirits are high. Be sure to check out their gumtree planted in 1865, the same year this incredible historic pub was established.

Sheep Fact, South Island, New Zealand

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 16:17:25 EST

New Zealand is home to nearly 5 million people and roughly 39 million sheep. Sheep were first brought to New Zealand by Captain James Cook, the British explorer, in the 1770’s, and sheep farming has since become one of the countries most important industries.

Miss Woolly's Campground, Glenorchy, Australia

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:59:13 EST

Basking in the glow from the New Zealand sunset in our Escape Campervan. We stayed at Mrs Woolly’s Campground, which is a great place to camp near Queenstown. The fantastic location, in the center of the town of Glenorchy, is on the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, and is just 45km from downtown Queenstown.

Short-beaked echidna

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:46:33 EST

The short-beaked echidna is one of four living species of echidna who evolved between 20 and 50 million years ago. They are covered in fur and spines with a snout and tongue designed for rapidly catching insects. Like its platypus cousins, it is one of the few mammals that lays eggs. We came across this one when it was hunting near our campsite in beautiful Mount Field National Park.

Massive Short-tailed Stingray, Jervis Bay, Australia

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:45:30 EST

The short-tailed stingrays is the largest known species of stingray in the world, reaching a max length of nearly 7 feet and a weight of up to 700 pounds. They are not usually aggressive, but are capable of inflicting a lethal wound with a long venomous spine in their tail. We saw this one while snorkeling in Jervis Bay, Australia.

Tasmanian Pademelon

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:43:52 EST

The Tasmanian Pademelon though nocturnal, spend their days in thick forest and can be seen around many state parks feeding on grass in cleared areas. Like kangaroos and wallabies, they are members of the Macropodidae family (meaning large foot). They are herbivore marsupials but much smaller and stockier than their kangaroo cousins who also travel by swift hopping.

Australian Fur Seals

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:38:26 EST

Australian Fur Seals can grow to a length of over 6 feet and weigh more than 600 pounds. Great White Sharks are their primary predator. Australian Fur Seals are highly social and can use unique sounds to identify individual seals. These sounds are particularly useful when mother seals return from hunting and need to locate their pups. We saw these seals on a snorkeling tour out of Queenscliff, Australia.

The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:37:26 EST

The Great Ocean Road, which runs along the south coast if Victoria, Australia, was first built by troops returning from the first world war. Before the road was completed along this rugged stretch of coastline, this part of southern Australia was only accessible by a treacherous sea route or by a difficult bush track. The scenic road is home to a wide array of natural geologic formations such as these offshore pillars formed by powerful waves beating against the sheer cliffs.

Eastern Bearded Dragon

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:36:07 EST

Eastern Bearded Dragons uses camouflage or inflates itself when threatened. Their beards protrude from their necks when puffed up and they will also open their mouths wide, exposing the bright yellow lining. The dragons typically grow to about 55cm. Water dragons are found in eastern Australia and southern New Guinea.

Koalas of Cape Otway

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:31:54 EST

Cape Otway is one of the best places to see wild koalas in Australia. There are so many (around 4,000) koalas that naturalists started relocating koalas from the cape to other areas in 2017 because there was not enough food to sustain the population. We spotted this koala along the road on the way to the lighthouse in Cape Otway, just off the Great Ocean Road.

The 12 Apostles, Port Campbell National Park, Victoria, Australia

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:31:26 EST

Originally named the "Sow and Piglets", this rock formation on Australia's Great Ocean Road has come to be known as "The 12 Apostles", despite the fact that there were only ever nine pillars. In 2005 one if the pillars collapsed into the sea leaving eight towers remaining.

Estuary Cobbler

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:26:54 EST

The Estuary Cobbler (Cnidoglanis macrocephalus) is a saltwater catfish with a tail like an eel that is found only in estuaries in southeast Australia. The cobbler's tail contains spines which can inflict a painful venom. We saw this one while snorkeling in Jervis Bay, Australia.

Anchor from the Marie Gabrielle

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:24:25 EST

''The Shipwreck Coast'' is just 2 hours southwest of Melbourne, along the Great Ocean Road. 638 ships are known to have sunk here. This is the anchor from the Marie Gabrielle which sunk in 1869.

''Joey'' Kangaroo

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:18:42 EST

Baby gray kangaroos, also known as joeys, spend nearly a year inside their mother's pouch. This little fella may be a bit too big for the pouch.

