,
Impressions of Niue, part two
An index to the 2005 slide show
text and photographs by Floor Anthoni (2005)
www.seafriends.org.nz/niuetx05/index.htm


This slide show brings more inpressions of Niue, from both above and under water. Photographs were taken in July 2005, about 18 months after cyclone Heta. Owners of the latest Seafriends CD will be able to see the large, screen-sized images (800x600 pixels) when clicking on a thumbnail or link. Use your browser's back button to return to this index.
CD users can also activate the simple slide show from here. Use function key 11 for full screen view.
To read more about Niue, its geography, history and ecology, visit the extensive web site devoted to Niue: www.seafriends.org.nz/niue/index.htm. To go to the Seafriends home page: www.seafriends.org.nz/index.htm

.
'

For suggestions and improvements, please e-mail the author.
-- Seafriends home --  Niue index --Rev 20051203,


after the cyclone, life recovers

new coconuts
0507006 new coconuts are now growing on hard-hit trees. Cyclone Heta blew trees down stripping them from their leaves and nuts, particularly in the coastal zone,  but many are recovering.
coconut tree
0507105 Niue derives its name from the coconut tree. Niue has no open beaches bordered by coconut trees, so a photo of an isolated coconut tree by the sea is difficult to arrange.
cocnut trees
0507140 coconuts are still economically important. Once Niue exported copra but no longer. As a result, there are now more trees than required. Good for the coconut crab who eats the rotten fruit.
recovery 18 months post Heta
0507008 for some trees, recovery is problematic. These trees survived many cyclones but some show that Heta was exceptional. This shows the recovery after 18 months.
rock thrown up from Heta
f223202:this rock destroyed a house. For it to be moved, water must flow faster than 30 km/h on this plateau raised 30m above the sea.
house gekco on beer glass:
0507031:a little house gecko visits a bar. The life of a young one is risky. Exploring the taste of beer, it actually became drunk.
tiny house gekco
0507033:no larger than one inch (25mm) it did taste the beer and became unsteady. Here it is seen staggering along.
young nonu fruit
0507046:young nonu fruit. Nonu fruit grows all year round, which promises a steady supply for the nonu juice factory, but the wild fruit remains sparse on the dense forest floor.
coconut sunset.
0507014: coconut sunset.
sunset in paradise
0507163: sunset in paradise. Because Niue is a steep rock without beaches, photos of sunsets over coconut trees on beaches are not possible.
sunset behind a niu leaf
0507057: sunset behind a niu
leaf. Niue is the word for cocount tree.
sunset at Avatele
0507064: sunset at Avatele. This bare tree did not survive the storm and died a year later. 
Washaway Cafe
f223127: the sun sets on Washaway Cafe, which survived Cyclone Heta because of its more sheltered loaction.
inside the Washaway Cafe
f223132:patrons inside the Washaway Cafe. This is a favoured spot for socialising in the weekend evenings.
outrigger canoe
f223130:outrigger canoe in the sunset. Avatele lagoon has the only 'beach' on the island.
the Crazy Uga cafe
0507363:the Crazy Uga is also a washaway cafe, with splendid views but located at a dangerous spot.

economy/culture
raising-of-the-flag
f222921:raising-of-the-flag ceremony at Government House, in the early morning.
the flag is raised
f222916: the flag is raised while the national anthem is sung and hailed by loudhailer.
see-saw container transport
0507082:the container transporter is a recent Niuean invention and already indispensable.
see-saw container transport
0507083:the see-saw container transporter lifts and hangs a container in between its forked cradle.
see-saw container transport
0507111:by tipping its cradle, a container can be lifted one side at a time.
Capitaine Féarn unloading
0507085: the Capitaine Féarn unloading in the early morning.
Capitaine Féarn unloading
0507092:watching the unloading from Tomb Point is is done by many.
vanilla plantation
0507193:a vanilla plantation with vines strung over live tree frames.
vanilla vine
0507195: a vanilla vine. Here the tree frame has been pruned to allow sunshine through on the vines.
vanilla flower
0507198: vanilla is an orchid, here shown with one of its covering petals removed. The flower grows a long pod which is dried when ripe.
Marc Cross and his paintings at an auction
0507304: Mark Cross is a celebrated painter and photographer. Here he shows a panorama of Limu Pools during a charity sale for cyclone sufferers elsewhere.
spectators at a rugby match
0507324: a rugby match is a national affair. In the background the cameras of Niue's local TV station.
rugby match
0507321: Niue (blue/yellow) vs New Caledonia (red/white) on the school ground. 
spectators at the rugby match
0507328: the whole island turns up
rugby match
0507327: this has to be a score. The French lose.
music at the rugby match
0507329: song and music rate highly in Niue, wherever people meet.
large pawpaw (papaya) tree
0507336: large pawpaw (papaya) tree pruned by cyclones. Pawpaw was long conisdered poor-men's food.
unloading the fish catch
0507493: unloading the fish catch into a truck. Boats need to be small enough to be hauled out before storms.
unloading the fish catch
0507492: unloading the fish catch, most of which is large tuna.
unloading a tuna
0507496: various species of tuna: yellowfin, albacore, skipjack. Also wahoo, dolphinfish and billfish.
a good haul of tuna
0507498: not bad for a day's fishing. Tuna like these fetch a good price on world markets, justifying their transport by plane.
Niue's fishing fleet can hoisted out of the sea
0507499: Niue's fishing fleet can be hoisted out of the sea. Boats also need to be large enough to go out to the edge of the continental shelf, no mean feat.
'Super Alia' out of the water for repair
0507505: a 'Super Alia' out of the water for repair. Essentially two aluminium canoes joined together and powered by two 40hp outboard motors.
a woman gleaning the reef with an axe
f223010: a woman gleaning the reef with an axe. The reef still provides for sustenance, even though the work is time consuming.
gleaning the reef for sustenance
f223011: gleaning the reef for sustenance. Where waves roll in all year, the reefs are essentially protected by nature.
reef gleaning may change the enviroment
f223019: reef gleaning may change the environment. It may also affect the growth rate of these reefs.
 

