A guide in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park filmed a rare type of moray eel that has only been seen once before in the region.
Master Reef Guide Acacia Ott was in the Port Douglas Marina when she saw a ghostly shape curling through the water in front of her. The animal has been identified as a white ribbon eel, also known as a ghost eel.
“They are found throughout the Indo-Pacific, however Acacia’s sighting was only the second sighting recorded for the Great Barrier Reef,” says Paul Groves from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
This cryptic species only usually comes out at night to feed. “As a result, they are seldom sighted, which is why this sighting is so special,” he says.
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Although this encounter is rare, everyone has the chance of seeing amazing wildlife if they keep a careful watch. “Sometimes your sightings can be much more special than you think, as in this example,” says Groves. He encourages people to share their sightings through the Eye on the Reef app or website.
Image and video: white ribbon eel/Acacia Ott (Master Reef Guide)
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