We are extremely fortunate to have a wide variety of gobies that can be found throughout the Lembeh straits. Ranging from shrimp gobies, that have their homes in the sand, to reef gobies that choose different environments within the reef for them to shelter.
Like with many of Lembeh’s underwater critters, once you know where to look you can often find something special. This Bryozoan Goby, is a perfect example! It’s a small (1-2cm) coral-reef goby that lives inside White Lacy Bryozoan colonies (Triphyllozoon) and up until recently, this goby had evaded our attention. In 2016 this paper was published that officially described this fish as a new species named Sueviota bryozophila.
These gobies are quite unique amongst Eviota and Sueviota species in that its pelvic fins are fused together forming a disc underneath their body. This allows them to create a suction cup-like effect to cling upside down and horizontally onto the delicate surfaces of the Bryozoan colony they call home. The body is a shade of white that lets them camouflage perfectly with their host and red/orange spots are located predominantly around the head but also run down the spine.
When it comes to taking photographs of the Bryozoan Goby, a +5 or +10 diopter is not a bad idea due to their size. Unfortunately for us, these gobies rarely sit still moving frantically around the small ornate structure of the coral. Waiting for the goby to pause momentarily in a spot where you have locked focus requires a bit of luck and a lot of patience!
Why dive with NAD-Lembeh Resort?
LOCATION
NAD-Lembeh Resort is a small, owner-operated, photography-oriented dive resort in the Lembeh Strait. We are situated in a private bay on Lembeh Island, away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. We guarantee a 2:1 guest to guide ratio as standard, which makes for a private dive experience and lots of time to take pictures.
ROOMS & BUNGALOWS
All our rooms (10 Beachfront Rooms, 5 Seaview Bungalows) offer ocean view, air conditioning, hot water, wifi, including full board. Our resort has only few steps, which makes our layout extremely convenient to get from your room to the restaurant, camera room, bar and floating jetty.
DIVE CENTER
Our dive team consists of 15 full-time guides, with over 100 years of combined experience! Air as well as Nitrox and various cylinder sizes (both DIN and Yoke are available onsite).
BOATS & FLOATING JETTY
NAD-Lembeh has 4 large, purpose-built dive boats. Each at around 15m long, they offer lots of space and comfort for the divers. Boats feature onboard toilets, towels, drinks and snacks and first aid/oxygen.
Our jetty allows our guests dignified and quick boat entries – all our dive boats can be moored simultaneously, so there is no wading through the shallows to get on the boat for the dive!
PHOTO CENTER
Our focus at NAD is to take your underwater photography to the next level. We offer 1:1 photo classes and our guides are all proficient with photography, using our rental equipment for fun dives when not diving with guests.
We shoot video up to 8K, along with Nikon/ Canon SLR and mirrorless setups. This gives us a rounded knowledge of all cameras. We are also the go-to location for natural history filming in the Straits.
CAMERA ROOM
Our newly renovated, huge camera room offers one work space for each and every guest. The spacious, individual benches with lots of power points were purposely built for underwater photographers. NAD’s dedicated camera room is also the perfect place to work on and edit your pictures.
Several rental cameras and strobes are available onsite. We have basic tools and spare parts in our gift shop in case of minor camera problems as well as a drying cabinet, and computer for you to work on and edit your photos.
