Semakau : Hunting Seeking (22 August 2009)

After almost one month since my last visit to Semakau, we went for another Hunting Seeking on 22 August. This round was quite tough as a few of us needed to do the Hunting Seeking alone due to shortage of volunteers. Though it was tough, but we still managed to complete the assigned task on time.

While walking towards our assigned zones, we spotted a Dog-Faced Water Snake wandering around at the Sandy Shores, just next to the Mangroves. It moved very swiftfully and then burrowed itself in the mud and water. This Snake is not poisonous, but I don't think I dare to catch it.

The zones we were hunting were full of Carpet Anemones. Haddon's, Gigantic, Magnificent Anemones all could be found, and there were many of them.

Carpet Anemones can emit toxic substances to sting its prey, example fishes. It will then use its tentacles to move its prey towards its mouth which is at the centre of the Anemone. Its Mouth is also its Anus, which seems to be a bit inhygenic, Yeeeeeee... Though this toxic substances may not be harmful to us, but it may cause irritation to those who have sensitive skin. Therefore, it's still best not to touch it with your bare hand.

 

There were also many Common Seastars found in this area, and saw 2 Seastars moved apart from its mating position. Maybe they were too shy when saw me looking at them, haha!

While at the Coral Rubble, spotted 2 different colour Knobby Seastars.

 

 

 

One coral that looks scarely is the 'Dead Man Fingers' as its 'Fingers' will start to wave at you when they are under water, calling '来吧, 不要怕!'

 

 

 

 

Almost towards the end of the Hunting Seeking, spotted a dead squid with its Green eyes, Ron spotted White-Spotted Reef Hermit Crab. It has an orange body with white spots, that's how its name comes about. When sensed danger, it immediately hided itself, therefore can only see its legs sticking out from the shell.

While walking back to the assembly point, spotted 2 Flatworm (Pseudoceros) almost dried up on a rock. Once I put them back into the water, they started swimming gracefully.

Flatworm gets its name because it's really Flat. It has both Male and Female reproductive organs, and one of the well-known feature is its 'Penis' Spinning. During the mating process, both Flatworms will try to dominate each other and want to take the Father's role. They will spin around and try to use their male organ to touch each other and also to avoid being touched. The one that being touched will have to play the Mother's role until it gives birth. Really amazing!