Star of Lembeh – Part I

The Lembeh Strait is famous for its huge diversity of critters but there are some critters that are considered to be the “Stars of Lembeh” and frequently appear on divers’ wish lists. Here are some of our stars that definitely brighten up any dive!

The Wunderpus octopus is definitely one of the “stars of the show” here in Lembeh and can be identified by the long “stalks” on which its eyes are positioned.

Wunderpus octopus (Wunderpus photogenicus) – Photo by Dimpy Jacobs

These incredible nudibranch are solar powered by the central star in our solar system – the sun!

Parangatum nudibranch (Phyllodesmium parangatum) – Photo by Vadly “Opo S.” Makasighe

The Hairy frogfish is one of Lembeh’s most famous stars but with its hairy camouflage it is not so easy to find without a good guide.

Hairy frogfish (Anntenarius striatus) – Photo by Fandy Sangi

Harlequin shrimp do not just have star qualities – they are star eaters! Sea stars are the preferred prey for these carnivorous shrimps which are often found in pairs.

Harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta) – Photo by Vadly “Opo S.” Makasighe

Star following? While walking, the Warty frogfish moves its second dorsal spine forward and it looks like it is leading the frogfish where to go!

Warty frogfish   (Antennarius maculatus) – Photo by Jhoe Wongkar

One of the smallest but most popular stars on the Lembeh stage is the Bargibanti pygmy seahorse – and our team of guides know exactly which fans to find them in.

Bargibanti pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) – Photo Maikel Lumondo

A star that’s not so keen on the limelight. The Filamentous species of scorpionfish are difficult to find but can be identified by their large heads and concave snout profiles.

Filamentous scorpionfish (Hipposcorpana filamentosus) – Photo by Fekia “Opo K.” Luas

With its flashing orange and purple mantle this is definitely one of the brightest stars of the Lembeh Strait.

Baby Flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) – Photo by Vadly “Opo S. “ Makasighe.

With their spikey and ragged appearance these tiger shrimp are our Lembeh Strait rock stars.

Tiger shrimp (Phyllognathia ceratophthalmus) – Photo by Vadly “Opo S.” Makasighe.

This small octopus definitely deserves a place on the “Stars of Lembeh” list. Its blue rings flash when under threat and it is one of the world’s most venomous marine creatures.

Blue ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena spp.) – Photo by Jhoe Wongkar

We proudly presenting all the images by our own critters@Lembeh Resort dive team