Photo Friday Archives | TRAVELS WITH TAM

Fab Photos Friday: the Colorful and Necessary Parrot Fish!

August 21, 2015 By Tam Warner 7 Comments

The Mesoamerican Reef in Mexico is curiously short of Parrot Fish…necessary for eating algae so corals aren’t smothered! Algae is a true enemy of coral reefs, and the Parrot Fish is essential to keep it in check. Besides, they are quite colorful and engaging fish!

Parrot fish come in every size and color you can think of! Blues, oranges, reds, blacks, whites, greens….it goes on and on.
They have a lot of tiny teeth, necessary for cleaning the reef. Parrots live on the reefs, or the sea bed grasses.
Check out the beaklike mouth with lots of teeth!

Small Redtail Parrot has a lot of little teeth!
There are over 90 species of Parrot Fish!
Stoplight Parrotfish, terminal phase.

Key Largo Stoplight Parrotfish Initial Phase
Parrot Fish are born female but can change sex several times during their life spans…the genders of the fish are kept in balance by this amazing ability.
A Redband Parrot

Socorro Islands…Bumphead Parrotfish
Their beaklike mouth has sharp teeth which pulverize rocky coral areas while they feed on algae. By pulverizing the little rocks they break off, they create sand for the reef.
A big smile!

Cozumel Blue Parrot

Mozambique Tricolor Parrot
Parrot Fish hide at night and cover themselves with mucus to hide from their predators.
A Parrotfish hiding at night

Hiding

Camo…can you spot the Parrotfish?
Some types of parrot fish form large shoals, or “schools”.
Schooling….ready to mate in the shallows.

Beautiful Princess

Princess Parrotfish

Cozumel Bluelip Parrot
They mate and spawn in shallow water, and baby Parrot fish are often found in the shallows of the reef system.
People should not take Parrot Fish from the water, they are needed for the health of the reef. Most “eating” fish are found in deep water.

It is quite fun to watch the larger Parrot Fish smashing the coral…you can hear it underwater!

Ugh...poor thing! — Ugh…poor thing! Grabbed by an eel at night.

Fab Photos Friday: The Biggest Fish in the Ocean

August 6, 2015 By Tam Warner 9 Comments

Andrea took this awesome photo of me with the Whale Shark! — Field scientist Dr. Andrea Marshall took this awesome photo of me with the Whale Shark!

The incredible Whale Shark is the biggest fish in the ocean! And it is such a beautiful, gentle fish! It has to be said that whale sharks probably don’t have Einstein’s IQ since they have the smallest brain in the ocean for their size, but give them a break …they help keep plankton and krill under control, which is necessary for our oceans and for life on earth. I just returned from the Yucatan peninsula where possibly the largest aggregation of whale sharks occurs, and it was a spectacular trip. Here are some Whale Shark Facts along with the photographs I took!

1. The largest fish in the ocean can grow up to 65 feet and 75,000 pounds. They are as large as many whales, and as big as, or bigger than, a city bus!

I took this photo of the vertical, pregnant whale shark and our Kiwi!

2. The largest fish in the ocean eats the smallest creatures in the ocean: tiny plankton, small fishes, and small crustaceans. They are filter feeders, they gulp the sea water through their gills, and when the water is pushed out, prey gets stuck to their gill plates. Yum!

Andrea photographing. — Photographing and swimming with Whale Sharks.

3. Whale Sharks are sharks and do not have bones, but cartilage. Cartilage does not fossilize as well as bones do, so there is not a huge fossil record of sharks. Most of what we know of ancient sharks come from their teeth.

This lousy photo gives you a sense of the scale of these animals!

4. Female Whale Sharks are bigger than the males and are found in all warm oceans: Pacific, Indian and Atlantic.

Two feeding sharks..the white dots and scatter is food! Tuna spawn draws the Whale Sharks to the Yucatan every year.

5. Whale Sharks are gentle creatures and one can swim right next to the animal with no fear.

6. Each whale shark has a unique spot pattern from it’s gill to over the pectoral fins. When swimming with whale sharks, it is best to take ID photos to upload into a scientific database like www.whaleshark.org.

7. Thanks to tagging and ID photographs much more is now known about Whale Sharks compared to 10 years ago. We know they migrate thousands of miles to opportunistically feed…Mexico is a hotspot, particularly the Yucatan where tuna spawn in the summer. The whale shark may live up to 100 years!

8. It is not common to see pregnant females like the one pictured here. Much of the time one sees juvenile males. A female whale shark has been known to hold 300 fetuses. It is possible that female whale sharks may “save sperm” in order to fertilize their own eggs as they are made, but more study needs to be completed in order to know for certain.

Feeding Series. This is the first shot I took. — Feeding Series. This is the first shot I took of this glorious pregnant female!

Feeding series 2. I swam in front of the shark to get a shot and she buttoned up. — Feeding series 2. I swam in front of the shark to get a shot and she buttoned up! Proof that she knows I am not food.

Feeding series 3. She opened back up when I reached her other side.

