1001 Seaforest Species

Cultivating a deeply felt understanding of biodiversity is an essential step toward the humbling realization of how fascinating and unique a place truly is

Stories from the Heart of Nature

The 1001 Seaforest Species project brings ashore the stories of 1001 organisms that call the Great African Seaforest home. A scientific inquiry with the art of underwater tracking and storytelling at its heart, core members Dr Jannes Landschoff, Emeritus Professor Charles Griffiths and Craig Foster unveil the secret lives of these creatures. This bid to build a lasting seedbank of species knowledge is driven by an urgent call to inspire awareness of and awe for nature.

Biodiversity – that breathtaking array of life on earth – underpins our survival, and knowing it is crucial for supporting its protection. The number 1001 draws inspiration from the tale One Thousand and One Nights, where a young woman’s endless storytelling keeps her alive night after night, eventually softening the heart of a vengeful king. Similarly, 1001 Seaforest Species seeks to keep Mother Nature alive by sharing her stories, species by species, fostering a profound sense of wonder and an urgency to protect her.

This evolving project is presented simply, with each species arranged numerically starting from #0001: the octopus, the animal that captured the world’s imagination in our Oscar-winning film My Octopus Teacher, to #1001: Homo sapiens, the human in the seaforest. Each animal has a story, and we are all connected in the miraculously complex web of life that is biodiversity.

1001 Seaforest Species is a collaboration with, and made possible by, Save Our Seas Foundation

#0001

Octopus

Octopus vulgaris

The octopus is our great teacher as she holds a special place in the ecology of the seaforest. We have perhaps got closer, and learnt more from her, than from any other seaforest animal. Nearly every kelp forest species is somehow linked to her behavioural complexity. Octopuses have shown us how they hunt up to 100 different species of prey, how they in turn avoid predation by seals and sharks, and how they master an unimaginable life of camouflage. For us she is the inspiration at the centre of the biological wonder that is Mother Nature.

#0001

Background

Ocean species knowledge inspires awareness and builds support for conservation

The oceans around the southern tip of Africa are diverse and unique. The warm, fast-flowing Agulhas Current carries subtropical waters from the Indian Ocean along South Africa’s east coast, contrasting with the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Benguela Current on the west coast, where giant kelp forests thrive. This contrasting oceanographic diversity makes South Africa’s coastline globally important, with 33% of the >13,000 marine species known thus far being endemic.

Cape Point near False Bay marks a biological break point for marine species distributions and is home to the Great African Seaforest, a unique and diverse kelp forest ecosystem. Our team has explored and cherished this region for over a decade, helping it gain recognition as a valuable marine ecosystem. We carefully embedded the name ‘Great African Seaforest’ in all our media work, and in 2021 it was named a New World Wonder. This iconic status will help towards its long-term protection.

Giant Short-tail stingrays (Bathytoshia brevicaudata), among the largest stingrays in the world, are common visitors to the kelp forest where they find safety from bigger predators in the open sea. Individuals bear unique patterns on their skin, often marked with scars or bite marks from past encounters. However, Short-tail stingrays have a powerful defence. Armed with one (or two) venomous, barbed spines, they can turn up their tails like a scorpion and deliver a dangerous strike. When approached peacefully, though, they are gentle giants within the kelp forest, navigating gracefully among the fronds.

The Gas flame nudibranch (Bonisa nakaza) is a standout, and amazingly also one of the most common nudibranchs in the kelp forest. Reaching a fairly large size of 6-7cm it displays various colour forms within its characteristic gas-flame pattern. Individual colour patterns sometimes make it possible to follow and track individual animals. One of the species that can be spotted at basically every dive.

The Violet bubble-raft shell (Janthina janthina) is a remarkable ocean traveller. It’s a pelagic, or open-ocean, gastropod that lives its whole life floating just below the ocean’s surface. This unique lifestyle is possible thanks to a raft of bubbles it creates with its foot to keep afloat. When ocean winds and currents shift, they often carry these beautiful violet shells close to shore, offering a rare glimpse of this fascinating creature to those who spot it.

After diving in the same place for many consecutive days, this large male Seaforest klipfish (Clinus arborescens) began to reveal parts of his hidden world. Dive after dive, Jannes gained his trust, drawing close enough to follow him to his favorite hiding place and observe his sacred hunting grounds. What would that magnificent kelp forest world look like through such marvelous reflective eyes?

The Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) is a rare sight, and encountering one is unforgettable. These elusive animals add mystery to their surroundings, often leaving only tracks and subtle signs. By following these clues, we’ve learned about their hidden lives, where they hunt for octopuses, cuttlefish, fish, crabs, rock lobsters and more. This particular otter even spent time with Craig, gently touching his feet and legs before disappearing, leaving him with a deep sense of connection to the wild.

The Kelp mysid (Mysidopsis major) is a tiny, one-centimetre crustacean with a big role in the kelp forest ecosystem. Kelp mysids can gather in massive swarms, filtering plankton from the water and serving as a vital food source for many marine animals, including whales. Swimming through clouds of mysids is a memorable experience, one that feels even more special after seeing them up close under a microscope. Aren’t the delicate structures of this mysid simply remarkable?

Aims

We aim to preserve, build and share knowledge of the Great African Seaforest to ensure its long-term protection

As environmental challenges threaten the last remaining wilderness areas of our planet, we use underwater tracking, marine biology research, and storytelling to:

Foster a holistic understanding of the marine environment
Connect people to nature, inspiring an emotional bond and care for the natural world
Raise awareness locally and globally about biodiversity’s essential role in human survival, promoting active participation in protecting the web of life
Highlight the significance of the Great African Seaforest to safeguard its iconic status and support its preservation
Bridge gaps between the science-to-policy interface to inspire political action
Encourage world business leaders to adopt a nature-centred value system

OUR THREE-PRONGED APPROACH

Underwater Tracking

An observational skill honed through presence and connection with the environment, tracking enables a deeper understanding of the seaforest, sometimes even the discovery of new species or novel animal behaviours.

Research

Marine biology and research provides the context and foundational knowledge. We collaborate with local and global research partners, programmes and projects.

Storytelling

Storytelling brings creatures to life. Each species’ unique story highlights the interconnectedness of this diverse ecosystem with the aim to move people to realise their own role in protecting our wild spaces.

Videos

We invite you to watch some of our favourite videos created from deep nature immersion to celebrate the biodiversity of the Great African Seaforest, and to inspire awe and change

Play

Beacon of Biodiversity

The Great African Seaforest is a powerful beacon of biological diversity

The Great African Seaforest and the ocean at our doorstep represent not just hope, but a living system that enriches our planet at a time when global awareness, policy and enforcement are urgently needed to restore the health of our natural world.

Our 1001 Seaforest Species project is centred around this remarkable kelp forest and the vital marine biodiversity it supports. Through documenting and highlighting the unique characteristics of the species within the Great African Seaforest ecosystem, we emphasise their interdependence and their crucial role in the health of the world’s oceans.

Our strategic objective is to accelerate global awareness of kelp forests in key domains, including the general public, the scientific and conservation communities, governments, multilateral institutions and businesses. We aim to inspire people worldwide to create conditions where such ecosystems can flourish and to energise individuals to take personal action in protecting biodiversity, leading to a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.

#0008

Rock Crab

Guinusia chabrus

Rock crabs are key players in the subtidal ecology of South African kelp forest shores, forming healthy populations of omnivorous foragers. While they hunt for small invertebrates, they must stay alert, as they are amongst the favourite food of the octopus. Rock crabs have an impressive escape mechanism: their flattened legs are perfectly adapted for quick swimming when needed.

#0008

App

1001 Seaforest Species Nature Field Guide App

We’re excited to launch the 1001 Seaforest Species app in 2025—a free, custom-built guide to the incredible marine life found in the Great African Seaforest. Designed with an intuitive species identification tool, the app will help users explore a range of categories, from fish to crustaceans and mollusks, and identify individual species with ease. This resource is tailored for the local marine community and anyone fascinated by ocean biodiversity. Highlighting rare and unique species found only in our region, the app will also contribute valuable knowledge to global biodiversity by including new discoveries and first-ever live images of marine life.

Social

South Africa is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and when we think of this, our brains immediately conjure up things like lions, fynbos, mountains, or thorn trees. It’s a natural response: our minds only know what they see. However, our oceans are a key part of this abundance, from the tiniest crustacean to the heftiest whale. And because the sea is such a vast, under-explored space, there are so many mysteries to solve. As Sea Change Project marine scientist Jannes Landschoff says, “I could work forever and still not discover or identify every species”. He and numerous collaborators work tirelessly every day to piece together the puzzles that exist under the surface.

