Maldives 2009, Ellaidhoo: Photos 7

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Diving 4

Some morays, lionfish, nudibranchs and a flatworm.

Morays always look fiercer than they really are.  This Giant Moray(Gymnothorax javanicus) was on the reef next to Fesdu Wreck.

Morays always look fiercer than they really are. This Giant Moray(Gymnothorax javanicus) was on the reef next to Fesdu Wreck.  (219k)

These two Giant Morays were intertwined around this coral head on Bathaala Thila, and showed no inclination to move.  A most unusual sight to see them well-exposed like this during the day.

These two Giant Morays were intertwined around this coral head on Bathaala Thila, and showed no inclination to move.�A most unusual sight to see them
        well-exposed like this during the day.  (215k)

Undulated or Leopard Moray (Gymnothorax undulatus) at Kuda Thila.

Undulated or Leopard Moray (Gymnothorax undulatus) at Kuda Thila.  (292k)

I think this is a Zebra Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra), not a Spotfin or Ragged-finned Lionfish (Pterois antennata), because the pectoral fin membrane isn't spotted.   Kuda Thila.

I think this is a Zebra Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra), not a Spotfin or Ragged-finned Lionfish (Pterois antennata), because the pectoral fin membrane isn't
        spotted. Kuda Thila.  (237k)

Whereas these two are definitely Spotfin or Ragged-finned Lionfish (Pterois antennata) - the spots are clearly visible on the pectoral fin membrane.  

Whereas these two are definitely Spotfin or Ragged-finned Lionfish (Pterois antennata) - the spots are clearly visible on the pectoral fin membrane.� (242k)

Rose Phyllidiella (Phyllidiella rosans) nudibranch at Kanduludhoo Thila.

Rose Phyllidiella (Phyllidiella rosans) nudibranch at Kanduludhoo Thila.  (300k)

The common nudibranch Varicose Phyllidia (Phyllidia varicosa) just a few meters away from the previous one at Kanduludhoo Thila.

The common nudibranch Varicose Phyllidia (Phyllidia varicosa) just a few meters away from the previous one at Kanduludhoo Thila.� (366k)

Rudman's Phyllidiella (Phyllidiella rudmani) nudibranch at Maaga Inside Corner.

Rudman's Phyllidiella (Phyllidiella rudmani) nudibranch at Maaga Inside Corner.  (190k)

A bit blurred unfortunately, but this is the less common nudibranch Tritos Chromodoris (Chromodoris tritos) at Fish Head.  They seem to prefer to be called Goniobranchus tritos nowadays.

A bit blurred unfortunately, but this is the less common nudibranch Tritos Chromodoris (Chromodoris tritos) at Fish Head. They seem to prefer to be called
        Goniobranchus tritos nowadays.

Another Rudman's Phyllidiella (Phyllidiella rudmani) nudibranch, this time at Kuda Thila.

Another Rudman's Phyllidiella (Phyllidiella rudmani) nudibranch, this time at Kuda Thila.  (203k)

A tiny Suzanne's Flatworm (Pseudoceros suzzanae), also at Kuda Thila.

A tiny Suzanne's Flatworm (Pseudoceros suzzanae), also at Kuda Thila.� (202k)

Another Varicose Phyllidia nudibranch, this time at Bathaala Thila.

Another Varicose Phyllidia nudibranch, this time at Bathaala Thila.  (182k)

...and two more Varicose Phyllidia nudibranch, at Medu Thila.

...and two more Varicose Phyllidia nudibranch, at Medu Thila.� (202k)

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