As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Marine Life, Wicked Diving presents:
With some of the most diverse and pristine reefs in Thailand, the Similan Islands are one of the true Gems of an visit. Whether visited by divers or snorkelers the beauty of these islands will strike even the most jaded marine life enthusiast. With not only this amazing diversity, but the ability to visit these sites so easily - the Simlans are an incredible opportunity.
Beneath the sea at Mu Ko Similan National Park lies a complex ecosystem commonly called the rainforest of the sea: the coral reef. The major residents of the reef are coral and the closely related sea anemones; of the Phylum Cnidaria, Class Anthozoa, which contains all radially symmetrical invertebrate animals. Corals and sea anemones exist as individual polyps living in either solitary or mostly colonial forms. The polyps of hard corals construct communal limestone homes which are built up into a multitude of shapes and sizes eventually giving rise to a coral reef. Soft corals have soft bodies made of large numbers of identical polyps connected by fleshy tissue (Zooxanthallae). These soft corals contain small algae within their tissues which are able to convert the sun's energy into food. This cooperative relationship is known as symbiosis and also exists in hard corals, clams and other marine organisms. There are several factors that support good environment for the reef i.e. temperature, salinity, light, wave and tide, sedimentation and nutrient. Therefore, healthy coral reef can be found easily in the Andaman Sea comparing to the Gulf of Thailand. In Andaman Sea, coral reefs are able to classified as deep water and medium water. For the deep water coral reef grow down to 30 m. Of course, in this case water allows enough light for the algae. This reef type is mostly found in Similan and Surin islands. For the rest area, medium water coral reef grow between 8-15 m beneath the surface.
Coral can also be classified to fall into these structural categories: massive, columnar, encrusting, branching, foliceaous, laminar and free-living coral. The hard corals found in Mu Ko Similian National Park are deep water species of mostly staghorn coral types (Acropora echinata) and the smaller cauliflower shaped types (Seriatopora histrix). Many other species of marine life co-exist within the coral reef: Gorgonian sea fans, flower-like soft coral, several species of crabs, spiny painted lobsters, squid, sponges, sea cucumbers and giant clams.
With several rare and endemic species like the Cephalopholis polyspila (an endemic species of Grouper), Hypseldoris zebrina (a very rare species of Nudibranch) and the Scarus maculipinna (an endemic Parrotfish species) The diversity here is amazing. In addition the accessibility of these species makes this a unique opportunity in the world.
With a very nice diversity of Sharks, the Similans offer an incredible chance to see several species in the native haibtiats without risk.
There are also a great many smaller, more obscure species that delight and awe the diver and snorkeler. Among these are Frogfish (anglerfish), Pipefish, and many varieties of Eels.
Rays are a common site here. With everything from small benthic dwellers to the massive Manta's, we have plenty to experience
Divemaster Training
No comments:
Post a Comment