An unusual weather month we have had. We have had more rain then other years, the winds varied from 15 – 20 - 25 knots (that is pretty standard). It does not mean that the days out on the Great Barrier Reef are any less enjoyable. As mentioned in previous reports there is always something to give your attention to. Last week, we had a couple on board that are 'into' gobies. They were very excited to see them in their natural habitat instead of the fish tank at home.
As with all animals, and certainly so the marine life on the Great Barrier Reef once you start observing these animals, it is clear how creatures help each other out. The Goby is a good example.
Some goby species live together with shrimps. The shrimp makes a home in the sand for both of them. The goby will help the shrimp protecting its life. They communicate by a tap of the goby's tail or a shrug by the shrimps 'feeler'. Because shrimps have very poor vision, the goby will warn him when something is aloof, by swimming to their home, the shrimp will know to follow. The goby deserves the nick name of watchmen and a place in the shrimps' home.
Some Goby species are also called cleaners, they 'clean' (eat parasites) fins, skin, mouths of bigger fish. In human terms, they set up cleaning stations where bigger fish come for a visit to get a treatment, the bigger fish shows where it needs cleaning and the goby starts its job. This way the goby gets his food and the fish gets a wash and a polish. The Great Barrier Reef's Car wash.
These two varieties you can easily find while snorkelling or diving on our day trip, it is fun to watch, it is nice to see that underwater creatures help each other out. I still don't understand why above the water this seems to be a problem.
