The Queen Conch (recently reclassified from Strombus gigas to Lobatus gigas) is one of the largest gastropods in the Caribbean, and by far the most delicious. It forms extensive fisheries throughout the region, and is so heavily exploited that …
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The Banded Jawfish (Opistognathus macrognathus) is one of those curious fish who seem to prefer to spend their life underground, rather than swimming around freely in the lovely crystal clear waters. They are very nervous, and sit in …
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During my time in Anguilla, Barnes Bay was one of my favourite spots to have a weekend picnic. My wife and I would often come here with delicious take-out food bought at Blanchards Beach Shack, and sit on the …
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The Common Sea Fan (Gorgonia ventalina), as its name suggests, is pretty common in the waters around Anguilla, gently swaying in the water forming forest-like areas where it grows with other gorgonian species. The image here is a …
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As with most of the small fish that live within seagrass beds, the Fringed Filefish (Monacanthus ciliatus) is rarely seen unless one looks very closely and waits for movement. The same goes for those of the species that …
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I love crabs. Somehow, despite being locked away inside their hard robot-like exoskeleton, they have personality. Often sneaky, and definitely feisty, the Caribbean Land Crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) is no exception. They live in burrows close to salt ponds …
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I spent a long time keeping my eyes open for a Mat Zoanthid ‘colony’, and for the longest time was convinced they were absent from Anguillian waters despite being classed as common in the Caribbean. Then while snorkelling at Little …
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The Sand Diver is a member of the aptly named lizardfish family. With its wide lizard-like mouth and sharp little teeth, this species spends much of its time sitting on the sea floor looking like a lizard sunning itself in …
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I have to say that the Solitary Gorgonian Hydroid is one of the most bizarre creatures that I have encountered on Anguilla’s reefs. They start out life looking like tumors on the main branches of gorgonians, with the tube they …
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