exploring
a fully restored sea track
0507207: a fully restored sea track leads to a apot where canoes can be launched with some difficulty.
Hikutavake sea track
0507219: Hikutavake sea track leads to an interesting reef flat with much sea life.
Misa and friends
0507368: Misa has friends in high places. Misa is the forest ecologist of Niue.
a young fruit bat
0507375: a young fruit bat meeting a friendly stranger. These bats have long nails that hurt a little when holding it like this.
a young fruit bat
0507379: young fruit bat prefers human company after Cyclone Heta. They are intelligent creatures.
young male fruit bat.
0507383: young male fruit bat. These bats can grow rather large. They are called 'flying dogs' in other countries.
native wood pigeon
0507388: native wood pigeon. A number of wood pigeons have chosen to stay with Misa after Cyclone Heta.
Misa's forest tour
0507421: Misa's ecological forest tour is full of surprises.
making a fire
0507476: making fire with wood from the fou tree (a hibiscus). A chisel pointed stick is rubbed fiercely over a broad anvil, while heaping glowing cinders up on one end.
Misa makes fire
0507481: Misa makes fire in less than a minute
Matapa chasm sea track
f222925: sea track towards the Matapa chasm
safe swimming in the Matapa chasm
f222928: safe swimming in the Matapa chasm where cool fresh water enters from many springs in this steep valley.
sea track to the Talava cave
f223214: the rough track to Talava cave and arches.
sea cave at the Talava arches.
f222930: sea cave leading to the Talava arches.
sink hole at Talava
f223203: sink hole at Talava with a curtain of dripstone.
Talava sea cave
f222933: Talava sea cave
Talava arches
f223206: Talava arches are impressive. A bridge with two arches in front and another one in the distance.
Talava arches
f223206: Talava arches are impressive, dwarfing visitors.
Hio sea track
f223005: the Hio sea track covers many bridges.
sea track to Palaha
f223024: sea track to Palaha cave makes a sudden turn to disappear into a small hole.
Palaha sea cave
f223026: Palaha sea cave is large and beautiful
Palaha cave
f223104: looking into Palaha cave. Notice its size relative to the human figure.
Palaha cave
f223107: Palaha cave
Palaha cave
f223111: Palaha cave is large and deep. Spot the human figure?
pools in Palaha cave
f223118: pools in Palaha cave
whale spotting
f223216: whale spotting from the high terrace
adventurous roads
f223221: adventurous roads through dense coastal vegetation
Tautu sea cave
f223226: Tautu sea cave gives easy access to the reef flats

snorkelling
snorkelling in ultra clear water
f046311: snorkelling in ultra clear water is a dizzying experience.
sea urchin stings
0507186: sea urchins can inflict painful stings. The local cure is to pee on it as the stings come out by themselves and their black patches disappear.
Amanau fringing reef
0507121: the fringing reef flat with rock pools at Amanau, opposite the fish factory.
 

insects/animals
0507182: large spiders spinning large orbs, at times spanning across an entire road.
0507183: a beautiful feathery moth
one of Niue's pretty moths
0507403: one of Niue's pretty moths
house gecko
0507402: house geckos own the ceilings at night and their antics are fun to watch.
a gecko flees with its prey
0507405: a gecko flees with its prey. Sme evenings bring more moths than an army of geckos can eat.
land crab (Geograpsus grayi)
0507530: land crabs can live in the attic and are active by day and night. This is a large male with potent nipers. (Geograpsus grayi)
 

plants
a native  plant of Niue
0507098: one of Niue's native plants
the purple lily
0507101: the purple lily has little white flowers
an orchid plant found in Niue
0507409: orchids thrive in tropical Niue
red orchid
0507411: red orchids in a garden
giant forest taro
0507417: giant forest taro serves as emergency food in long droughts.
large fungi
0507436: large fungi on a tree stem
large fungi
0507466: fungi on a rotting log
christmas tree flower
f223034: christmas tree flowers in July
coastal saltspray vegetation
f223220: coastal saltspray vegetation
 

snakes
a sea snake
f047224: a sea snake slowly wending its way to the surface for a deep breath.
a gathering of sea snakes
f047316: a gathering of sea snakes at 10m depth.
 

