It
would be difficult to list and comment on the
many various species of fauna and flora to be
found in the waters around Malta. It is important
to state that the chance of meeting "Big
game" fish or certain species of sharks which
may be dangerous to man, is almost non-existent.
Very seldom does one meet Tuna, Dolphins and Bonitos.
If at all, one will meet them more likely during
winter time.
Species which the diver will find around the Maltese
islands are groupers, amberjack, various bream,
various wrasse, damsel fish, octopus, squid, flying
gurnard, stingrays, meagre, bogue, red mullet
and others. Occasionally one will see moray eels
- although the structure of the coast and the
rocks seems to offer ideal living conditions for
them, they tend to be more visible during night
dives.
Also John Dory can be watched
here occasionally, mostly during wintertime since
normally it lives in greater depths. There are
a few sea animals which are beautiful to watch
but dangerous to touch; they are not deadly but
could be very painful depending on the divers
heart condition, general health situation as well
as age. Here the scorpion fish, the bristle worm,
the weaver and the stingray must be mentioned.
Underwater Photography - Malta At Its
Best
Because of the very good underwater visibility
there is no other diving destination in comfortable
and easy reach which offers such good conditions
for underwater photography as can be found in
Malta. The natural colours, especially all shades
of orange and red, come out naturally in depths
up to 1 & 12 meters (3-36 feet), even without
flash. The FUAM conducts competitions in underwater
photography in which everybody can participate
against payment of a small fee.
A Bizarre Underwater Landscape of Caves
and Grottoes
The rather strong topographic structures of the
Maltese Islands continue also underwater. So,
in this most bizarre underwater landscape of the
Mediterranean, one finds an abundance of caves,
holes, grottoes and crevices all of which offer
ideal living conditions, for a rich animal life.
They are the main attraction of Malta as a diving
place. Caves equal in size to a large sports hall
are not unusual.
Besides these natural hiding places, there are
some wrecks of ships and aircraft around Malta
which also have become the home of many fish,
crayfish and a multitude of other animal life.
And of course they have become a most interesting
target for diving excursions.
It would overstretch the possibilities
of this introduction to describe and comment on
the various diving sites in detail. In the following
"factsheet", detailed literature on
"Diving in Malta" is listed which gives
such information. The most popular diving sites
may be found on the Diving Map of Malta.
Night Diving
Night diving opens a whole new dimension for the
experienced diver, and Malta is ideally suited
for this kind of diving. At night time the diver
sees an entirely different variety of fish and
colours are shown more vibrant under a diver's
torch. Most diving schools feature night diving
in their program and under the right set of conditions
every competent diver should enjoy this thrilling
experience. |
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