Paperbark Forest, Queensland, Australia

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:17:11 EST

The Paperbark Forest Trail in Agnes Water, Queensland, is like walking through an enchanted forest. The short walk along an elevated boardwalk and stepping posts is teeming with colorful butterflies.

Split Point Lighthouse

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:12:10 EST

Split Point Lighthouse is located in Aireys Inlet along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. It was first lit in 1891. There was a total of 638 known shipwrecks along this stretch of coast prior to lighthouses being posted on its shores; thus earning it the nickname, “The Shipwreck Coast.”

The Flightless Adventures of the Emu, Brisbane, Australia

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:10:47 EST

The emu is a flightless bird found in Australia. They are the second tallest bird in the world and can reach a height of nearly 2 meters. The male emus sit on the eggs during incubation and care for the young after the eggs hatch. We met this one at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.

Koala ''Bear''

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:08:13 EST

Despite the common misnomer, koalas are not actually bears. They are marsupials who have adapted to eat around 50 of the 800 species of eucalyptus leaves that can be found in Australia. Unfortunately, eucalyptus is not that nutritious, so koalas must sleep for 18-20 hours a day. Koalas also commonly suffer from a koala specific strain of chlamydia, which can cause blindness and reproductive issues. We saw this koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia.

Wallaby

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:01:49 EST

Wallabies are smaller members of the kangaroo family. These herbavores are marsupials and carry their young in pouches like their larger kangaroo cousins. This family of Agile wallabies joined us for lunch at Cape Hillsborough day use area in Queensland Australia.

Mola Mola, Bali, Indonesia

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:01:32 EST

The Oceanic Mola (Mola mola) is the world's heaviest bony fish with adults weighing between 550 and 2,200 lbs, which is especially impressive considering their diet consists mainly of jellyfish. Females can lay 300,000,000 eggs at a time, more than any other vertebrate. Each year from August to October the mola molas visit the shores of Bali, where we took this photo, to have the parasites cleaned from their mouth and gills by schooling bannerfish and emperor angelfish.

Straker mural Melbourne Australia

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:55:23 EST

We took a stroll around the laneways in Melbourne today to check out some local street art, including this Straker mural on Hosier Lane. Drew Straker is a talented Australian muralist believed by some to have been the first to use the glow technique by painting white lines under transparent color.

Big Mango

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:52:52 EST

Australia’s most popular mango, the Kensington Pride, hails from the town of Bowen Australia. The fruit is believed to have come across the sea from India between 1885-1889. You cannot miss the 33-foot / 10-meter “Big Mango” when driving past on the A1.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:40:11 EST

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, located in Singapore’s Chinatown, offers visitors the chance to visit an active working Buddhist temple. It was built in 2007 in the style of Chinese Tang architecture at a cost of $75 million dollars. The temple gets its name because it houses a tooth that is said to have belonged to the Buddha. The tooth was discovered in a collapsed golden stupa in Myanmar in 1998, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple was built to offer a suitable place to house the holy relic.

Pacific Sea Nettles

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:39:56 EST

Pacific Sea Nettles (Chrysaora fuscescens) can be found in the waters between Canada and Mexico. The bright orange bell can grow to a diameter of 3 feet wide in the wild, and the tentacles can stretch to a length of 15 feet. The long tentacles contain a neurotoxin that can paralyze small prey fish, but is non-lethal to humans. I swam through a huge swarm of these jellyfish in Monterey Bay, California to get this shot, and yes I got stung.

Himeji Castle Japan

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:35:09 EST

Himeji Castle was originally constructed in 1333 in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan. The structure has managed to weather the past 400 years basically unscathed, despite extensive nearby bombing in WWII, and at least one major earthquake. This was our favorite place to see the cherry blossoms, or Sakura, in Japan.

Candy crab

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:30:17 EST

The candy crab (Hoplophrys oatesi) can grow from 1.5 to 2 cm in length and is found in coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This tiny crab uses specialized camouflage to closely mimic the colorful soft coral that it lives on. It will sometimes even grow coral polyps on its shell to blend in with its surroundings. We photographed this one in Bunaken, Indonesia on a night dive.

Tawny nurse shark

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:21:44 EST

A tawny nurse shark resting inside of the MV Kudhi Maa Wreck in South Ari Atoll, Maldives. These mostly nocturnal sharks prey primarially on octopus and other invertebrates. Using their large and muscular pharynx, they create a powerful vacuum to suck prey out of crevices in the reef.

