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Why
Saba? Hot off
the press... Other good stuff...
A Chambered Nautilus is often times referred to as a "living fossil" because it hasn't evolved in over 400 million years. In prehistoric times more than 10,000 species of nautilus existed, today just two have survived. Like other cephalopods it has sophisticated buoyancy skills allowing it to create its own propulsion, up to two knots. The shell of a mature nautilus has several chambers, but is born with just seven. As it grows, it adds chambers, each being individually sealed and containing an amount of gas. The gas-sealed chambers allow the nautilus to control its buoyancy. With the additional ability to add or remove liquid in to these chambers, the nautilus can change its density. Nautilus are not seen by day as they live in depths of to 1800 feet. During the night, they rise to more normal depths and feed on coral reefs.
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All images ©John Magor Photography and Sea Saba Dive Center or as otherwise noted. No image to be used for any purpose or in any format without permission. Quality prints on archive standard paper available $30-$50, size dependent. High resolution digital images on a contract basis only. Contact us for permission and procedures. This page last updated on 04/23/2006 |
John under attack in BC...
Giant Pacific Octopus are given the name for a very good reason...they're huge! The largest octopus on the planet can reach up to 5.5 meters or 18 feet across. Most octopus of the world have a lifespan of just around one year but this species can max out at two years. With their size, comes the strength to match it. My dive buddy managed this quick snapshot shortly before the 8-legged robber's interest changed from my Nikonos III to my mask. My last memory of this dive is a giant sucker on the glass of my mask and lots of bubbles as my dive buddy almost choked on her regulator laughing. Once I ascended a bit, the octopus became disinterested. Alternative S. Australia Hotel Lynn affectionately refers to this trip as her "parking lot vacation". Ok, we did spend a good deal of time in parking lots near jetties readying to dive but equal time was spent at great campsites like the one above. Having been to South Australia previously, we discovered that lodgings and local fare were decidedly uninspiring. We set ourselves free by buying fantastic food and South Australian wine in the markets. Stunning white beaches under the Southern Cross with a barbeque proved well worth the effort of leaving 'civilization' behind. In fairness, Australia does a fabulous job with their parks. Vast reserves can be found throughout Oz. One factor contributing to the success of the parks is certainly the non-commercialization of these areas. As an example, the white sand beaches of Esperance are some of the finest we've seen in our travels--post card perfect. But to enjoy them, you must stay about 20 miles from them and drive in...no such thing as an early morning rise to walk out to 'beachfront property'.
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