Dive Training Blogs
Fantastic (Underwater) Beasts, and where to find them!
By Gemma Smith
It is fair to say that there might not be that many underwater-specific spells, curses, potions or lotions. There may also be a distinct lack of any Nifflers, Nogtails, or Mooncalfs to see when we submerge and go diving. However, while we often look beyond the confines of our own world for enchantment and excitement, it is true without a doubt that the life we can encounter beneath the waves is bursting full of magic. As divers, we have a privileged portal to another world. And for many people, it may be even more captivating than they realise. There are just so many fantastic and mysterious animals living in our watery world. And these are just the ones we know about. There is so much left to explore in our oceans. Who knows what incredible creatures may still be unseen and undiscovered? And even for those more unusual ocean inhabitants, I think it’s important we always remember their unique charms! So, to showcase some of my favourite Blue Planet companions, here are my top five real-life ‘magical creatures.’
Goblin shark
The name alone is enough to intrigue you. Any animal named after the fabled goblin of fairytales and folklore is guaranteed to be amazing. In the Goblin Shark, you will not be disappointed. Even more interesting is how little we actually know about this species of shark. As a deep sea creature, it is the only remaining member of the ancient Mitsukurinidae family. Being referred to as a ‘living fossil’ is a testament to its ancestry. After all, it goes back all the way to the Cretaceous period!! This in part explains its surprising and primitive characteristics. It is best known for its unusual shaped snout, quite different from other shark species. Perhaps even more remarkable than its sword-like snout is it’s expanding jaw. It is able to move independently, and extend out when hunting. This is a peculiar, and perhaps bizarre, adaptation. Found swimming in depths ranging from around 40m/130ft to 1300m/4300ft, it might not be a sight you’d see on your standard dive, but there is no doubt these animals are otherworldly and incredible, with their translucent pinkish hue.
Where to find them: the Goblin shark is actually very widely distributed. Many of these sharks were caught off the coast of Honshu, Japan, at varying depths. More specimens were found in the Sagami and Suruga Bays of the same country. There is evidence of others in New Zealand and Australia. It is currently thought that they largely live near the sea bottom in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.
Wolf-eel
Going somewhat against its name, the wolf-eel is actually not a true eel. It is one of just five species found in the ‘wolf fish’ family. I have many happy memories of diving with these wolf-eels in the cold ocean surrounding Iceland. Swimming in the freezing water around this country, then coming face to face with this prehistoric looking animal is always exciting. Striking and impressive they undoubtedly are…cuddly looking, though they are not. With a mouthful of sharp-looking teeth, a powerful jaw, and lengths over 2.5m/ 8ft long, they are a sight to behold. Their vicious appearance is actually not the whole story though. Wolf-eels tend to move slowly, and generally are only aggressive to fellow wolf-eels. In fact, there are many stories of wolf-eels becoming quite used to divers, and even eating from the palm of a diver’s hand! They are also secretly quite romantic! Pairs of wolf-eels are often known to mate for life. They are also devoted parents, with both staying in their den to guard their eggs while they wait for them to hatch.
Where to find them: unlike me, these wolf-eels like the cold. You can find them in the cooler waters of the Northern Pacific, ranging across from the Sea of Japan and the Aleutian Islands to California.
Vampire Squid
If we look at the Latin name for the vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis). We are greeted by one of the catchiest animal classifications possible. Roughly translating to ‘vampire squid from Hell’. There is no question of the initial impact this little cephalopod had on its audience! They are actually not nearly as scary as the name would suggest though. The ‘vampire’ in its title is simply in reference to its reddish-brown skin, the webbing between its arms which resembles a cape, and its red (and sometimes blue) eyes. Far from being the blood-sucking creatures of lore, they are harmless. Growing up to around only 30 cm/1 foot in length, they are the only currently known cephalopod that does not catch and eat live animals for food. While research is always ongoing, it is believed that these squids live primarily on ‘marine snow’. Marine snow is simply the sinking detritus from above them in the water column. While this ‘snow’ might not seem sufficient to live on, these vampire squids are frugal. Because they are living at depths with so little oxygen there are not many other creatures that could survive there. This means there is very little need to expend energy in order to escape from predators.
Where to find them: Vampire squid tend to occupy the temperate and tropical regions of the ocean. They do not like the shallows though and prefer to hang out in the 600m/2000ft to 900m/3000ft range.
Leafy Sea Dragon
I always knew dragons were real and incredible, and with the leafy sea dragon I wasn’t let down! This beautiful underwater creature is a marine fish belonging to the family Syngnathidae. This same family also includes pipefish and seahorses. While the leafy sea dragon resembles a seahorse more than a pipefish, it is thought more likely that it is, in fact, an intermediate step between the two. They get their name from their delicate covering of leaf-life appendages over all of their bodies. This is partly what makes them one of the best-camouflaged creatures you will (or won’t!) be lucky enough to see. They are perfectly adorned to blend in with the surrounding kelp and seaweed of the environment in which they live. While larger than their seahorse relatives, they are still relatively small. You will need keen eyes to pick them out on a dive. It will be worth it if you take the time to do so though.