Clouded monitor lizard

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:15:50 EST

Clouded monitor lizards can grow to a length of 3-4 feet, and are found in wooded areas throughout Southeast Asia. They use their long sharp claws to climb trees and dig for prey. Their mouth contains venom glands, along with a potent bacterial mixture that they use to subdue their prey. We have spotted this one crawling through an irrigation pipe a couple of times this week at Dairy Farm Nature Reserve, Singapore.

Crab-eating macaque

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:09:06 EST

The crab-eating macaque, gets its name because it is often spotted foraging for crabs in mangrove forests throughout Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Despite its moniker, the long-tailed primate is actually an opportunistic omnivore, eating a wide variety of plants and animals. This highly intelligent monkey has been observed using tools to open shellfish in the wild.

Mudskippers, Sengei Buloh Singapore

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:07:54 EST

Mudskippers are amphibious fish that spend much of their time out of the water. They breathe air through their skin and the lining of their mouth, much like frogs and salamanders. Their pectoral fins have evolved to be hinged, and work similarly to arms on terrestrial animals. We spotted these at Sungei Buloh Wetlands in Singapore.

Starfish Fun Fact

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 13:59:38 EST

Starfish are invertebrates who move themselves along the ocean floor using the thousands of tiny tube feet that line each of their five arms. Prey is also passed along the tube feet to a mouth at their center, though some species are known to devour a meal by everting their stomachs. These fascinating creatures can regenerate limbs and produce both sexually, or asexually. We spotted this one lounging on the coral while diving in Bunaken, Sulawesi.

House of Tan Teng Niah

MyMola.com — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 13:50:15 EST

Located in Singapore's Little India neighborhood, this colorful house is known as the House of Tan Teng Niah. Built in 1900, it is the former residence of a well-to-do Chinese businessman who owned several sweets shops and factories on nearby Serangoon Road. Even in this extraordinary colorful neighborhood, this building really stands out.

Anemone Shrimp

MyMola.com — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 14:25:14 EST

Anemone Shrimp (Ancylomenes magnificus) belong to the Genus Ancylomenes, which was not scientifically classified until 2010. They live on anemone & some corals, and spend their days cleaning passing fish. This particular shrimp was spotted during a dive with WellBeach Dive Resort at Apo Island.

Donald Duck Shrimp

MyMola.com — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 13:10:49 EST

The Donald Duck Shrimp (Leander plumosus), also called Plume Shrimp is a small cleaner who attracts customers by waving its antennae around. Its beaklike snout aids in the cleaning of fish gills and mouths. However, the shrimp’s main source of food is small sea worms and larvae. This shrimp was found during a dive at Apo Island with @wellbeach.com9, WellBeach Dive Resort.

Spider Squat Lobster

MyMola.com — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 13:01:55 EST

Spider Squat Lobsters (Chirostylus sandyi) are also classified as Anomura crabs, or “false crabs,” due to their long bodies and underdeveloped rear legs that are difficult to detect at first glance. They are common in the West Pacific, but were not discovered until 2009. We encountered this Spider Squat Lobster during a night dive at the WellBeach Dive Resort house reef in Zamboanguita, Philippines.

Shaun the Sheep

MyMola.com — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 06:55:21 EST

Leaf Sheep sea slugs (Costasiella kuroshimae) are also known as Shaun the Sheep nudibranch, though there seems to be some debate over whether or not they should be categorized as nudibranch. Perhaps, the most fascinating characteristic of the Leaf Sheep is their use of photosynthesis. The sea slugs retains chloroplast from the algae they eat and use the energy it produces to fuel themselves. This Leaf Sheep sea slug is about the size of a grain of rice and was spotted during our dive with @wellbeach.com9 near the shore of Zamboanguita, Philippines.

Peacock Mantis Shrimp with Eggs

MyMola.com — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 05:59:32 EST

Peacock mantis shrimp typically mate for life, and breeding happens at night during warmer months. After copulation, the female usually stores the sperm for anywhere from a few hours to several weeks before fertilizing the eggs that she carries. After copulation, the male goes on his way until the next breeding cycle. The female tends the eggs and continuously cleans and aerates them until they hatch, usually around 40 days after fertilization on average. We spotted this female caring for her eggs while diving in the Philippines