The panga "Ballena" was out platform, run by our good friends at SeaRobin Diving, Cozumel
The deep reefs and walls of Cozumel are world-class - spectacular!
A Gorgonia frames the wall, back lit by the sun.
Tube sponges abound on the walls.
The symbiotic relationship between a Bar Jack and Southern Ray is frequently seen during drifts over shallow, sandy bottoms.
Angelfish and a Parrotfish hang-out around a feeding Hawksbill Turtle
The turtle population on the Cozumel reefs is vibrant and impressive.
As is the shark population
And the Green Morays
This Grunt was interested in a lobster dinner, but the lobster stood its ground and chased the large fish away
White-Spotted Filefish are interesting and quite common
Giant Barracuda are frequently seen along or in small groups
Schools of Blue-striped Grunts are found along the shallow walls and reefs
This yellow, Long-Snout Seahorse was in this same location three times we visited it, until the last dive, when it was gone.
The curious-looking Splendid Toadfish is indigenous to Cozumel and not found elsewhere.
I am a sucker for Christmas tree Worms
Trumpetfish always think they are hiding in the strands of soft coral
Cozumel has Nudibranchs, but they are very hard to spot. Here is one.
And another.
Anemone are common, but when you find one, you look into its tentacles ...
And look very carefully ...
And you might be rewarded with a Squat Anemone shrimp ...
Or an Arrowcrab hiding in the shadows.