9. Sadly, the Whale Shark is “vulnerable” according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Red List. Whale Sharks are protected in most areas of the world but are still killed for their fins (for shark fin soup). Sharks are very toxic to humans so they are not a good food source, and humans have been very toxic toward sharks since we are responsible for the deaths of 75 to 100 million sharks a year.

If you wish to learn more about these fascinating sharks, check out www.marinemegafauna.org. Marine Megafauna Foundation studies large pelagic species in order to understand their ecology and protect them from illegal fishing practices. You can even adopt a shark, manta ray, or sea turtle! The proceeds go toward scientific study of the animals for conservation purposes. Marine Megafauna also offers expeditions (like the one I was just on in the Yucatan) in order to assist scientists by performing citizen science. We are all responsible for the condition of our planet, and we all need to contribute in some way. If you’d like to learn more about sharks and the state of our oceans, I recommend going to www.sharkwater.com and seeing the documentaries of Rob Stewart, or checking the BBC or Discovery Channel.

Photos: Excitement on the Reefs of Cozumel!

July 9, 2015 By Tam Warner 11 Comments

Not only dives! The snorkeling has been amazing as well. The little stuff has been incredible! Diving isn’t all sharks and huge pelagics, it is also the tiniest members of the ocean community that fascinate.

Randy and I have been snorkeling every day for the first time since his double lung transplant almost two years ago! He has been thrilled to be back in Cozumel. We have really been enjoying our time here, and on our snorkels we have seen several reef squid hanging around. I didn’t know if they were cuttlefish or squid, and a couple of readers let me know they are squids…Caribbean Reef Squid or Inshore Arrow Squid, they are still fascinating, even magical, creatures. On Tuesday, July 7, we were doing our usual route over the reef system in front of our house, and I saw a few squids. After looking around, I realized it wasn’t a few, it was an aggregation! They fly in the water like a squadron, and they were everywhere. When I swam between them they separated into groups, then regathered. They are intelligent, and you can see a lively curiosity in their large beautiful eyes. Like an octopus, they change colors, white to lavender to iridescent. I wanted to stay and watch them for hours, but finally Randy dragged me away.

Since the hurricane Wilma in 2006, sea horses and pipefish are hard to find. On Palancar Gardens on July 6, the dive guide, Yasser, found a pipehorse! It was so tiny, even for a pipefish! So tiny, and so precious! Again, I could have spent the dive observing it, but I had to move on.

My dive guide points out the Pipehorse...so tiny! — My dive guide points out the Pipehorse…so tiny!

Incredib le Pipehorse. — Incredible Pipehorse.

Prior to this trip I replaced my prescription dive mask, which was at least 5 years old. I feel like I am seeing a whole new world! Nothing like being able to see! For instance, I have always loved Christmas tree worms, but now that I have my new prescription I realize they have a body, or tube, which is also quite pretty! It is so easy to miss things…I could spend 24 hours a day for years on just this one reef and never see it all. It changes minute to minute.

A Hydromedusa — A Comb Jelly, non stinging. We see this often in the summer here.

2015-07-05 18.44.16 queen triggerfish — A gorgeous Queen Trigger teen turning into an adult.

The entire trip has been Squid Fest! It must be time to breed.

Look at the color of this Cuttlefish! — Look at the color of this squid!

2015-07-05 19.05.52 cuttle — Squid are very intelligent.

I do not know what they are doing, but their colors are amazing!

As I said, even the small creatures can be exciting!

Want to enjoy Cozumel? Check it out! http://tamtravels.wpengine.com/category/midlife-journey/transplant-an-unexpected-journey/

Fab Photos Friday: Angelic Angelfish

June 25, 2015 By Tam Warner 4 Comments

The Queen Angelfish on Paradise Reef, Cozumel, Mexico.

Angelfish are among some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. They live on coral reefs, in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Each ocean has different types of angelfish. They are closely related to Butterflyfish, and when they are babies, they, like Butterflyfish, are “cleaners” (cleaning debris from other, larger fish). The largest species, the Gray Angelfish, live in the Atlantic Ocean, and are almost always seen in pairs. Gray Angelfish can grow to a length of 24 inches andare protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning that if all of the fish are female, one can turn into a functional male.

When seen on the reef, most Angels tend to be in pairs, and they mate for life. The pairs are very much “together”, always keeping one eye on the other…never venturing far. Their patterns and colors are dramatically different from baby to juvenile to adult. I have seen Angelfish in all 3 oceans, and it is difficult to say which is the more beautiful. They hang out on the reef during the day, and hide at night, and when a turtle is feeding nearby, you can be sure a few angels will be hanging around for the leftovers since they both love to eat sponges!

A juvenile Queen Angelfish on Paradise, 2011.

Queen Angel on Paradise Reef, Cozumel, 2014.

Queen Angel, Palancar Horseshoe, Cozumel, Mexico, 2008

A "hybrid" Angelfish in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. — A “hybrid” Angelfish in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

Not a great photo, but this is the only time I have seen a juvenile Gray Angelfish!

Grays don’t want to be challenged for leftover sponges! Not a great photo, but look at the determination!