Where to find them: The leafy sea dragon has only ever been recorded along the southern coastline of Australia. They like to live among seaweed beds, rocky reefs, and on sand patches close by weed-covered reefs. This way they can easily blend in to look like seaweed drifting in the current.
Narwhal
This animal is the closest most of us will ever get to seeing an actual unicorn. The narwhal is a true triumph of beauty and grace. It’s most striking feature is undoubtedly the long ‘tusk’ protruding from its head, which can grow up to 3m/10ft in length. Interestingly, this tusk is actually an enlarged tooth! It is a feature most commonly seen on males, although females have also been seen with one. Some whales can even have two tusks! Recent studies have indicated that these tusks may actually have quite significant sensory capabilities.
Together with beluga whales, the narwhal is one of only two living species of whale in the monodontidae family. They have captured the imagination of people for centuries. In legend, literature, art, and photography, the narwhal has always been a favourite subject. In fact, the Inuit believed the narwhal was a once a woman who fell into the sea, and whose long plaited hair is the explanation for the spiralling tusk of the narwhal. This happened when she was initially transformed from woman to whale. Looking at this beautiful animal, it’s not hard to see why it has continued to intrigue people through the ages.
Where to find them: make sure you wrap up warm for this one! Narwhals do not have a problem with cold water and spend all year in the Arctic waters around Canada, Greenland, and Russia.
Blobfish
Last, but definitely not least, there is the Blobfish. I almost didn’t include this one, but then I think it’s important to remember that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes! While the Blobfish is not the most photogenic animal you may see (after all, it was voted the world’s ugliest animal in 2013!), it is without question an interesting one. A deep sea dwelling fish, it is found at average depths of around 915m/3000ft, although sometimes much deeper as well. They spend their entire lives on the sea floor and have only been found when caught in trawling nets and brought to the surface. Due to the extreme pressure change the Blobfish never survives this. It is believed that at depth they may actually look much less engorged and that perhaps the marked decrease in pressure is to blame. Due to their preference for living at such depths, we really know very little still about this small creature. I have no doubt there is more to them than meets the eye!
Where to find them: Blobfish are native to the waters off Australia and New Zealand. Unfortunately, diving technology is not yet quite up to the depth requirement to see them in person. It will have to be a submarine if they are on your bucket-list of ‘fantastic beasts’ to encounter!
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
At Scubaverse, we’re always keen to spotlight initiatives that aim to make diving more accessible, inclusive, and innovative. NovoScuba is a bold new training agency with a mission to reshape how people learn to dive—and they’re inviting the global dive community to be part of something special.
What follows is a passionate look at their vision, values, and how you can get involved.
An Exciting Opportunity for Divers and Dreamers to Own a Piece of the Future of Scuba Diving
The world of scuba diving is about to undergo a revolutionary transformation—and you could be a part of it! NovoScuba, an innovative and passionate scuba diving training agency, is on the brink of a final push towards a global launch, that promises to change the way people learn to dive forever.
After two years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless drive to make the sport of scuba diving more accessible to all, NovoScuba is excited to announce that they are inviting enthusiastic divers, ocean lovers, and supporters of innovation to become shareholders in this game-changing movement.
This is your chance to dive into something much bigger than just a hobby. NovoScuba isn’t just offering training programs; they’re offering a stake in the future of the scuba industry. Are you ready to be a part of a global wave of change?
Who We Are: The NovoScuba Movement
NovoScuba isn’t your average diving school. We’re a movement—a movement that strives to make scuba diving more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for everyone. Our team is made up of passionate divers who are not just certified professionals but also deeply connected to the ocean, the environment, and the people who should be able to experience the wonders of the underwater world. We believe diving is about discovery, adventure, and sharing these experiences with others, not just about profit.
For the past two years, we’ve been working tirelessly to develop a new kind of diving training system. One that utilises cutting-edge technology, digital learning platforms, and a unique approach to make scuba diving training available to people from all walks of life. We’ve built this system with love, sweat, and an unwavering belief in our mission to make the world of diving more inclusive.
But here’s the thing—we’re not doing it for the pay check. In fact, none of our team members have taken a salary because we believe in this mission so much. It’s been a labour of love, and now, we’re asking you to be a part of it.
The Big Vision: Taking the Leap
After two years of intense planning, development, and innovation, NovoScuba is finally on the verge of going global. We’re ready to open our doors to the world, but we need your help to make the leap. We’re asking for your support to refine our digital platforms, expand our global reach, and ensure that we can provide top-notch scuba diving training to divers everywhere, no matter where they are or what their budget is.
This is where you come in.
Why We Need Your Help: A Call to Action
We’re closer than ever to achieving our dream, but we need that final push to launch NovoScuba on a global scale. This is not just about funding a business—it’s about being part of something that will redefine the future of scuba training. We need your help to get us over the last few hurdles, and in exchange, we are offering you an incredible opportunity to own a share in this exciting new venture.
