I just had time for a quick dip this morning and the water was balmy. Especially since I’ve just got back from the tropics, I was pleasantly surprised how nice it was. (More on that later … I’ve just finished off the latest trip report and can’t wait to tell you about it). It’s nice to be back in the bay though, as it’s very fishy at the moment. You might recall me talking about why fish numbers vary in the winter and summer here. Right now, we’re at the fishiest time of year. When I got in there was already a big school of Yellow-eyed Mullet and later I saw lots of Bream and Snapper. But the highlight was a Ruddy Gurnard Perch, rare for northern Port Phillip Bay. It was probably 30cm long, which is getting on for fully grown. I’ve never seen one here before and my guess is that they mostly occur in the deeper water.
Additionally, I also spotted a Short-tailed Nudibranch sitting with an 11-arm starfish and a leatherjacket. I tried to get a photo of all three together but the leatherjacket was having none of it.
It’s always a thrill to re-enter the bay after being away and it’s been so clear this year, the visibility was lovely too.
