Lembeh Strait September Highlights: From Gobies to Rhinopias

Описание: September 2025 Highlights 
 
Another beautiful month comes to a close here in the Lembeh Strait. With little rain and plenty of sunshine, conditions have been perfect for critter spotting.
 
From friendly gobies perched on tunicates to a banded sea krait hunting through the coral shallows and even the rare treat of a weedy Rhinopias hiding among a garden of goniopora, it’s been a month filled with bucket-list encounters.
 
Here’s just a few of our favorite moments from September:
 
 
00:00 – Goby (Bryaninops yongei)
 
The tiny wire-coral goby (Bryaninops yongei) is known for making its home on whip corals – last month in the Lembeh Strait, we also spotted one perched on a tunicate. Just a few centimeters long, these masters of camouflage live in pairs and feed on drifting plankton, making them a favorite find for macro photographers and critter lovers alike.
 
Want to know more about this species? Head over to our critter log.
 
 
00:21 – Dotted nudibranch (Joruna funebris)
 
Jorunna funebris, also known as the funeral nudibranch or dotted nudibranch, is one of our favorite nudi species in the Lembeh Strait, due to its striking patterns and photo-friendly coloration. This sponge-eating nudibranch gets its bold colors from chemical compounds in its prey, and uses them to warn its own predators that it’s toxic and best left alone.
 
Hungry for more nudibranch facts? Our critter log has everything you need.
 
 
00:44 – Giant Frogfish (Antennarius commersoni)
 
Lawrence (our Photo Pro) and Charly (our Dive Center Manager) discovered this big, grumpy beauty perched on the side of the Mawali shipwreck in September. Despite his best efforts, Charly just couldn’t get a smile out of Antennarius commersoni on this occasion… maybe next month!
 
To learn more about the giant frogfish, its habits and its habitats in the Lembeh Strait, click here.
 
 
01:15  – Banded Sea Krait (Laticauda colubrina)
 
The Lembeh Strait is famous for its critters, but did you know we also share our home with reptiles? The banded sea krait is one of our most fascinating neighbors. Easily recognized by its black-and-white bands, this highly venomous yet shy sea snake hunts eels and fish on the reef but returns to land to rest and lay eggs—making every underwater encounter a thrilling and unique experience for our guests.
 
Want to know more? Check out this article about the banded sea krait.
 
 
01:59 – Weedy Rhinopia (Rhinopia Frondosa)
 
Last but not least, the weedy rhinopia (Rhinopias frondosa) is a true highlight for muck divers in the Lembeh Strait. With its frilly, leaf-like appendages and incredible camouflage, this rare scorpionfish blends perfectly into the reef—making any sighting a prized moment for underwater photographers.
 
 
How would you like to experience Lembeh’s legendary muck and reef diving for yourself? Our expert guides and dedicated Photo Center team are ready to make your trip an unforgettable adventure.
 
Book your trip to Lembeh Resort now!