Nudibranch, Shaun the Sheep, photographed underwater in Lembeh Strait

Meet ‘Shaun the Sheep’ Nudibranch: The Most Adorable Sea Slug

Small enough to fit on your fingernail, bright green like a cartoon salad, and sporting tiny “ears” that look like sheep horns, this sea slug is pure underwater joy. Meet Costasiella kuroshimae, affectionately known as the ‘Shaun the Sheep’ nudibranch. There’s something about it that makes you want to know more. What is it? Where does …

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Wunderpus octopus photographed underwater

Wunderpus Octopus: Habitat, Behavior & Dive Photo Tips

For adventurous divers and marine photographers, few underwater encounters are as thrilling as spotting the elusive Wunderpus octopus (Wunderpus photogenicus). With its elegant, rust-and-white patterned arms and hypnotic movements, this rare cephalopod is a living masterpiece that seems almost too magical to be real. Found in the sandy muck sites of Indonesia and the Indo-Pacific, …

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Be Inspired, Traditional Macro: Patrick Neumann, Real Focus 2026

Lembeh Critters: The Best Guide to Muck Diving in Lembeh Strait

In the northeastern corner of Indonesia, the Lembeh Strait welcomes divers into a new world where critters are the main attraction. These rare, small, and often astonishingly camouflaged marine animals are the reason this region is known as the Critter Capital of the World. While other destinations boast coral walls and pelagic marine life, Lembeh offers …

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Diver photogtaphing a whale shark in Tubbataha National Park, Philippines.

Responsible Whale Shark Tourism in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the best places to see whale sharks, thanks to its warm, tropical waters. These gentle giants, known for their distinctive white spots, attract divers and marine enthusiasts year-round. Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience, but if not done responsibly, tourism can harm both the sharks and the marine …

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Photo of a Yawning Hairy Frogfish at Solitude Lembeh Resort by Patrick Newmann

The Ultimate Guide to Diving with Frogfish

Known as one of the ocean’s masters of camouflage, the frogfish is a fish with a quirky appearance and unique hunting techniques. Because of their intriguing appearance and elusiveness, the frogfish are particularly popular among divers and underwater photographers. If you seek unique and extraordinary marine encounters, spotting a frogfish in its natural habitat should …

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Solitude liveaboards pygmy 8200

Get to Know the Pygmy Seahorse, A Macro Diving Delight

Ever heard of the pygmy seahorses? This tiny seahorse, measuring less than 2 centimeters, is known to be one of the world’s smallest seahorses. Aside from their minuscule size, they are also known for their unique ability to camouflage with their surroundings, which makes them a prized find for underwater photographers and macro divers. Eager …

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