A Feeding Frenzy

We left Savusavu harbour at 06.30 yesterday morning to move out to a nearby anchorage for a few hours. The main reason was to get less interference on the radio as Graham was net controller for the Southern Cross net but the main benefit was the ability to swim in very clear water. 

We snorkelled around 'Split Rock' which was teaming with fish. Thanks to Di's niece Laura, who has just completed her Masters in Marine Biology at Southampton, for the species identifications!

These fish aren't shy -they came up to us, some of them even nibbling our arms and legs!

Scissortail Sergeants (Abudefduf sexfasciatus)

Golden Damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon aureus)

Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) nibbling the coral

Laura's best guess on this one was a Lemonpeel Anglefish (Centropyge flavissima)

We think that the local resort staff must come and feed these fish when they bring their guests out to snorkel - they certainly weren't backwards at coming forward when we scattered some biscuits in the water. Here's  a little video clip of them in action (sorry it won't play on iPads):

We're now back in Savusavu for a last replenishment of fruit and veg from the wonderful market. Tonight we're celebrating Kerry's birthday aboard Sel Citron and then tomorrow we'll head east, weather permitting. There are some stronger SE winds arriving at the weekend so we need to get to a good sheltered anchorage near the island of Taveuni to wait them to pass.