Category: Observing the Reef

Triggerfish are an interesting fish. I love the way they swim, and nap right on the sea floor in the middle of the day. They are a popular eating fish, often referred to as “Chochito.” Fish populations fluctuate, right now where I snorkel, adult triggerfish are rare to see. It is my hope this population rebounds soon! Here’s some bonus triggerfish footage to go along with the longer triggerfish video.

I observed and photographed a Male Mexican Hogfish over a 30-month period. This six minute video provides a tiny keyhole view of normal moments in the life of a Mexican Hogfish, living in Ventana Bay. For those that enjoy photography, I wanted you to know that I donated 45 photographs on display at Sara Vargas’s wonderful Art studio in Plaza del Teso. The proceeds to be split 50/50 between Sara’s Studio and Azul Cerralvo, a local foundation that helps famlies in need. Each photo is unique to my project started in the fall of 2017 called, Observing Baja Coral Reef Fish – using photography to observe and learn about sea life. Drop by Sara’s studio to see the photos. Her studio is located in Plaza Del Teso next to Kjote Coffee Shop.

A Fanged Panama Blenny eats algae and phytoplankton and are reef dwellers that have fangs for defensive purposes. It can inject an opiod like chemical that lowers the blood pressure by 40% of the predator pursuing them, likely subduing it enough for the Blenny to swim off. Here’s an article if you’d like to read more about this interesting adaptation. 

This fish has an unusual defense against predators. I became curious about it, so I set out to document this. My initial goal was to be able to end up with a decent still photo so I can ID the fish, and examine its physical construction. If I can capture it on video, then I can observe it’s behavior and watch how it physically propels itself through the water. Note: I have not seen any Blue Razorfish lately when I snorkel in Ventana Bay. So if you see one, you’re a lucky snorkeler. Please, let me know if you do! (Be sure to watch this video in HD to really appreciate the detail)

If you haven’t snorkeled or paddled with green jacks you might try it sometime. It’s great fun. Here’s some clips showing what it’s like. See for yourself! 

Green jacks sometimes follow you when you are swimming or paddling. It’s fun swimming with them and observing their behavior. Today my head was out of the water and could see through the glassy clear, calm water a huge shiny thing coming at me. Suddenly I had, “flight for flight;” an instinctual scare. But when I plunged my head into the water, I broke out laughing. I saw this great school of small jacks colliding with my path, going crazy feeding, diving, darting. Here is a clip of them! I see this fun school of small Green Jacks each day on a routine snorkel swim. Today they really surprised me! This species of fish is one of the many special fish in Ventana Bay. I just love them! 

I ran into this incredible school of Crevalle Jacks weighing in around 10-12 pounds. They swam at me rapidly, turned and left. I immediately dove to the bottom and waited til they came back and circled me. Then tried to follow them once they left again. Yeah, right! They were far gone in a flash. It’s the largest school I’ve seen of big fish near shore since I started snorkeling regularly since fall of 2016. This school is one of the great schools of fish I hoped for at the end of my The Return of the Sardines video. It’s truly amazing to witness how the sardines have transformed the bay, bringing back a sizeable return of the pelicans (counted 200 one day) and a diverse group of other birds along with them. There’s been far more water surface activity of fish feeding in the bay like I’ve never seen. Let’s hope the Dorado and the Sierra and other big schools will show up near shore once again!

Sergeant Majors are one of the more reproductively active fish in Ventana Bay, reproducing consistently for most of the year. They excavate down to uncover large smooth boulders to lay their eggs on. Their nests are easy to spot when you are snorkeling because multiple nests can be found in clusters of around 5-9 nests, and also, there’s a lot of activity to witness. The male protects the nest by darting around, chasing predator fish away from the nest. With this activity and that of the pair reproducing in a way that looks like a dance, you can’t miss them if you are snokeling in the bay.

This short piano piece I first heard when staying at Singing Bridge in along the Westfield River in the hill country of the Bershires in Western MA. (U.S.A) and recently found it in my music files. Hearing it again inspired me to share two of my fish photography files I haven’t yet shared. One is a perspective shot I call belly shots, shot from below the fish, and another “belly rubbing on sand.” Hope ya like it.

Finespotted Jawfish excavate a tunnel down into the sand. They back their tail and trunk into the hole and most often can be scene with their head visible within the opening of the tunnel. As you swim over, the fish will track you with their eyes, and you can sometimes see the head turn to follow you as you cross over their path. Watch!