(read: new/full moon = low spring tide = field trips!) =D
Ever wondered why?
During a full moon or new moon, the moon and sun are lined up, and their gravitational pull on Earth are combined. This results in an extra high and extra low tide. Such tides are called "spring tides" because the water appears to "spring up".
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Was out at 5.30am this morning to explore the shores of Big Sister's Island with 7 friends. This is only my second visit to the island, the first being in May. Somehow, I just felt that the shore seems "different" from my first trip. Oh well, it's probably just the different tide level I guess...
James found this pretty Spotted Black Flatworm in the lagoon. This flatworm is really huge - about 10cm in length. 
Wiggly Star Anemone with its body column exposed...
This shrimp was busy moving things out from its burrow... I've no idea what species it is though.
Red-banded Shrimp. This fella has suicidal tendencies... It was resting on a rock, but decided to take a "dive" into "deeper" water - and nearly became supper for... 
this swimming crab resting barely 10cm away! Its claws just missed the lucky shrimp!
another swimming crab... is this a Blue-spined Swimming Crab?
yet another crab... but a poisonous one this time. This is a Red Egg Crab.
Spotted Glass Perchlet...
False Scorpionfish. This scorpionfish wannabe does look like the real McCoy! Like scorpionfishes, this fish has prickly dorsal spines that can poke inquisitive fingers. However, it lacks the venom glands which true scorpionfishes have.The false scorpionfish can be differentiated from the true scorpionfish by looking closely at its head. False scorpionfishes does not have spines on the head. Its dorsal fin also starts well behind the eyes.
False Clown Anemonefish and Giant Carpet Anemone...
Anemonefishes are really shy creatures, and are very difficult to photograph!
Spotted two pairs of them today, in two different anemones!
Seeing them brightens up my day. They're so cute! =D
And not forgetting... the Fluted Giant Clam that we found during our trip in May! Good thing Kok Sheng recorded its GPS location - or we'll never be able to find it in the huge lagoon!
Saw many trails of termites while heading back to the jetty. Didn't notice them when we first landed on the island as it was too dark. Good thing none of us got bitten!
Here's a closer look... Nasty-looking jaws!Today's trip is the last pre-dawn intertidal trip for the year. From tomorrow, we'll be exploring the shores in the evening. No more panda eyes and expensive cab fare! =)
We're going to Pulau Semakau tomorrow. My first visit to the island - can't wait to find out what exciting finds await!
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