Top 10 Sea Critters List to Spot When Macro Diving

Have you ever marveled at pictures of sea critters that are taken by underwater photographers? More often than not, these creatures are found during a macro dive, a type of dive that allows us the chance to encounter some of the ocean’s most fascinating marine life.

Macro critters are typically much smaller than pelagic species, but that doesn’t mean they are less charming. In fact, the ocean’s tiniest inhabitants often have beautiful bold colors, and their elusiveness makes finding them an extremely rewarding experience.

In this article, we’ll unveil the 10 most unique sea critters you can typically find during a macro dive. Let’s check it out!

What is a Macro Dive?

Macro diving is a type of scuba diving that focuses on observing and photographing small, intricate marine life that may often be missed during regular dives. Macro diving typically takes place in sandy bottoms, reefs, or muck environments, where tiny sea critters often thrive. 

Divers typically use special equipment such as macro lenses and torches, to capture tiny details of marine life. The pace of a macro dive may be slower than a regular scuba dive, however, it is still a rewarding experience that unveils the ocean’s hidden wonders.

To enjoy the best macro diving experience, try visiting the top macro dive sites in the world, including the Lembeh Strait and Raja Ampat in Indonesia, Anilao and Dumaguete in the Philippines, as well as Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea.

Top 10 Sea Critters to Spot During a Macro Dive

1. Pygmy Seahorse

Photo of a Pygmy Seahorse from a night dive by Lilian Koh - Solitude Liveaboards and Resort

The pygmy seahorse is a tiny marvel of the ocean, with a colorful body that can camouflage perfectly against their environment. This means you’re going to need a sharp eye to spot them amidst the gorgonian sea fans and corals they inhabit. 

However, if you’re able to spot them, it’s going to be a true highlight of any dive, as their elusive nature and unique adaptation ability showcase the wonders of the ocean!

Best Places to Find Pygmy Seahorses: 

  • Indonesia: Lembeh Strait, Raja Ampat, Tulamben
  • The Philippines: Anilao, Malapascua, Dauin
  • Australia: Great Barrier Reef

How to Find: Look for subtle signs like tiny bumps of the corals or a spiral shape that matches the seahorse’s texture or tail. Typically active in the morning and late afternoon.

2. Decorator Crab

Graceful Decorator Crab (oregonia Gracilis)
source: wikimedia.org

While the pygmy seahorse expertly changes their colors to mimic their environment, the decorator crabs opt for a different method. These clever crustaceans adorn themselves with pieces of algae, sponges, and other materials to blend into the reefs around them.

This unique behavior is what gives them the name ‘decorator crabs’, and it’s highly useful to help them avoid predators. Spotting one during your dive would certainly feel like coming across a hidden treasure!

Best Places to Find Decorator Crabs: 

  • Indonesia: Lembeh Strait, Raja Ampat, Bali
  • The Philippines: Anilao, Moalboal, Dauin
  • Australia: Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria

How to Find: Look closely at corals or rocky surfaces where they tend to blend in. Pay attention to irregular shapes or movements, which can give away their hiding spot.

3. Nudibranchs

Nudibranch, Solitude Lembeh Resort image by Jasmine Carey @pxlexplorer
Festive Sea Slugs

With bold, bright colors and unique shapes, nudibranchs are some of the most beautiful macro life you can find in the ocean. These tiny sea slugs come in all sorts of colors and patterns, making them fascinating objects for underwater photography. These colors aren’t just for appearance, but as a warning to predators, signaling that they are poisonous. 

Best Places to Find Nudibranchs: 

  • The Philippines: Anilao, Dauin, Puerto Galera
  • Indonesia: Lembeh Strait, Alor, Raja Ambat
  • Papua New Guinea: Milne Bay

How to Find: Carefully look at coral reefs, sandy, or rubble areas to find unusual colors or patterns on surfaces like sponges, algae, and hydroids. 

4. Frogfish

Photo of a Hairy Frogfish by Patrick Newmann

Frogfish is a small fish that is able to camouflage, mimicking its surrounding objects like sponges and corals. Another unique thing about the frogfish is how they move. In contrast to most fish, which typically use their fins to swim, frogfish use their fins to “walk” or hop along the seabed. Although they can swim, they do so only for short distances because they lack swim bladders.

However, the most fascinating thing about the frogfish would be their hunting method. This species has a special appendage on its body that acts as a ‘fishing rod’ to lure in prey. Once the prey is close enough, the frogfish’s mouth will expand to suck in and engulf the prey at great speed!

Best Places to Find Frogfish:

  • Indonesia: Lembeh Strait, Ambon, Raja Ampat
  • The Philippines: Anilao, Dauin, Puerto Galera
  • The Caribbean: Bonaire, Curaçao

How to Find: Take your time looking around sponges and corals. Look for the outline of a tail or unusual shapes, textures, and color variations that may give their location away.

5. Coconut Octopus

Photo of a Coconut Octopus by Lilian Koh, Solitude Liveaboards and Resort

The coconut octopus’ unique name comes from the octopus’ habit of using coconut shells or other objects (e.g. clam shells or debris), as shelters to hide from predators. Sometimes, you can also see these octopus dragging their shells across the ocean floor, which can be quite the sight during a dive.

Best Places to Find Coconut Octopus:

  • Malaysia: Mabul Island, Kapali
  • Indonesia: Lembeh Strait, Ambon, Bali
  • The Philippines: Anilao, Dauin, Dumaguete

How to Find: Coconut octopuses are typically found in sandy or muddy bottoms, particularly areas with lots of debris. Look for movement amidst the corals, particularly one that resembles an unusual ‘walking’ or dragging motion.

