It was an absolutely ahhh...mazing morning down at the swim today. Sunny, golden with great visibility and lots of fish! It's also the time of year when... if we swim closer to the rocks and keep a good look out, we get to see the amazing Giant Cuttlefish in this beautiful marine reserve! The first 4 photos were taken yesterday near the pool. I'm working today so had to prepare most of this blog last night and it's mostly a bit of a rehash from one of my old blogs about this incredible 'chameleon of the sea'!
There was such a stunning sunrise this morning though and perfect conditions, clear, calm and 19.9 degrees!
I only had time for a short swim today and was lucky enough to see this Grey Nurse, the Cuttlefish again and school upon school of Yellowtail...It was one of those perfect mornings. If you aren't interested in Cuttlefish scroll to the bottom and read about our next Bluewater dinner!
Giant Cuttlefish are fascinating creatures with blue/green blood and 3 hearts!! They are the largest of the world's 100 or so species of Cuttlefish and can change colour and texture in split seconds. Small males also have a very sneaky way of mating...Find out further on!
If you happen to come across them in shallow water and get quite close they are just stunning. I've been taking photos of them in Cabbage Tree Bay for 8 years now since I started blogging, and get very excited when I see one, as their displays are incredible to watch.
Using cells known as chromatours they can change colour in an instant and by raising parts of their skin they can change shape and texture to imitate rock, sand or seaweed.
They have 2 tentacles for feeding and if they are male 8 arms and if they are female 6. They have W shaped eyelids so they can see in front of them and behind at the same time!
Alyson with one a few years ago, trying to trick us to thinking he was seaweed!
This beauty, has taken on a rock-like appearance on one side and seaweed colour on the other! They really are masters of disguise! Their spectacular displays are used for camouflage, mating or even hypnotising prey.
They belong to the family of cephalopods, the same as octopus and squid and are the most intelligent of all invertebrates! They can grow to about 1 metre long and weigh up to 10 kgs!
If you swim fast, 'wide' and away from the rocks and haven't see one, this might be why. Look how this Cuttlefish has changed colour and texture to imitate the sand as he speeds over it!
Now he's starting to look a bit more like the rocks!
As he approaches the weed he's changed again!
I took the above 4 photos in August 2013 and I'm sure they are of the same little fella' in many disguises!
Now the scene above is of their bizarre mating ritual. It involves a sneaky small male who pretends to be female. (The one on the right). Too small to fight for a female, a small male sidles up to a mating couple and pushes in 2 arms (remember females only have 6) to pretend to be female. The larger male thinks he's lucky to be getting two females but the small male moves in and mates with the female under the males tentacles!!
Click on the fantastic David Attenborough clip below to see a video of this sly way to get the ladies!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Australian_Giant_Cuttlefish#p005bpsl
And if you want to find out more about these weird captivating creatures another video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0NslgnSEtE
Couldn't resist 2 more photos. Aren't they just the most alien-like creatures ever?!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDwOi7HpHtQ
The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 11th May at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our speaker for the night is a regular B&B swimmer whose identity will remain a mystery until the night. From his position as a high flying international corporate executive, we will follow his journey to homelessness as a result of a declining mental health. We are all touched by mental health issues, whether in ourselves, family and friends or just those we see on the streets of Manly. This really is a tale of courage and perseverance. You probably see our speaker most mornings at the beach and would never guess how important this morning ritual of exercise, friendship and community involvement has contributed to his recovery and ongoing happiness.
The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each (please note, NO BYO). Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book at www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html
Have a great day
Lainey
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