jellyfish
crested jellyfish (Cephea sp.)
f047009: detail of a rare crested jellyfish (Cephea sp.)
crested jellyfish (Cephea sp.)
f047010: crested jellyfish (Cephea sp.)
crested jellyfish (Cephea sp.)
f047012: crested jellyfish (Cephea sp.)
 

corals
stylophora coral
f046312: a branching pink stylophora coral has survived cyclone Heta in shallow water
Porites coral
f046531: detail of a Porites coral shows transparent polyps with brown algal cells in their tissues
close-up of Porites coral
f046532:super-macro detail of the same Porites coral polyps
brown-purple encrusting coral (Montipora sp.)
f046709: one year's growth of a brown-purple encrusting coral (Montipora sp.)
Montipora coral
f046710: detail shows widely spaced polyps of Montipora.
star coral
f047021: detail of a star coral
mushroom coral
f047023: mushroom coral is not attached (bottom side)
mushroom coral (Fungia fungites)
f047024:mushroom coral (Fungia fungites) top side
slipper coral (Fungia sp)
f047516: slipper coral lives detached from the rock (Fungia sp)
under-side of a slipper coral
f047517: bottom side of slipper coral is mushroom like
leathery coral (Sarcophyton sp)
f046821: long polyps of a leathery coral (Sarcophyton sp)
close-up  of a leathery coral (Sarcophyton sp)
f046823: tentacles of a leathery coral (Sarcophyton sp) can snap shut
close-up of coral tentacles
f046824: closeup of coral tentacles
brain coral
f046825: closeup of a brain coral ()
closeup of brain coral
f046826: closeup of brain coral ()
leathery coral with long polyps (Sarcophyton trocheliophorum)
 f046828: leathery corals with long polyps (Sarcophyton trocheliophorum)
detail of polyps. (Sarcophyton trocheliophorum)
f046830: detail of polyps. (Sarcophyton trocheliophorum)
super closeup of small polyps
f046833: super closeup of small polyps
super close-up of coral
f046523: super closeup of a coral with very small transparent polyps
acropora coral species (Pocillopora verrucosa)
f047522: enlarged detail of an acropora coral species (Pocillopora verrucosa)
close-up of coral polyps
f047525: closeup of coral polyps
table coral (Acropora hyancinthus)
f047606:detail of a pink table coral (Acropora hyancinthus)
Acropora antler coral (Acropora grandis?)
f047607:an Acropora antler coral (Acropora grandis?)
spiralling leaf coral (Pachyseris speciosa)
f047612: a spiralling leaf coral (Pachyseris speciosa)
spiralling leaf coral (Pachyseris speciosa)
f047613: detail of spiralling leaf coral (Pachyseris speciosa)
branching acropora coral
f047615: a fast growing branching acropora coral
Acropora plate coral (Acropora hyancinthus)
f047622: detail of white Acropora plate coral (Acropora hyancinthus)
polyp pattern of a leaf coral (Pavona minuta)
f047631: an intriguing coral polyp pattern of a leaf coral (Pavona minuta)
leathery corals (Sarcophyton trocheliophorum)
f047632: a cascade of leathery corals (Sarcophyton trocheliophorum)
 