6. Harlequin Shrimp

Harlequin Shrimp

Harlequin shrimps captivate divers with the unique coloration and patterns on their bodies. This shrimp typically has a cream-colored body, adorned with big, red and purple dots with blue edges.

These shrimp are usually seen in pairs because they mate for life and work together as a team. They have a unique diet, feeding only on starfish, with both shrimp often helping each other to catch and eat their prey.

Best Places to Find Harlequin Shrimps:

  • Indonesia: Lembeh Strait, Ambon, Tulamben
  • The Philippines: Anilao, Malapascua, Puerto Galera
  • Papua New Guinea: Milne Bay, Kimbe Bay

How to Find: Harlequin shrimps are often found in coral reefs, under large rocks, or in crevices. Alternatively, you can look for starfish, as these crustaceans feed solely on starfish.

7. Flamboyant Cuttlefish

Flamboyant Cuttlefish
source: pixabay.com/arhnue-1896944

Measuring around 6-8 cm, the flamboyant cuttlefish is a tiny cephalopod with bold, mesmerizing colors and eye-catching patterns that often change as it moves. It is the only cuttlefish species with this ability, making it highly sought after by underwater photographers.

These cuttlefish are commonly found ‘walking’ along the seabed. Because of their small cuttlebones, they can’t swim very well. Due to their lack of ability to swim, the flamboyant cuttlefish carry a unique toxin in their muscles, which is believed to be as lethal as that of a blue-ringed octopus.

Best Places to Find Flamboyant Cuttlefish:

  • Indonesia: Lembeh Strait, Tulamben, Bunaken
  • The Philippines: Dauin, Anilao, Puerto Galera
  • Australia: Northern Australia

How to Find: The best way to find the flamboyant cuttlefish is by looking at the seafloor, particularly during the day, as these cuttlefish are most active at this time. Look for unique movement or rippling, flashing colors, as this is one of their most distinctive traits.

8. Ghost Pipefish

Solitude Acacia Resort, Ornate Ghost Pipefish
Solitude Acacia Resort, Ornate Ghost Pipefish

The ghost pipefish is a rare species known for its elongated body and remarkable ability to camouflage. In fact, they have some of the best disguises in the ocean. They can perfectly mimic leaves, algae, sponges, and seagrass, making it quite a challenge to spot them.

However, when you do, you’ll have the chance to see some of the most unique ocean species up close. Their unique shapes and colors make them fascinating objects for underwater photography, often providing the perfect “money shot” during your dive trip.

Best Places to Find Ghost Pipefish:

  • Indonesia: Bangka Island, Lembeh Strait, Raja Ampat
  • The Philippines: Dauin, Anilao, Malapascua
  • Maldives: Baa Atoll, Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll

How to Find: Look for them in shallow waters, particularly among seagrass beds, coral rubbles, or areas with soft corals. Their elongated body and camouflage make them quite hard to spot, so you’ll need to move slowly and focus on small details in the environment.

9. Rhinopias (Scorpionfish)

Photo of a Bearbeitet Kopie by Patrick Newmann

Also known as the scorpionfish, the rhinopias are dubbed the ‘Holy Grail of Underwater Photography, thanks to their photogenic appearance. Using their expert ability in camouflage, Rhinopias hide from predators and ambush their prey with remarkable precision, making it a true marvel for divers and photographers alike.

Best Places to Find Rhinopias (Scorpionfish):

  • Indonesia: Komodo Island, Raja Ampat
  • The Philippines: Dauin, Anilao, Malapascua
  • Egypt: Red Sea

How to Find: Rhinopias can be found in shallow, tropical waters with rocky or coral-rich environments. Move slowly among the corals, sand patches, or rubbles to spot unique shapes and textures that can help you identify them.

10. Mandarinfish

Mandarinfish
source: unsplash.com/@davidclode

With stunning, vibrant colors and mesmerizing patterns in blue, orange, and green, the mandarinfish is another top, must-see macro life in the ocean. Their unique appearance makes them stand out in the coral reefs. In addition, these quirky fish are also famous for their unique mating dance, which can certainly be a fascinating object to capture!

Best Places to Find Mandarinfish:

  • Indonesia: Komodo Island, Raja Ampat, Bunaken
  • The Philippines: Tubbataha Reef, Anilao 
  • Palau: Mandarin Fish Lake

How to Find: Explore shallow, coral reefs, particularly in areas like caves or overhangs during twilight or dusk, as these fish are most active during these times. Their small size can make them a bit hard to spot, but patiently check out places that can be their hiding spots to find them!

See Macro Life Up Close with Solitude World’s Liveaboard and Resorts!

Solitude Gaia with skiff

Being able to see macro life up close and photograph them can surely be a highlight in any dive trip! If that’s what you want, plan your next dive adventure with Solitude World’s Liveaboard and Resorts!

Our liveaboards can take you to explore some of the top dive destinations in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Palau, which are home to a vast array of magnificent macro critters. Our PADI-certified guides will also stay onboard to assist you during your dive, helping you spot the creatures and ensure you have a safe diving experience.

Our resorts, Solitude Acacia in the Philippines and Solitude Lembeh in Indonesia are located in the top muck diving spots in the world, offering you plenty of opportunities to find rare, elusive critters throughout your trip. 

In addition to fantastic diving opportunities, our resorts also offer underwater photography workshops led by experts, along with dedicated camera storage rooms to maintain your gear. 

Ready to start your journey? Book your stay at Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts today!