Dive Sites
Heron Bommie
Coral Canyons
Harry's Bommie
Pam's Point
Gorgonia Hole
North Bommie
Tenements 1
Libbie's Lair
Coral Cascades
Wistari 1
A macro dream world, large bommies scatter the sandy bottom providing shelter for numerous nudibranchs, flatworms and shrimp. A variety of rays including cowtail, whiptail and blue spotted enjoy resting on the sand while being cleaned by the cleaner wrasse. Yellowtail and Black tip Fusiliers enjoy the safety of the Bombora’s, often gathering in their hundreds. A great stationary dive or as a drift to Tenements one. 12-19m.
Usually hidden amongst bottom growths, the Zebra Lionfish Dendrochirus zebra might up and take off at any time. Be very careful if approaching for a photograph as the dorsal spines are highly venomous and in any accidental spining can take up to 6 hours for the pain to dissapate. If harrassed, the fish may present its upright spines and swim at the diver, head-on. (Photo: Neville Coleman)
A spectacular member of the coral reefs inhabitants, the Moorish Idol Zanclus cornutus is generally seen alone; at times they come together in large schools. This behaviour is thought to be a pre-spawning gathering.
(Photo: Neville Coleman)
Rarely seen above 20 metres, Redstripe Basslets Pseudanthias fasciatus occur in small groups, with one dominant male and a number of females.
(Photo: Neville Coleman)
This juvenile form of the Blue-spotted Coral Trout Plectropomus laevis is often referred to as the Footballer Coral Trout.
(Photo: Neville Coleman)
The By-lined Pseudoceros Pseudoceros bifurcus is fairly common at Heron Island at depths of around 12 to 25 metres. This attractive little flatworm feeds on ascidians and grows to 30 mm. (Photo: Neville Coleman)
This species usually prefers areas on the tops, or sides of bommies where the current is greatest. The Philippines Hydroid Macrorhynchia philippina is one of the most common larger hydroids at Heron Island and known for its nasty little sting. Never touch it with bare hands and be careful when taking pictures close to the reef, as even small bits of its feathery branches can sting.
(Photo: Neville Coleman)
The male Harlequin Shrimp Hymenocera picta is rarely found far away from his mate. The female is almost twice as large and is the dominant member of the team. They catch small Sea Stars and drag them back to their lair where they feed on the arms and let the body go; it then gets away and grows new arms.
(Photo: Neville Coleman)
Certaily one of the most difficult fish to get close to, it took me years of attempts to get a good photograph. The female Leopard Wrasse Macropharyngodon meleagris is one of the most attractive and elusive species on the reef.
(Photo: Neville Coleman)