fish
large bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus)
f047003: large bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus). These fish can gro 30 years old and large and colourful.
young bigeye trevallies (Caranx sexfaciatus)
f047709: young bigeye trevallies (Caranx sexfaciatus)
black lined convict tang (Acanthurus triostegus)
f046324: black lined convict tangs (Acanthurus triostegus) browsing algae in shallow water
yellowfin goatfish (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) and convict tangs (Acanthurus triostegus)
f046323: yellowfin goatfish (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) and convict tangs 
(Acanthurus triostegus)
white spotted surf tang (Acanthurus guttatus)
f046330: white spotted surf tang (Acanthurus guttatus) groups are becoming large
sleeping surf tang (Acanthurus guttatus)
f046908: sleeping surf tang (Acanthurus guttatus) has turned its yellow tail white
surgeonfish
f047123: unidentified surgeonfish
Pacific sailfin tang (Zebrasoma veliferum)
f047124: Pacific sailfin tang (Zebrasoma veliferum)
brown tang (Acanthurus nigrofuscus
f047419: beautifully painted brown tang (Acanthurus nigrofuscus?)
lined bristletooth (Ctenochaetus striatus).
f047907: lined bristletooth (Ctenochaetus striatus). Bristletooths belong to the surgeonfishes.
grey unicornfish (Naso caesius)
f047512: these large grey unicornfish have two colour forms but no horns (Naso caesius). They can change colour.
blue-striped sugeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus)
f047903: blue-striped sugeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus). One of the most beautiful tangs is very shy.
blue-striped sugeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus)
f047906: blue-striped surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus)
velvet-skinned Achilles tang (Acanthurus achilles)
f047918: velvet-skinned Achilles tang (Acanthurus achilles)
peppered squirrelfish (Sargocentron punctatissimum)
f046407: a peppered squirrelfish by night (Sargocentron punctatissimum). Sea urchin: Echinometra mathaei
cook's reef-flat cardinalfish  (Apogon cookii)
f046509: a cook's reef-flat cardinalfish by day (Apogon cookii
tiger cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus macrodon)
f047105: beautiful tiger cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus macrodon)
south seas devil (Chrysiptera taupou)
f046537: a beautiful south seas devil (Chrysiptera taupou) in a rock pool. This is a damselfish.
spotfin silver squirrel fish  (Neoniphon sammara)
f046713: a spotfin silver squirrel fish  (Neoniphon sammara)
epaulette soldierfish (Myripristis kuntee)
f046715:epaulette soldierfish with dark band 
(Myripristis kuntee)
epaulette soldierfish (Myripristis kuntee)
f046716:epaulette soldierfish in a cave (Myripristis kuntee
blotched big-eye (Heteropriacanthus cruentatus)
f047116:blotched big-eye (Heteropriacanthus cruentatus)
female emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus emperator)
f046724:female emperor angelfish 
(Pomacanthus emperator)
male emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus emperator)
f046728: male emperor angelfish
(Pomacanthus emperator). It has a territory and is inquisitive.
black yellowsnouted butterflyfish (Chaetodon flavirostris)
f047132: beautifully painted black yellowsnouted butterflyfish (Chaetodon flavirostris)
dot & dash butterflyfish (Chaetodon pelewensis)
f047936: dot & dash butterflyfish (Chaetodon pelewensis)
very longnose butterflyfish (Forcipiger longirostris)
f047014: very longnose butterflyfish(Forcipiger longirostris)
fourspot butterflyfish (Chaetodon quadrimaculatus)
f047934: some coralfish pair up for life like these fourspot butterflyfish (Chaetodon quadrimaculatus)
peacock flounder (Bothus mancus)
f047716: the peacock flounder is so well camouflaged as to be almost invisible (Bothus mancus)
peacock flounder (Bothus mancus)
f047718: peacock flounder (Bothus mancus)
clearfin lionfish (Pterois radiata).
f047136: clearfin lionfish 
(Pterois radiata). This lionfish is usually seen at night.
common lionfish (Pterois volitans)
f047324: adult common lionfish (Pterois volitans). These fish like steep drop-offs and caves.
red lionfish (Pterois volitans)
f047326: red lionfish adult 
(Pterois volitans)
lionfish (Pterois volitans)
f047807: lionfish inside a dark cave (Pterois volitans)
lionfish (Pterois volitans)
f047808: lionfish are common in Niue (Pterois volitans)
devil scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus)
f047536: large devil scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus) is well camouflaged
devil scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus)
f047537: closeup of large devil scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus)
blotched lizardfish (Saurida nebulosa)
f047735: well camouflaged large blotched lizardfish (Saurida nebulosa)
lizardfish (Saurida nebulosa)
f047733: a lizardfish is a fierce predator (Saurida nebulosa)
lizardfish (Saurida nebulosa)
f047734: a large camouflaged lizardfish waiting in ambush (Saurida nebulosa)
smalltooth jobfish (Aphareus furca)
f047005: smalltooth jobfish (Aphareus furca) has a forked tail and large mouth.
ring-eyed hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus)
f047018: ring-eyed hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus) hiding in a branched coral (Pocillopora eydouxi)
ring-eyed hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus)
f047628: ring-eyed hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus) emerging from its hiding place
strawberry grouper (Cephalopholis spiloparaea)
f047027: strawberry grouper (Cephalopholis spiloparaea) is very shy
three species of demoiselle (Chromis sp)
f047028: three species of demoiselle (Chromis sp)
parrotfish (Calotomis carolinus)
f046904: sleeping star-eye parrotfish (Calotomis carolinus) has black spotted pyjamas
parrotfish (Calotomis carolinus)
f046906: detail of sleeping parrotfish (Calotomis carolinus)
redlipped parrotfish (Scarus ubroviolaceus)
f047913: a large sleeping redlipped parrotfish (Scarus ubroviolaceus)
parrotfish (Scarus sp)
f047915: detail of large parrotfish (Scarus sp)
red-lipped parrotfish (Scarus rubroviolaceus)
f047922: sleeping red-lip parrotfish (Scarus rubroviolaceus)
red-lipped parrotfish (Scarus rubroviolaceus)
f047932: sleeping red-lip parrotfish (Scarus rubroviolaceus)
marbled hawk (Cirrhitus pinnulatus)
f046917: sleeping marbled hawk fish (Cirrhitus pinnulatus)
hawkfish (Cirrhitus pinnulatus)
f046918: hawkfish have brushes on their dorsal fins 
(Cirrhitus pinnulatus)
commando porcupine fish (Diodon liturosus)
f046936: commando porcupine fish (Diodon liturosus)
clown triggerfish (Ballistoides conspicillum)
f047820: a clown triggerfish (Ballistoides conspicillum)
blotched big-eye (Priacanthus sp?)
f047116: blotched big-eye 
(Priacanthus sp?)
unidentified scalyfin
f047534: unidentified scalyfin or humbug
blue-lipped Indian humbug scalyfins (Dascyllus reticulatus)
f047635: blue-lipped Indian humbug scalyfins (Dascyllus reticulatus)
weedy surge wrasse (Halichoeres margaritaceus)
f047707:a weedy surge wrasse(Halichoeres margaritaceus)
pregnant blenny
f046515: a well camouflaged pregnant blenny
shallow water blenny
f047736: a large shallow water blenny
reef needlefish (Strongylura incisa)
f047825: these reef needlefish have long beaks (Strongylura incisa)
cornet fish or flutemouth (Fistularia commersonii)
f047413: cornet fish or flutemouth by night (Fistularia commersonii)
female network pipefish (Corythoichthys flavofasciatus)
f047529: female network pipefish is well camouflaged
(Corythoichthys flavofasciatus)
female pipefish (Corythoichthys flavofasciatus)
f047531: closeup of female pipefish (Corythoichthys flavofasciatus). It is surprising to find these in the wild waters of Niue.
male pipefish (Corythoichthys flavofasciatus)
f047532: male pipefish has a pouch full of eggs under its body (Corythoichthys flavofasciatus)
baby white-eyed moray eel (Siderea thyrsoidea)
f046505: a baby white-eyed moray eel (Siderea thyrsoidea). This species does not grow large.
peppered moray eel (Siderea picta)
f046506: a large peppered moray eel (Siderea picta) living in a rock pool
white-mouth moray (Gymnothorax meleagris)
f046734: white-mouth moray (Gymnothorax meleagris) has white spots. It is common.
white-mouth moray (Gymnothorax meleagris)
f046736: mature white-mouthed moray eel (Gymnothorax meleagris)
yellow-headed banded moray eel (Gymnothorax rueppelliae)
f047414: yellow-headed banded moray eel (Gymnothorax rueppelliae)
yellow-headed banded moray eel (Gymnothorax rueppelliae)
f047416: yellow-headed moray eel about to snap up an unsuspecting fish
a bent-jaw moray eel (Enchelicore schismatorhynchus)
f047427: a bent-jaw moray eel (Enchelicore schismatorhynchus) looks rather threatening but is usually very shy.
green giant moray eel (Gymnothorax javanicus)
f047503: colossal green giant moray eel dwarfs its 7cm cleanerfish. This one is unusually large, about a man's torso in girth. (Gymnothorax javanicus) 
green giant moray eel (Gymnothorax javanicus)
f047528: closeup of giant green moray (Gymnothorax javanicus). It can grow 2.5m long with a 30cm diameter but this one is larger still.
 

