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Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island is the ultimate escape. Selected by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the three most romantic ocean destinations in the world, Mnemba surpasses all expectations. The island is an incomparable barefoot paradise: private cottages are hidden in the dappled shade. The soothing rhythms of tide and time will ease your entire being - mind, body and soul.

KLEINS UNDERCOVER

No, this sighting story isn't about Kleins Camp! It's actually about the Kleins Butterfly Fish. Lately these clever little fish have been using us divers as a cover.

Let me explain! In the last couple of weeks, the Sergeant Major fish have been laying their eggs all over our reefs. The eggs are tiny with a purple hue, and are placed over every available patch of rock. On one particular reef, Small Wall, the Kleins Butterfly Fish have worked out that by swimming en masse underneath scuba divers, they are able to get excellent cover so that they can cross from egg patch to egg patch and then eat for as long as possible before the Sergeant Majors furiously swim in and around them, trying to protect their eggs.

I’ve also noticed that the Epaulette Surgeon Fish, Threadfin Butterfly Fish and the occasional Bird Wrasse have got in on the act as well!

Posted: Mnemba Island by Karen du Plessis, Date: 3 September 2010

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