8 Breathtaking Photos
of Marine Life from Two
Unlikely PH Locations
By 8List
Who knew that marine flora and fauna could thrive in coastal waters surrounding power plants? Underwater photographer Mel Segarra definitely didn’t. He got the surprise of a lifetime when he explored the waters around two of TeaM Energy’s power plants, located in Pagbilao, Quezon and Sual, Pangasinan. Stunning, almost unbelievable, views greeted him underwater—incredibly rich diversity in two very unlikely places.
Go underwater for a bit, and marvel at these breathtaking photos of marine life.
8. ZEBRA LION FISH
(Dendrochirus Zebra)
Tayabas Bay, Pagbilao, Quezon
At first glance, the Zebra Lion Fish can be quite intimidating because of its large fans and needle-like dorsal fin spines. But give it some love; it’s actually considered a dwarf among its subfamily. If its venomous spines don’t scare you, go look for it near corals, pebbles and reef-flats.
7. BANDED CORAL SHRIMP
(Stenopus hispidus)
Tayabas Bay, Pagbilao, Quezon
Say hello to possibly the most interesting aquarium pet! Yes, you can actually keep a Banded Coral Shrimp at home. This guy’s cute eyes and bright colors make it a favorite among aquarium hobbyists. Also known as “Boxing Shrimp” for the large pinchers on their third set of legs, the Banded Coral Shrimp may be aggressive towards their own kind but are generally peaceful towards other sea creatures like corals and other invertebrates.
6. PHYLLIDIA SEA SLUGS
(Phyllidia Sp.)
Pao Bay, Sual, Pangasinan
It’s hard to miss the Phyllidia Sea Slug’s striking colors. With its knobs resembling fried eggs, hunger is highly likely as you look at it. Those bright colors actually serve as its deterrent against predators.
5. COMB PEN SHELL
(Atrina Pectinata)
Pao Bay, Sual, Pangasinan
Is that lettuce? Tomato? A sandwich? Nope, it’s a Comb Pen Shell—a large mollusk with a shell that’s up to 10 inches long! You can only find the AtrinaPectinata at the bottom of the sea. Interestingly, it’s secretions of adhesive filaments anchors it to the ground.