Coral reefs of Singapore
(image taken from http://coralreef.nus.edu.sg)
Omninous clouds were gathering overhead as we set off from Marina South Pier. And indeed, we were treated to a wonderful display of strong wind, rain and light show (aka lightning) not long after setting foot on the island.
Threatening skies over mainland Singapore
We had no choice but to wait it out at the shelter as the wind howled and lightning flashed all around us.
While we waited it out at the shelter, we kept ourselves occupied by taking photographs of this adorable land hermit crab.
Fortunately for us, the sky cleared after about 45 minutes and we headed back out to shore. One of the first creature I saw was this hairy crab nestled on a coral.
Marine worms can be very pretty, just like this ribbon worm Kok Sheng spotted!
Saw this creature emerging from a burrow. Not sure what this is though... Is this also a ribbon worm? Or is this a worm-eel?
Saw this common, but cute-looking fish. It's an Ornate Lagoon Goby. Don't you think it has a very cute face?
Also seen was also this school of Striped Eeltail Catfish. It's really interesting to see them swimming together in a huge ball of hundreds!
There are many different types of corals (both soft and hard) on Sisters Island.
And now... for my favourite / special finds for the day....
Kok Sheng found this pretty Blue-Lined Flatworm. Flatworms are not uncommon, but they are one of my favourite marine creatures simply because of their beautiful colours and patterns!
Someone found this stunning Fluted Giant Clam! Was feeling pretty excited, as it's my first time seeing it! =)
Then, there's also this gigantic Mantis Shrimp spotted by Kok Sheng. This is really huge! You really don't want your fingers nipped by it's strong pincers!
Octopus - the master of disguise! It's amazing how they can change colours almost instantaneously to blend in with the surroundings...
And while I was looking around for the octopus, I spotted this Yellow-Lipped Sea Krait swimming gracefully in the water! A really nice surprise as it is another first sighting for me...
The Yellow-Lipped Sea Krait is a highly venomous, but usually docile snake. It will not bite unless provoked. This juvenile is a little aggressive though.
And now, for the last stellar find of the day. A Hollow-Cheeked Stonefish! Yet another first sighting for me! Stonefishes have tough dorsal fin spines that can penetrate thick soled shoes. The spines act like hypodermic needles, injecting a venom that can be fatal to humans.
Thankfully, none of us stepped on a stonefish today. They really do look like stones and are difficult to spot! This fella's really really small, as seen beside the 10 cent coin used as scale.
All too soon, the tide returned and it's time for us to call it a day. The trip to Sisters Island has been a great eye-opening experience for me with many "firsts". Am so glad the weather held up well despite the earlier thunderstorm "scare"!
Goodbye Sisters Island! Hope to visit again soon!
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