Scuba diving Magazine

Another update about my published articles.  

The new issue of Scuba Diving magazine, which is available throughout Australasia, contains a full length article about cephalopods (squid & octopus)entitled 'Stunning Cephalopods'.  The article can be downloaded at www.divetheblue.net in the marine life section: 

Rich

FiNS article

I have a column in FiNS diving magazine starting this issue (Jan/Feb 7.1).  It is called 'Really Richard?' and helps you to identify commonly mistaken reef species.  This month explains how to distinguish stone and scorpionfishes.  You will be able to download the current issue at www.finsonline.com 

Hope you enjoy

Rich

New Pygmy Pipehorse described

News from the world of science!

A recently discovered pygmy pipehorse has been described from Lembeh Straits, Sulawesi, Indonesia.  It has been named Kyonemichthys rumengani.  I have seen this amazing species at Wakatobi resort in southern Sulawesi where quite a few are now being found on the reefs there.

This is the smallest species of syngnathid (pipefish and seahorse) by weight, even smaller than the pygmy seahorses.  It reaches around 3cm in length but is exceedingly slender.  Red filaments are found on the head and mid way down the trunk, there is also a longer, more rigid process on the back.  This species uses the tip of its prehensile tail to hold the substratum, mostly hydroids or small halimeda clumps.  It tends to be be found fairly shallow at between 5-15m.

Please let me know if you see this species outside Sulawesi, since it is such a recently discovered fish it will be great to gather as much information as possible about it.

Rich

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog!

This is where I will be posting about diving, marine biology, travel, photography and my studies.  

I am working on my PhD at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia on the ecology and behaviour of Denise's pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus denise) and will be posting some of my findings here so keep coming back to check out the latest developments in my work.

I am also a freelance writer and photographer primarily focusing on raising awareness of the marine environment.  If you have any questions about marine life please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes

Rich