They do not want any competition! — They do not want any competition from me!

coz 10 jan fran gray angel face — Gorgeous face!

A baby French Angelfish I encountered on a snorkel

Baby French Angel on Villa Blanca, Cozumel, Mexico 2012

One of the worst dives ever...the visibility was awful, so this is the only photo I could get of the Old Woman Angel in Mozambique. I don't understand the name! — One of the worst dives ever…the visibility was awful, so this is the only photo I could get of the Old Woman Angel in Mozambique. I don’t understand the name!

sb 12 clarion angel juvenile — A Clarion Angelfish baby on San Benedicto, Revillagigadoes Islands, Mexico 2012

A Clarion Angelfish on San Benedicto, Revillagigadoes Islands, Mexico 2012

Ring Angelfish on North Rock, Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

Emperor Angelfish, Koh Bon, Andaman Sea, Thailand 2014

nn 14 13sep juv king angelfish — In Ecuador, a Juvenile King Angelfish.

is 14 10sep king angelfish — King Angelfish in Isla de la Plata, Ecuador.

Fab Photos Friday: Fabulous Las Vegas

June 19, 2015 By Tam Warner Leave a Comment

Ah, Las Vegas. I have been there so many times, dating back to 1983 when I first went with mom and dad and my brother. I have wonderful memories of Vegas, girl’s trips with mom and my mother in law and my cousin, and various friends of ours who joined us over the years. We always teased my mother that we would put her ashes in the slot machines. Well, I did put some of her in the garden of the four faced Brahma at Caesar’s Palace…and I put a dollar bill with a bit of mom through her favorite slot machine, the Double Diamond. Of course I lost. Thanks, mom.

Burning incense at the Four Faced Brahma, Caesar's Palace. — Burning incense at the Four Faced Brahma, Caesar’s Palace.

I had a major treat this last weekend. I was offered a weekend in Vegas with free air for two, free suite, and all of my meals and incidentals are always comped. So I took my bestie, and she had never been to Vegas. I cannot tell you how I enjoyed watching her jaw drop every five minutes. She was in shock…an Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas?? Yep. And an Arc d’ Triumph, a Roman Coliseum, water fountains, flamingos, and Venice. That does not even begin to describe the wonders of Las Vegas…I enjoyed seeing it through fresh eyes. Oh, and we had fabulous seats for Jersey Boys at Paris! If you are going to Vegas, you have to see this production. Incredible!

vegas 14 paris — Paris Hotel and Casino!

the old fountain at Caesar's with Donnie and Marie overlooking! — the old fountain at Caesar’s with Donnie and Marie overlooking!

batman — We stayed in the Batman suite at Planet Hollywood!

We stayed in the Batman Suite at Planet Hollywood...remember the JOKER????? — We stayed in the Batman Suite at Planet Hollywood…remember the JOKER?????

My friend and I dining at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. It is exquisite!

Fab Photos Friday: Do you love Anemones?

June 4, 2015 By Tam Warner 3 Comments

Long fascinated by anemones, I take photos of them on almost every dive. Other photographers look at me like I’m crazy (probably am, I admit), but I think they are incredibly beautiful. Anemones are close relatives to corals and jellies. They have stinging polyps and spend most of their time hanging out on coral reefs waiting to take in the next prey. “Their bodies are composed of an adhesive pedal disc, or foot, a cylindrical body, and an array of tentacles surrounding a central mouth. The tentacles are triggered by the slightest touch, firing a harpoon-like filament into their victim and injecting a paralyzing neurotoxin. The helpless prey is then guided into the mouth by the tentacles.” (http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/sea-anemone/). I have seen them hitch rides on other creatures, and close up their body. You’ll often find crabs nearby, and anemone fish. There are over 1000 types of sea anemone, and obviously I have only seen a few, but take a look and see how lovely they are, and how deadly (but not to humans).

05 coz creatures march 05 anemone mouth — Beautiful Giant Anemone with mouth showing.

para 14 corkscrew anemone best — I LOVE Corkscrew Anemone. Cozumel.

coz cp 12 sun anemone — See the tiny blue Pederson shrimp lower right on this Sun Anemone?

10 sc 10 para anemone mouth and cleaner fish — Anemone mouth and tiny cleaner who is immune to the sting…or is he a goner?

10 sc 10 sr branching anemone goatfish — This is Branching Anemone.

07 isla anemone — Soft white anemone in Isla Mujeres, MX

coz 11 pnight anemone open - Copy (1)X — You can really see the texture on this Giant Anemone.

coz 10 jan fran knobby anemoneX — Knobby Anemone. Cozumel.

coz 10 jan cardona branching anemone2 — Branching anemone in Cozumel

coz 13 sr h anemone — See the tentacles folding within the body? Also look to the left….and at the next photo…

coz 13 sr hairy clinging crab and anemone — There’s usually a crab or a shrimp near an anemone! This is a Hairy Clinging Crab. Cozumel.

Magnificent Anemone in Thailand, Andaman Sea.

Photo Friday

Subscribe to Blog via Email