A lyretail hogfish (Bodianus anthioides) swims over a large Sarcophyton soft-coral colony into the face of a strong current on a quite deep 'sunken' portion of the barrier reef. This small hogfish feeds on zooplankton (as well as benthic invertebrates) and the rushing currents that affect this and other such habitats make a perfect food-delivery system. In the background are whitebelly damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon leucogaster), charcoal damselfish (Pomacentrus brachialis), and a cleaning wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus). (Banana Rock, Madang)
A young redbreasted Maori wrasse (Cheilinus fasciatus) on a steep-sided nearshore reef. This species appeared quite common in this area. (The Crater, Kimbe Bay)
A large bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), on the drop-off's edge, that just wouldn't leave me alone. This coral-munching parrotfish repeatedly got so close to me that I couldn't even focus my camera — very friendly, indeed. This species has something of a reputation for stand-offishness. Although my encounters with groups have generally seen them keeping a respectable distance (these algae-grazing schools can be quite large and very busy), this one acted more like an over-eager puppydog. (Milinat Pass, Madang)
A close-up view of the same bumphead at work turning reef into sand. The bumphead is the largest parrotfish and grows to a maximum length of about 1.3 m. (Milinat Pass, Madang)
A juvenile bicolor parrotfish (Cetoscarus bicolor) tucked away close to the reef on the outer wall of the barrier reef. The black spot at the bottom is actually in the center of the dorsal fin — the fish was swimming at an angle to the steep-sided bottom that basically puts it upside-down in this picture. The adults look nothing like this tiny juvenile: the male is basically blue, with striking pink spots and scale margins (a very spectacular fish), and the female is orange-brown and black. The flower-like animals below the parrotfish in this view are flower soft corals (Clavularia). (Milinat Pass, Madang)