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26/01/2008: "FITZROY BOMMIE .... Two underwater models"

The same bommie where we found the giant CoT starfish. Below was a cave housing some nice black coral formations. It was a productive dive pin pointed to us by our skipper Ron Isbell.
This soft coral colony looks like it would be a very old example if size has anything to do with it. Nothing brilliant in the color department, would be hard-pressed to make a promotional picture. A pity. If it were bright pink or red such formations would be all over magazine covers and posters.
Such is the appeal of color.
Underwater there is limited color visible to our eyes. The flash/strobe illuminates (and in same cases colorizes) the subject.
A false impression. Many tourists are therefore disappointed when they first snorkel in coral country - seeing a blue grey panorama of coral reef instead of the brilliant artificial colors selected for promotions.
It's a miracle some lawyer has not tried suing tourist bureau's, airlines etc. for false advertising. After all, the bright red colors do not exist (except in shallow water) without a light/strobe/flash.