crustaceans
a tiny crab surviving above water
0507279: a tiny crab surviving above water ()
a tiny crab
0507281: tiny crab ()
close-up of a tiny crab
0507283: closeup of tiny crab ()
crabs often live in tight quarters (Planes sp?)
f046429: crabs often live in tight quarters above and below water (Planes sp?)
a female shore crab (Plagusia depressa tuberculata?)
f046517: a female shore crab (Plagusia depressa tuberculata?) taking a defensive pose
a female shore crab (Plagusia depressa tuberculata?)
f046519: female shore crab (Plagusia depressa tuberculata? is well camouflaged
weak-shelled shore crab (Grapsus grapsus tenuicrustatus?)
f046518: green coloured weak-shelled shore crab 
(Grapsus grapsus tenuicrustatus?)
weak-shelled shore crab (Grapsus grapsus tenuicrustatus?)
f046522: green coloured weak-shelled shore crab has sharp spikes on its claws
Sponge crab (Dromia erythropus?)
f046526: unidentified small yellow crab. Sponge crab (Dromia erythropus?)
yellow crab has black nippers and yellow bristles
f046527: yellow crab has black nippers and yellow bristles
coral crab (Etisus splendidus)
f047910: this large splendid coral crab (Etisus splendidus) is a delicacy in Niue
coral crab (Etisus splendidus)
f047912: large splendid coral crab (Etisus splendidus) comes out at night in shallow water.
large spotted crab (Carpilius maculatus)
f047925: large spotted crab is a delicacy (tutu) (Carpilius  maculatus
white-lined green crayfish (Panulirus panversicolor)
f046408: the white-lined green crayfish  has very long feelers and mustache (Panulirus panversicolor
white-lined green crayfish (Panulirus panversicolor)
f046410: detail of the white-lined cray (Panulirus panversicolor). Long feelers but short body.
the green crayfish (Panulirus  marginatus)
f047118: the green crayfish (Panulirus  marginatus) is much sought after (uo)
the green crayfish (Panulirus  marginatus)
f047120: closeup of the green crayfish (uo) (Panulirus marginatus)
slipper lobster (Scyllarides squammosus) or Paribacus sp?
f046931: slipper lobster out at night (tapatapa)
(Scyllarides squammosus) or Paribacus sp?
large-eyed hermit crab (Dardanus gemmatus)
f046425: the large-eyed hermit crab (Dardanus gemmatus) collects anemones on its shell
large-eyed hermit crab (Dardanus gemmatus)
f047114: large-eyed hermit crab with anemones (Dardanus pedunculatus?)
stalk-eyed hermit crab (Dardanus lagopodes)
f046611: stalk-eyed hermit crab with purple knees (Dardanus lagopodes)
purple knee hermit (Dardanus lagopodes)
f047514: purple knee hermit in a circular saw top shell (Dardanus lagopodes)
brown hermit crab (Aniculus retipes?)
f046722: brown hermit with green knees and very long eyes (Aniculus retipes?)
unidentified hermit crab
f046921: hermit crab (?) by night
letterbox hermit crab
f046933: letterbox hermit (?) slides through a narrow cowrie slit
banded cleaning shrimp (Stenopus hispidus)
f046529: banded cleaning shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) in a rock pool
a red cleaner shrimp
f047100: a red cleaner shrimp (?) outside its cave
red cleaner shrimps
f047920: red cleaner shrimps
marble humpback shrimp (Saron sp.)
f047103: marble humpback shrimp with bristles (Saron sp.)
marble humpback shrimp (Saron sp.)
f047405: a marble humpback shrimp with bristles (Saron sp.)
a red cleaner shrimp
f047437: a red cleaner shrimp (?)
 

