WWF Travel Blog

© Robert Delfs / WWF-Canon

The sunlit waters of the Andaman Sea in Asia have been spared the ravages of development, runoff, bleaching and nutrient loading that others among the world seas have experienced. As a result, the corals are like a “bustling city of tiny fishes, crabs, mollusks and colorful sponges,” says WWF snorkeling guide Ron Leidich.

We asked Leidich to tell us about his favorite marine life moment from this year’s WWF snorkeling tour in Thailand and the Mergui Archipelago:

“I remember spotting a cuttlefish—a relative of the octopus—in shallow water. I cautiously approached for a closer look, but he retreated, seeing me as a threat.

“However, he soon learned that I could essentially provide him with a free lunch. How so? As I snorkeled over the shallow coral garden, my shadow was intimidating the wary gobies standing guard over their burrows. The cuttlefish soon learned that I was distracting these potential prey fishes, and he moved in for an easy meal.

“Reaching out with lightening speed, the cuttlefish nabbed the little fish directly in front of our group and gobbled them up in a flash. The intelligent predator then followed us around the reef, posing for pictures and showing off his wild color and texture changes to a group of his admiring fans.”

Join WWF’s Snorkeling the Mergui Archipelago tour, scheduled for April 15 – 28, 2011.