DATE OF REPORT: DECEMBER 1, 2017 DIVE SITE: KEAWAKAPU OUTSIDE REEF WATER TEMP. : 81 DEPTH: 45’ PHOTO BY : STEVE MADARAS FOR COMPLETE SERIES SEE: www.scubaluvmaui.com (808) 870-2738 CHECK OUT OUR FIVE STAR RATING, CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE AND CUSTOMER REVIEWS AT : www.tripadvisor.com (SOME TEXT TAKEN FROM “HAWAII’S SEA CREATURES”, by J.P.HOOVER)

“CRITTER OF THE MONTH” CROWN OF THORNS STAR FISH

Notorious for its depredation of our coral reefs , it feeds on living corals, leaving be-hind white patches of dead coral. Periodic population explosions have generated alarm however we are not seeing extensive damage in South Maui. The large TRITONS TRUMPET is it’s only trus predator. However, this is also a very popular shell for shell collector to take...upsetting natures balance by doing so. The tiny but voracious Harlequin Shrimp have also been known to prey on them… Although this star is actually brownish in color, it appears green at depths of 30’ or more. WARNING: DO NOT TRY TO PICK THEM UP WITH YOUR HANDS!!!!

NUDIBRANCHS are the only marine slugs that lose their shells as adults. They are carnivores and feed on fixed organisms such as sponges, hydroids and corals. A few species are hunters and feed on other nudibranchs! They have few natural enemies. The Gloomy Nudi is named for their wrinkly, dark olive skin which appears black underwater. We do not find them to be “gloomy” at all as they boost a bright blue margin, a blue headband and five round, bright blue spots down their back. The individual in the photo has his gills fully extended and was moving quite rapidly, for a nudibranch, across the wreck. They grow to about 3” and we are al-ways so excited to see them out !