echinoderms
a common sea cucumber (Stichopus horrens)
f046401: a common sea cucumber (Stichopus horrens), well camouflaged
a baby sea cucumber (Stichopus horrens)
f047904: a baby sea cucumber at night (Stichopus horrens)
ssea cucumber (Thelenota anax)
f047508: a very large sea cucumber of 40cm length. (Thelenota anax)
front end of a sea cucumber (Thelenota anax)
f047509: front end of a very large sea cucumber (Thelenota anax)
rear end of a sea cucumber (Thelenota anax)
f047510: rear end of a very large sea cucumber, the largest known (Thelenota anax)
small needle urchins
f046404: small needle urchins are a menace to night divers. Their stings cause a burning sensation.
sea urchins are industrious burrowers,
f046405: sea urchins are industrious burrowers, digging big holes in the rock 
rivers of coral sand made  from urchin burrows
f047019: rivers of coral sand flowing from urchin burrows. This amount was made in 6 months.
harmonica sea cucumber (Opheodesma sp.)
f046412: a harmonica sea cucumber (Opheodesma sp.) with its sticky tentacles
harmonica sea cucumber (Opheodesma sp.)
f046616: erect pose of a harmonica sea cucumber by night (Opheodesma sp)
featherstar
f046413: most featherstars come out at night like this white one
sea urchin
f046415: many sea urchins have various types of spines and colours (Echinothrix calamaris)
white-spined urchin (Echinothrix calamaris)
f046417: this white-spined urchin nibbles algae from the rock (Echinothrix calamaris)
close-up of a sea urchin (Echinothrix calamaris)
f046605: detail of sea urchin with coarse and fine needle spines (Echinothrix calamaris)
detail of sea  urchin (Echinothrix calamaris)
f046903: detail of sea  urchin (Echinothrix calamaris)
hollow-spined needle urchin
f047110: colourful hollow-spined needle urchin () 
grey long-spined needle urchin (Diadema setosum)
f047431: grey long-spined needle urchin (Diadema setosum)
humpback shrimp sheltering under a sea urchin (Saron sp).
f047403: sea urchins provide protection for fish and crustaceans like this humpback shrimp (Saron sp).
short spined urchin (Tripneustes gratilla)
f046629: short spined urchin has collected items on its back (Tripneustes gratilla)
short spined urchin (Tripneustes gratilla)
f046630: short spined urchin has long tube feet (Tripneustes gratilla)
tube feet of the short spined urchin (Tripneustes gratilla)
f046631: short spined urchin has tube feet with three colours (Tripneustes gratilla)
long tube feet and short purple pedicellaria (Tripneustes gratilla)
f046632: detail of long tube feet and a field of short purple pedicellaria (Tripneustes gratilla)
purple pedicellaria (Tripneustes gratilla)
f046633: star shaped field of purple pedicellaria (Tripneustes gratilla)
stubby pencil urchin (Eucidaris metularia)
f046919: stubby pencil urchin has very long tubefeet (Eucidaris metularia)
the toxic urchin has flowerlike pedicellaria that sting
f046924: the toxic urchin has flowerlike pedicellaria that sting
closeup of toxic flower urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus)
f046925:closeup of toxic flower urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus)
close-up of pedicellaria and tubefeet
f046926: super closeup of pedicellaria and tubefeet
this sturdy featherstar comes out at day and night
f046607: this sturdy featherstar is out by day and night
detail of a sturdy featherstar
f046609: detail of sturdy featherstar. It may well live from sunlight in symbiosis with plant cells. (?)
a young yellow featherstar
f047115: young yellow featherstar (?)
a featherstar caught swimming in the open
f047407: we literally caught this featherstar happily swimming in the open
a large five-armed star (Mithrodia sp)
f047423: a large five-armed star (Mithrodia sp)
a hand shows the size of this sea star (Mithrodia sp)
f047425: a hand shows size of a large sea star (Mithrodia sp)
a fiery red serpent star (Leiaster speciosus)
f047435: a fiery red serpent star (Leiaster speciosus)
 

