18.08.2016 – The miracle of new life
August 23, 2016
20.08.2016 – Really happy
August 25, 2016
Today the sea was like a mirrow and allowed us a great insight under the surface. We noticed the beautiful lateral pattern of the Common dolphins, the curious glance of the Atlantic spotted Dolphins, the texture of the turtles back shield and other things. A little sensation, we found about 5 Seamiles off the coast at the afternoon tour with Ribeira Brava. There we spotted a Mola mola, an Ocean Sunfish. At least we saw his dorsal fin, moving from side to side, because when we tried to come closer he unfortunately dove down. But it was for shure a Mola Mola, the heaviest bony fish of the world. Some specimen can get as long as 3 m and reach an weight up to 2 tons. The species is listed in the Guiness Book of Worldrecords, because the females can release up to 300 million eggs. The upmost number all fish. Ocean Sunfish can be spotted around Madeira, when they float at surface, lying on their sides. Or, as in our case, when they swim active. Then their long dorsal fin is sticking out of the water and moving laterally.
by Astrid Haas
Todays sightings:
Ribeira Brava:
10.00: Common dolphins and Atlantic spotted Dolphins
15.00: Atlantic Spotted Dolphins and Bottlenose Dolphins
Stenella:
09.00: Bottlenose Dolphins and Common Dolphins
15.30: Bottlenose Dolphins and Atlantic spotted Dolphins
