A single shore entry dive by Julie, Terry and David of 135 minutes. Maximum depth 5.5 m, 22 C water temperature and 5 m viz.
There we were back at the river again for another Sunday immersion. La Balsa Park, on the Mooloolah River bank, is a popular venue for a wide cross section of the community, all undertaking their own variety of recreation. Parking was at a premium when we arrived, however two in reasonable proximity were vacant but alas, no tables were free so we set up on a tarp in the shade. Once geared-up we weaved our way through the throng on the pathway and down the steps into the water. Ah, the relief experienced upon immersing ourselves in the cool water was sublime. Being a small tidal change the current was of no impost as we glided, over the substrate (well, one of us glides, the rest crawl) searching for those backyard treasures that entice us to this site. In composing those finds for the camera we delighted in the lack of surge, that nemesis of the underwater photographer, feeling almost guilty at this churlish attitude, to the conditions often experienced when we are fortunate to dive in open waters. A credible species count was compiled that, along with some that are rarely sighted, included a new species to our list. This new addition, Aglaja sp. 4, was found in the silt only due to the rocking action of its headshield when on the move. It is similar to our Aglaja sp. 3 but the spotting on the border is black and distinctive rather than just areas devoid of white pigment. What better way to pass the time on a Sunday afternoon.
Species and number thereof sighted
* Species with highest specimen count
Aglaja sp. 4 -1 (New species)
Anteaeolidiella cacaotica -2
Bulbaeolidia alba -2
Cratena lineata -2
Cratena simba -1
Eubranchus sp. 10 -1
Facellina sp. 8 -1
Flabellina rubrolineata -2
Goniobranchus aureopurpureus -1
Goniobranchus daphne -6
Goniobranchus geometricus -1
Goniodoridella savignyi -2
* Goniodoridella sp. 1 -19+
Gymnodoris sp. 10 -1
Hypselodoris obscura -7
Okenia liklik -1
Pteraeolida semperi -1
Tenellia puellula -1
Tenellia sp. 23 -1
Tenellia sp. 24 -5
Tenellia sp. 29 -1
Thuridilla carlsoni -1
Unidentia sp. 1 -7
Unidentia sp. 2 -2
Bulbaeolidia alba
Cratena lineata
Facellina sp. 8
Flabellina rubrolineata
Goniobranchus aureopurpureus
Goniodoridella sp. 1 - mating pair
Okenia liklik
Thuridilla carlsoni
The entrance stairway from below
Goniobranchus daphne
Hypselodoris obscura
Eubranchus sp. 10
Aglaja sp. 4 - new species
Anteaeolidiella cacaotica - mating pair
Tenellia sp. 29
Cratena simba
Tenellia sp. 24
Goniobranchus geometricus
