Joanna James
The tropical waters of the Indian Ocean kissing the archipelago of the Maldives are famed for plentiful and vibrant marine life. As you enjoy the waters, the greenery around and the life beneath the waters, be aware of the dangers you may face. It is easy to be safe when one is informed and careful.
Undoubtedly one of the most unusual and attractive fish you see around the waters of the Maldives. It is generally rare to spot one, their habitats are the reefs and lagoons. Not very big, about 3 to 4 inches in size they remain very protective of their territory and resent proximity. If you happen to get too close to one it is fast to fly out and inject its venom into your body. The expected action as recommended by guides at all Inclusive hotels in Maldives is to always keep a safe distance of at least 8 feet from these creatures and remain calm so that they realize that no threat is posed to them.
Being seen a lot around resort areas and the lagoons of the Maldives, stingrays would attack only in self-defence and that is done using their tail. When they are secure in the feeling of not being threatened stingrays are great creatures to snorkel with as experienced regularly by visitors to Varu by Atmosphere. It is recommended to keep the 8 feet distance to enjoy the creature and not upset it.
An array of vibrant corals are evident when exploring the reefs. The edges of these corals are quite sharp and can cut your skin. Therefore, even though the colours tempt you, refrain from touching or feeling the corals. Did you also know that touching corals can hinder their growth, which is a slow process anyway?
So, be a responsible admirer of these natural corals, view them and capture images, however, don't be tempted to touch them.
Getting noticed easily due to their varied colours, sea clams are still and stays put with their shell open wide. The danger lurks if you are careless and steps on it. The shell immediately clams up if any foreign object touches it. Due to the sturdy shell and the tight clamming whatever gets in cannot be retrieved. So, observance of the golden rule whilst underwater is to be practised with sea clams too. Keep a safe distance, don't touch, feel or step on them and you can appreciate their beauty from a distance.
Probably the most venomous fish on the earth, stonefish don't attack however, their innate skill to blend in naturally with the surroundings can mislead many. They would stay still on the sea bed in the corals or rocky reef patiently awaiting their prey. Any contact with stonefish can produce their venom immediately causing severe pain and even paralysis. The good news is they are very rare and if you follow the golden rule when being underwater you will still be safe and enjoy the beauty of the seabed including stonefish if any.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
