Vanishing
Rocks is a very healthy shallow reef due to the currents
that sweep through the passage between Cooper and Salt
Islands. These currents, which when strong can make
the site undivable, nurture its many species of corals
and support a large population of reef fishes. The
underwater ridge extends off to either side of the
breaking pinnacle and is surrounded by lesser formations
pockmarked with overhangs, ledges and undercuts. Descending
from the boat will place you on a slope covered with
gorgonians and small barrel sponges. Closer to the
pinnacle there is a sandy area, surrounded by rocks
and ledges. This is a great place to lie down on your
belly, get your face in close and leisurely observe
the inhabitants such as anemones and shrimp, jawfishes,
and blennies. Thick delicate coral growth, lobsters,
and occasional sleeping nurse sharks can be found here.
Along the deeper water a little further out and you'll
reach Sergeant Major City, a large multispired formation
of pillar coral that is positively overflowing with
fish life. Sergeant majors of course, but also squirrelfishes,
grunts and bigeye snappers reside here. A little further
along is an outlying pillar coral formation called,
you guessed it, Sergeant Major Suburbs. Hugging the
edge of the rock will bring you to a series of overhangs
where a large green moray eel is often spotted.
Vanishing
Rocks is a very healthy shallow reef due to the currents
that sweep through the passage between Cooper and Salt
Islands. These currents, which when strong can make
the site undivable, nurture its many species of corals
and support a large population of reef fishes. The
underwater ridge extends off to either side of the
breaking pinnacle and is surrounded by lesser formations
pockmarked with overhangs, ledges and undercuts. Descending
from the boat will place you on a slope covered with
gorgonians and small barrel sponges. Closer to the
pinnacle there is a sandy area, surrounded by rocks
and ledges. This is a great place to lie down on your
belly, get your face in close and leisurely observe
the inhabitants such as anemones and shrimp, jawfishes,
and blennies. Thick delicate coral growth, lobsters,
and occasional sleeping nurse sharks can be found here.
Along the deeper water a little further out and you'll
reach Sergeant Major City, a large multispired formation
of pillar coral that is positively overflowing with
fish life. Sergeant majors of course, but also squirrelfishes,
grunts and bigeye snappers reside here. A little further
along is an outlying pillar coral formation called,
you guessed it, Sergeant Major Suburbs. Hugging the
edge of the rock will bring you to a series of overhangs
where a large green moray eel is often spotted.