molluscs
an orange cowrie (Lyncina sp?
f046403: an orange cowrie (Lyncina sp?), half covered by its fluffy mantle
a common cowrie (Cyprea sp.)
f046406: a common cowrie (Cyprea sp.) of the algal flats
a beautiful cowrie (Cyprea sp.)
f047107: a beautiful cowrie (Cyprea sp.) at night
a tiger cowrie (Cypraea tigris)
f046700: a tiger cowrie 
(Cypraea tigris) is easy to find and very common
a tiger cowrie (Cypraea tigris)
f046702: tiger cowries can grow to 10 cm (Cypraea tigris)
a salmon coloured cowrie (Luria isabella isabella)
f046911: a salmon coloured cowrie half covered by its mantle (Luria isabella isabella)
a beautiful cowrie
f047428: beautiful cowrie exposed
common white cone shell (Conus sp)
f046622: common white cone shell (Conus sp) is very small
yellow lined cone shell (Conus sp)
f046626: yellow lined cone shell (Conus sp) by night
mud whelk (Nassarius papillosus)
f046627: mud whelk (Nassarius papillosus) prowling by night. This species burrows in sand by day.
snail of the coral flats. (Muricanthus sp?)
f047109: the sturdy grazing snail of the coral flats. Watch out for its spines, as it is easily stood on. (Muricanthus sp?)
a large trumpet whelk (Cymatium tritonis) (Charonia tritonis)
f047231: a large trumpet whelk is beautifully patterned (Cymatium tritonis) (Charonia tritonis)
the patterned opening of a trumpet whelk Cymatium tritonis) (Charonia tritonis)
f047233: the patterned opening of a trumpet whelk (Cymatium tritonis)
a large trumpet whelk (Cymatium tritonis) (Charonia tritonis)
f047236: a diver holds up a large trumpet whelk 
(Cymatium tritonis)
a circular saw top shell
f047433: a circular saw top shell covered in pink paint (?)
scorpion conch (Lambis chiragra chiragra)
f047625: scorpion conch
(Lambis chiragra chiragra)
reverse view of a scorpion conch
f047626: scorpion conch salmon pattern inside
a large giant clam (Tridacna sp)
f047029: a large giant clam (Tridacna sp)
colourful giant clam (Tridacna sp)
f046805: colourful giant clam (Tridacna sp)
detail of a colourful giant clam (Tridacna sp)
f046806: detail of colourful giant clam 
purple-plipped giant clam (Tridacna sp)
f047313: purple-plipped giant clam (Tridacna sp)
a metallic blue giant clam
f047800: a metallic blue giant clam
detail of giant clam's blue mantle
f047802: detail of giant clam's blue mantle
giant clam with coffee coloured mantle
f047803: giant clam with coffee coloured mantle 
well camouflaged octopus
f046419: the local octopus is well camouflaged
detail of the octopus eye and jet pipe
f046424: detail of the octopus eye and jet pipe
well camouflaged young octopus
f047335: well camouflaged young octopus
Bonellia is a very long sea slug
f047436: Bonellia is a very long sea slug living in a small hole 
a very long worm (Baseodiscus hemprichii
f046927: a very long worm out at night. Top left its head and bottom right its still knotted rear end (Baseodiscus hemprichii)
 

plants
grapeweed Caulerpa sp.)
f047030: grapeweed has running roots. (Caulerpa sp.)
a short seaweed with running roots
f047507: short seaweeds with running roots can thrive in Niue
red calcareous seaweed
f047212: red calcareous seaweeds inside a dark cave. These form calcareous reefs.
hardy, slow growing green seaweed (Halimeda sp.)
f047515: a hardy, slow growing green seaweed (Halimeda sp.)
halimeda and grapeweed
0507227: halimeda and grapeweed in the most exposed zone
pink rubber weed
0507277: pink rubber weed in a rock pool
 

