By Aidan Mock: Reflecting on World Turtle Day, I recall two memorable characters from my childhood, Crush and Squirt – the chilled-out turtles from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. The turtles in the movie were plying the east coast of Australia, but did you know that the hippie turtles depicted in the movie have friends that live right here in Singapore? Singapore’s southern islands has resident Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and as it turns out, this little red dot might play an important role in facilitating Hawksbill turtle migration in Southeast Asia, and several brave turtles have already set up shop in our waters! Here’s introducing our humble half-shelled residents! Explore their life story in Singapore, and hop on to the current for a ride!
Early this month, Hantu-blog contributor Chay Hoon was fortunate enough to witness and capture a rare event within the Singapore marine ecosystem – mass coral spawning. This mass reproductive event occurs once a year and is difficult to precisely predict. Marine biologists in Singapore have been observing local reefs for over a decade to narrow down the event to the span of a few days. Thanks to years of tenaciously pursuing their curiosity, we get to get a glimpse of this amazing event through Chay Hoon’s photos.
A coral on the Hantu reef releasing its eggs into the water.
By Aidan Mock – Last month, regular Hantu blog diver, Toh Chay Hoon, took another trip to the Hantu reefs and photographed a fascinating array of creatures. In this article, we share some of the beautiful things she saw on the reef! (Photos courtesy of Chay Hoon)
A cuttlefish with its mandibles (beak) visible, perhaps it was thinking of taking a bite?
By Aidan Mock: As a diver, I have long wondered what exactly nudibranchs are. They are one of the more commonly sighted creatures on the Hantu reefs and come in an amazing array of colours, shapes, and sizes, but I’ve never really see them doing anything. I decided to spend some time investigating these creatures and share about them here.(Below: Dermatobranchus sp. spotted in Hantu on January 2018. Photo credit: Toh Chay Hoon)
Red swimming crabs are a common sighting on many of Singapore’s shores, especially near reefs and coral rubble. They are especially active at night, are extremely fast in the water, and can be quite fierce! Don’t attempt to handle them! They give a good pinch! Read the rest of this entry »
Did you know that Singapore waters is home to over 200 species of hard coral, more than 400 species of fish – including seahorses (yes, sometimes people forget it’s a fish!), at least 250 species of sponges, and more than 50 species of hermit crabs?! Read the rest of this entry »
By Lim Lay Beng: The Johor Strait is widely known for its major shipping lines and the largest business port in Malaysia. Less known to public are the diverse marine habitats and the wonderful marine biodiversity in the surrounding waters. I made a day trip to Mukim Tanjung Kupang in Johor to discover this beautiful landscape with the passionate volunteers of Kelab Alami and Cicada Tree Eco-Place! Read the rest of this entry »
Did you know that there are sea turtles that call Singapore reefs home? They can be spotted feeding on our reefs in the day, or sleeping in a crevice during the night. They can hold their breath for up to 7 hours while resting or sleeping! Read the rest of this entry »
Did you visit Pulau Hantu this year? If you did, THANK YOU! Your love, adoration, curiosity, and most of all, your VOICE is what gives Pulau Hantu the life and recognition she needs to remain a part of our national heritage. Above: Nudibranch, Trinchesia sibogaeRead the rest of this entry »
June 4, 2018 
Posted in Biology, Climate Change 
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