My buddy ponders lunch...

But resists, given the strict poaching laws in Belize!

A massive loggerhead turtle and I shared a moment

At perhaps 250 - 300 pounds and 100 years old, these critters is always a treat!

"The Aquarium" Dive Site at Long Caye, Belize

A typical section of wall, right with corals, sponges and hidden critters...

Juvenile Gray Angel... 3cm long!

This little guy was under the dock at our dive lodge in Belize. He'll lose his yellow stripes as he matures. :-(

Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezii)

The outer cayes of Belize are home to several species of sharks, including hammerheads, grays, blacktips and bulls. This one followed us up from Halfmoon Caye Wall and kept us company buy making several close passes while we decompressed in the flats! Sadly, in March of 2016, illegal fishing claimed the lives of several sharks here, but this one, a tagged female, escaped the poachers gill nets.

A reef shark, at Halfmoon Caye, Belize.

These are residents of these reefs and always exciting to see!

A Rosy Razorback.... best named fish!

These guys are found in the sand flats, and quickly dive into their burrows when disturbed.

Sailfin Blenny... a tiny resident of the reef.

A barracuda shows his best menacing look!

While not generally dangerous, these fish are worthy of a little caution.

A starfish... Doing whatever it is that starfish do.

Roughhead Blenny... about 3mm showing.

These little guys rarely leave their burrows and rely on currents to bring them food.

Southern Stingrays are frequently accompanied by these Bar Jacks.

The Jack scrounges small fish as the ray forages for food in the sand.

Attack!

This green moray appears to have mistaken me for lunch. They have poor eyesite, so need to get up close and personal at times, but it's best to keep your fingers hidden!

Spineyhead Blenny

These tiny guys are challenging to shoot, but at least they don't swim away! His head is about the size if the tip on a wooden match stick!

Christmas Tree Worm (Spirobranchus giganteus)

These little creatures are quite common, but this one was especially photogenic, showing off her (?) gills... which are used both for respiration and to assist with feeding by directing food particles into the worm's mouth.

Headshield Slug

About 4mm long, this pretty mollusks are found in quiet weed beds.

Pilot Whales

... Until we couldn't keep up any more!

Yellow-headed Jawfish

Tricky to photograph, these shy fish quickly dive into their burrows if disturbed. It was a treat to catch two together... and required a good deal of patience.

Lined Seahorse

These secretive creatures spend most of their lives in a very small area, and have a fascinating biology.

Hawksbill Turtle

This turtle was grazing quietly in 110' of water when I disturbed him. His expression says it all I think.

Peeking Sharpnose Puffer 1

These little guys are very territorial, and aren't afraid to stare down a diver!

Peeking Sharpnose Puffer 2

Keeping an eye on me!