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Muck Diving in Kudat

Muck Diving in Kudat
        We all know scuba diving on a coral reef is an amazing experience, with colourful corals and an amazing array of marine life. With everything from spectacularly coloured fish to tiny shrimp, and all that’s in between.
        However, there is a whole world of weird and wonderful waiting to be discovered out on the sandy flats, which brings us to the often underestimated MUCK DIVE!
        Sure you won’t be instantly overwhelmed by the obvious beauty of a coral reef, but with a bit of patience and a keen eye the inhabitants of the muck are well worth the search.
        Out on the sandy flats of Kudat are some creatures you have to see to believe.
In this harsh environment lacking in shelter, the cunning creatures who call the muck home, are always on the lookout for cover, be it a discarded can or coconut husk.
        We have been building artificial reefs out in these baron environments, which has resulted in the reefs being swiftly populated, and left the surrounding sand flat teeming with life.
          The list of organism we at TRACC encounter includes: 

Mimic octopus

Frog fish



Ambon scorpionfish


Urchin carrier crabs

Snake eels


Sting rays


Sea horses

Ghost pipe fish.
         With such an impressive list of locals it can be hard to focus on the task at hand ;) but the work must go on.
         So the next time you’re on a dive and you see the sandy planes lurking just off the reef, head out there and explore, you may be rewarded with the treasures of the ocean not found by many.
          For more information on the exciting experience that is muck diving watch:
         ‘Mucky Secrets’ on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJMZ6reOB0E

More info about volunteering with TRACC in Malaysia - Turtle Snorkellers - Divers