Welcome to the June Sea-gram,
the monthly newsletter
 | | Waitin' for the Dive Boat in Cozumel |
This month we're taking a break from Conservation Corner to look at some Featured Creatures -- the Queen, French, and Gray Angels of Cozumel.
This month's Story Behind The Photo section features my friend, Cayman Island dive buddy Frank Kaufman, who shot a photo that I call,
Taking a Moray to the Cleaners. If you have a photo with an interesting story, or would like to share a good dive yarn, let me know at paul@paulmila.com and I'll be happy to include your story in a future issue.
If you know someone who would enjoy reading Sea-gram, perhaps a friend in need of an overdue "dive fix", please forward Sea-gram to your buddy, using the link at the end of the newsletter.
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I hope you enjoy Sea-gram !
Sincerely,
Paul J. Mila
MilaBooks.com
516-578-1482 |
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The Story Behind The Photos . . .
Taking A Moray to the Cleaners
By Frank Kaufman | |
Diver Frank Kaufman was diving in the Caymans when he happened across this scene.
In Frank's words:
"Our first dive of the morning, Sunday, February 17 was a dive site on the south side of Grand Cayman called Bulwinkle West.
I was surprised to drop down upon a green moray eel in a little open area at about 45 feet. The moray eel was curled up and looked quite relaxed despite all the descending divers who were all staring at it and taking pictures.
The green moray eel had a cleaning shrimp up on its back, close to it's head.
I approached the eel very slowly and started taking pictures. The eel stayed slightly curled up and just stared at me. I came in very slowly and got to within a foot away from the eel. I used a SeaLife 800 camera with strobe, and adjusted the setting for a close up shot. I was able to capture a very clear shot and even was able to get the picture of the eel with the cleaning shrimp moving up and down its's back.
This is known as a symbiotic relationship between the eel and the shrimp. The shrimp knows it is safe to clean the eel at this particular time, and the eel has no intention of ingesting the shrimp, which is doing the eel a favor. This type of relationship exists among many larger fish and smaller fish at certain times of the day. It was a unique encounter for me, and I was glad to capture it in a picture."
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Featured Creatures . . .
The Angels of Cozumel
By Paul Mila |
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Gray Angel |
Cozumel, like most Caribbean dive destinations, hosts a variety of angel fish, notably the colorful blue and yellow queen angels, the french angels, resplendent in their striking black and gold pattern, and the formally attired gray angels.
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A queen angel swimming around a coral head |
The main difference between Cozumel and other locations is that in Cozumel angel fish are large -- bigger than dinner plates -- and very plentiful.
It is rare to see a solitary fish. The norm is either a couple swimming together, . . . .
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Pair of French Angels Swimming together |
. . . or keeping a hawksbill sea turtle company. In fact, the best way to spot a sea turtle is to look for a school of angel fish. You will usually find a turtle in the middle of the angel fish school, enjoying a tasty sponge lunch. Photo Tips: Follow the first rule of underwater photography: Get close, closer, and then even closer. I took these photos with a SeaLife 1000 with strobe and wide angel lens. The turtle and french angel, two photos above, was taken without a strobe, using the Underwater No Flash setting. |
| About MilaBooks.com |
www.milabooks.com is your home for exciting dive adventure novels, YouTube videos about ocean creatures, and more.
 | | Click the reading dolphin and swim into our website |
Thanks for visiting. In July we're heading back to Cozumel. So we should have some great photos, videos, and interesting tales from Margaritaville for you next month!
MilaBooks.com
75 Titus Avenue
Carle Place, New York 11514
516-578-1482
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Creature Feature:
The Angels of Cozumel
Story lower left column. | |
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| Quick Links | |
Updates & Miscellaneous Features:
Wild and Wacky Department
At the restaurant we ordered Surf & Turf,
but didn't expect this!
 | | Max and a Lobster |
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Whales
Still Need Your Help
These stories below highlight the need for us
to keep vigilant about
threats to whales,
and how you can help.
Sea-gram reader Karen Sunde sent us this article about an arrogant tycoon who plans to kill whales for dog food.
Click on:
Iceland, At It Again!
Several years ago Iceland canceled their whale hunt in response to public pressure. The whales need your help again!
U.S. Arctic Drilling Threatens Whales
Audubon Society member Joyce Bryk sent us this story about how U.S. plans to start Arctic drilling will endanger whales and other sea mammals:
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Good News for Sharks
Interesting story from the PEW Environmental Group abut how shark eco tourism could double in the next two decades. That means shark protection from countries that will benefit from tourism:
If you've never seen shark tourism in action, check out this video of divers on a shark feed in Nassau, Bahamas:
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Paul Mila, Bahamian Shark Feed |
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How Low Can You Go?
Sea-gram reader Sara Helmke sent in this sad story about Chinese tourists posing with a dying dolphin.
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Sea-gram reader Fred Chiappetta sent us this story about the comeback of the California Gray Whales
A couple of years ago I visited the California Grays with Judy & Jon Hemenway in Mexico's Baja, where we enjoyed this
high-octane encounter!
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Gray Whales of the Baja, Scammon's Lagoon |
www.cozumelisparadise.com
A fun dive site, where you can rent a beachfront condo, view great dive photos, and more!
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GUEST LINKS
Great Cozumel
Information Resources
Need Specialized
Rental Management Services or a Unique Place to Stay?
Fulvio provides Boutique Level Service. Check out:
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Advertising a service, or just want the latest island info?
Check out Laura Wilkinson's fabulous local newsletter:
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Photographic Equipment
For Sale
Two Nikonos V cameras, one with a 20mm lens and the other with a 15mm lens. Both in fine working order.
I also have a Sony DSR-PD150 DVCAM video camera in an Amphibico PD150 housing with Discovery Arc lights and Ultra Pro Power Pack and 3.5" external video monitor.
The video camera and housing
show like new.
Ifinterested, contact
Captain Roger Maier at:
captroger@earthlink.net
Available Links!
Post a link to your web site here!
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