For every £250 donation, you’ll receive 1 Class B share in NovoScuba. That’s right—you’re not just helping us out, you’re becoming part of our future. You’ll have a stake in a company that’s poised to revolutionise an entire industry, and as NovoScuba grows, so does your ownership. It’s more than a donation—it’s a chance to join a passionate and innovative team and help shape the future of scuba diving education.
Imagine being able to tell your friends that you didn’t just support a great cause—you’re a shareholder in the future of scuba diving! That’s an experience that goes beyond just funding; it’s about being part of something that matters.
How You Can Get Involved: Dive Right In!
Here’s how you can join the NovoScuba movement and help us make a splash:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-novoscuba-shape-the-future-of-scuba-training
Donate: Any amount makes a difference! Whether it’s £10 or £1,000, every contribution helps us reach our goal.
- Become a Shareholder: Donate £250 or more, and you’ll receive a Class B share in NovoScuba. This is your chance to own a piece of the future of scuba diving education.
- Spread the Word: Even if you can’t contribute financially, you can still help. Share our campaign with your network and help us spread the word about this exciting opportunity.
- Get Involved: Dive deeper into the NovoScuba community by following us on social media, joining our online events, and staying connected as we grow. Your involvement will help us reach even more people who are eager to learn about the underwater world.
This isn’t just about helping us; it’s about joining a community of like-minded people who believe in making the world of scuba diving open to everyone. Together, we can change the face of scuba diving education and make it accessible for generations to come.
Why This Matters: Changing Lives, One Dive at a Time
Scuba diving is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences on earth. It’s a portal into a whole new world, full of beauty, mystery, and wonder. But for far too long, this life-changing activity has been out of reach for many people due to the high costs of training.
NovoScuba aims to change that by creating a digital-first training system that is not only more affordable but also more accessible. We’re committed to making diving available to people from all backgrounds, regardless of their income or location. With our innovative training methods, we’re able to offer a platform that meets the needs of today’s divers—whether they’re looking to dive for the first time or advance their skills.
We’re not just creating a business; we’re changing lives. We’re giving people the opportunity to explore the world beneath the waves, connect with the ocean, and discover something new about themselves. And we want you to be a part of that transformation.
The Future of Scuba Diving Starts Now
The diving world is ready for change, and NovoScuba is leading the charge. With your support, we’ll continue to grow and make diving more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a company that is set to disrupt an entire industry.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of something truly transformative, now is the time. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join the NovoScuba family and help us shape the future of scuba diving education.
Join Us Today—Let’s Make Waves Together!
Your support will help us reach new heights and bring our dream to life. Together, we can make scuba diving education accessible to everyone, no matter their background or budget.
Dive into the future with NovoScuba—join us today!
For more information or to donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-novoscuba-shape-the-future-of-scuba-training today. Let’s make diving available for all—and let’s make the world a better place, one dive at a time.
Meet Mia Daponte, New England’s youngest female Master Scuba Diver and Scubaverse.com’s latest blogger!
Hi, I’m Mia DaPonte, and this is my first blog! I am New England’s youngest female master scuba diver. I did my training in Jamestown Rhode Island and I’m 12 years old.
I’m also black belt in karate, and I also play soccer, basketball, and love to race my sailboat named “Beluga”. My journey to become a master diver was amazing, not all of it was easy but with the help of my friends and family they supported me so much.
When I turned ten years old, I wanted to scuba dive for my Birthday. After learning diving in the cold murky waters near my home, I wanted to start my training for this Master Diver certification. I met my instructor Seamus on my first day of diving. He was a very good influence on me and always supported me. He taught me everything I know about diving.
I also got to go to new tropical places and dive for fun. We went places like Puerto Rico, Punta Cana, Bermuda, and Bahamas. For the first time I could see far. I saw stingrays, lion fish, coral reefs, tropical fish, and lots of other animals. My favorite animal that I saw was an octopus.
Finally, it was time for my certification trip. The trip came so fast, and I eventually succeeded. In February, I went down to Cozumel Mexico and went diving at Blue Angel Resort. To get my certification, I had to do a deep dive of a max depth of 60ft, and I had to do rescue training. I also had to do an online e-learning test to qualify for this certification.
On the first day I only worked in the pool to practice and perfect rescue techniques for the next day. It was fun putting the online learning to reality. The first part felt harder than the second because I didn’t have as much room in the pool as the open ocean. On the second day, we did it in the ocean. It was hard for me to do the rescue breaths, and bring the adult diver from the bottom of the ocean to the surface. But I was able to do it after hard work.
Cozumel was a lot of fun. We made so many friends down there and hope to see them again. Diving down there was truly magical. I can’t wait to go back someday.
After hard work and dedication, I was able to achieve this accomplishment. It took me 2 years of studying and practicing, but in the end it all paid off. I can’t wait to share my next adventure with you.
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