habitat
grazing surgeonfish above pink paint coralline algae
f047217: grazing surgeonfish above pink paint coralline algae on which green thread algae grow.
polyps withdraw after touching from leathery corals
f047229: all polyps withdraw after touching only one on this leathery coral. The white one has its polyps withdrawn. (Cladiella australis)
recovering wonderland of corals and fish
f047304: a recovering wonderland of corals and fish
surgeonfish, parrotfish and pink anthias
f047311:surgeonfish, parrotfish and pink anthias
many species of demoiselle have claimed the recovering reef
f047312:many species of demoiselle have claimed the recovering reef
coral, pink algae and a deep blue sea
f047315:coral, pink algae and a deep blue sea
massive corals recovering (Platygyra lamellina)
f047331:massive corals recovering (Platygyra lamellina)
recovering coral garden near the Matavai
f047600: coral gardens recovering near the Matavai resort
recovering fleshy and hard corals
f047601: fleshy corals and hard corals recovering fast
white corals in a coral garden
f047603: white corals in a coral garden
coral flats near Hikutavake
0507289: the coral flats near Hikutavake are an excellent study area because their village has so few people to exploit it.
very exposed outer reef
0507228: the very exposed outer reef flat is dominated by pink paint, tunneled through by small black urchins.
pock-marked outer reef flat
0507243: pock-marked outer reef flat. Here the reef is growing outward.
pock-marked by sea and urchin burrows
0507237: pock-marked by sea urchin burrows, the reefs hide their life well
common grazing periwinkle
0507240: the common grazing periwinkle is sought after for food
one of the hardiest grazers on the reef flat
0507241: one of the hardiest grazers of the reef flat
grazing chiton
0507242: a grazing chiton is rather rare.
a hermit crab (Aniculus sp)
0507248: a beautiful hermit crab (Aniculus sp) in a large periwinkle
close-up of a hermit crab (Aniculus sp)
0507252: closeup of hermit crab (Aniculus sp)
a large sea cucumber (Bohadschia paradoxa?)
0507255: a large sea cucumber is not moved by the wavewash (Bohadschia paradoxa?)
a patterned cone shell (Conus sp.)
0507257: a patterned cone shell of the reef flats (Conus sp.)
a beautiful blue legged hermit crab (Calcinus elegans)
0507262: a beautiful blue legged hermit crab (Calcinus elegans)
detail of blue legged hermit (Calcinus elegans)
0507265: detail of blue legged hermit (Calcinus elegans)
strange limpets with yellow foot
0507269: strange limpets with yellow foot 
the spiky grazer has a beautiful interior
0507273: the spiky grazer of the flat has a beautiful interior 
a cone shell raiding an egg capsule
0507275: a cone shell raiding an egg capsule
parrotfish scrape marks on the coral rock.
0507288: parrotfish scrape marks on the coral rock. Parrotfish live from the thin soup inside coral rock.
a weak-shelled shore crab (Grapsus grapsus tenuicrustatus)
0507124: a weak-shelled shore crab (Grapsus grapsus tenuicrustatus) hanging from the ceiling of a cave 
weak-shelled shore crab moult
0507125: weak-shelled shore crabs moult both in and out of the sea
longlegged landcrab (Discoplax longipes)
0507356: longlegged landcrab (Discoplax longipes)
longlegged land crab (Discoplax longipes)
0507359: longlegged land crab on the road (Discoplax longipes)
longlegged land crab (Discoplax longipes)
0507360: mug shot of longlegged land crab
back view of longlegged land crab
0507362: back view of longlegged land crab
how to hold an uga
0507423: the way to hold an uga by its four long legs
uga do not normally climb trees (Birgus latro)
0507428: uga do not normally climb trees (Birgus latro)
mug shot of an uga
0507429: mug shot of an uga
male uga have very small parapodia
0507434: male uga have very small parapodia under their bodies, seen in the centre of the photo.
this land hermit crab is not an uga
0507517: this land hermit which is not an uga, is still carrying a shell
young land hermit with protective shell
0507518: young land hermit with protective shell
young land hermit with protective shell
0507520: young land hermit with protective shell 
feisty land crab (Geograpsus grayi)
0507535: feisty land crab (Geograpsus grayi)
male land crab brandishing its nippers (Geograpsus grayi)
0507541: male land crab brandishing its nippers (Geograpsus grayi)
 

z0507315: Photography by Dr J Floor Anthoni, floor@seafriends.org.nz
The images shown here are available in a slide show of screen-size 800x600 pixels, as well as over 1600 other images of the sea in several slideshows.
Order your own copy for many weeks of learning and entertainment. Become a knowledgeable and effective conservationist.
Support Seafriends!
 

 


.
'