Photo @jannes_landschoff

#Rememberyouarewild #1001species #seachangeproject #Rememberyouarewild #biodiversity

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South Africa is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and when we think of this, our brains immediately conjure up things like lions, fynbos, mountains, or thorn trees. It’s a natural response: our minds only know what they see. However, our oceans are a key part of this abundance, from the tiniest crustacean to the heftiest whale. And because the sea is such a vast, under-explored space, there are so many mysteries to solve. As Sea Change Project marine scientist Jannes Landschoff says, “I could work forever and still not discover or identify every species”. He and numerous collaborators work tirelessly every day to piece together the puzzles that exist under the surface.

Photo @jannes_landschoff

#Rememberyouarewild #1001species #seachangeproject #Rememberyouarewild #biodiversity

Can you say “Ten Tiny Telson Tongues” three times?
These charismatic Telson-tongue isopods (Panathura serricauda) don’t just have a name that sounds like a rejected Harry Potter spell; it also boasts a distinctive telson (the end part of its tail) that`s tongue-shaped. At first glance, the telson seems like nothing more than a modest appendage. However, it serves many functions in the life of these marine isopods. It acts as a rudder to navigate through a labyrinth of tubes; it acts as a shield, an armour forged by nature and it can take on a role of love allowing two isopods to intertwine. The telson holds a story of survival, of artful navigation, of steadfast defense, and of love in the world of marine isopods.
These marine isopods are detritivores that nibble on algae, detritus, and microorganisms. Their minuscule size belies their ocean-sized importance, for they`re the custodians of cleanliness, helping to break down and recycle dead matter, keeping the Seaforest sparkling.

Image: @Jannes Landschoff
Words @chaitanya_katz

#1001species #1001 #OceanConservation #ProtectWildlife #WildlifeProtection #EndangeredSpecies #MarineLife #CleanSeas #PlasticFree #SustainableLiving #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly #NaturePhotography #ConservationEfforts #ProtectBiodiversity #WildlifePhotography #StopExtinction #NatureConservation #SustainableDevelopment #Landscapes #EarthDayEveryDay #ProtectNature #NaturePreservation #EnvironmentalProtection #EcoWarrior #GreenLiving #ConservationEducation #SaveThePlanet #oceanawareness

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Can you say “Ten Tiny Telson Tongues” three times?
These charismatic Telson-tongue isopods (Panathura serricauda) don’t just have a name that sounds like a rejected Harry Potter spell; it also boasts a distinctive telson (the end part of its tail) that's tongue-shaped. At first glance, the telson seems like nothing more than a modest appendage. However, it serves many functions in the life of these marine isopods. It acts as a rudder to navigate through a labyrinth of tubes; it acts as a shield, an armour forged by nature and it can take on a role of love allowing two isopods to intertwine. The telson holds a story of survival, of artful navigation, of steadfast defense, and of love in the world of marine isopods.
These marine isopods are detritivores that nibble on algae, detritus, and microorganisms. Their minuscule size belies their ocean-sized importance, for they're the custodians of cleanliness, helping to break down and recycle dead matter, keeping the Seaforest sparkling.

Image: @Jannes Landschoff
Words @chaitanya_katz

#1001species #1001 #OceanConservation #ProtectWildlife #WildlifeProtection #EndangeredSpecies #MarineLife #CleanSeas #PlasticFree #SustainableLiving #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly #NaturePhotography #ConservationEfforts #ProtectBiodiversity #WildlifePhotography #StopExtinction #NatureConservation #SustainableDevelopment #Landscapes #EarthDayEveryDay #ProtectNature #NaturePreservation #EnvironmentalProtection #EcoWarrior #GreenLiving #ConservationEducation #SaveThePlanet #oceanawareness

Creepy. Incredible. Woooooah! These were some of the responses we received to our recent video of a mass of isopods scuttling to safety before a storm hit. ‘But what do they look like close-up?’ many of you asked. Well, here’s a passport photo of the Broad sea slater (Ligia dilatata). One of the most common isopods on the Western Cape’s shores, it plays a vital role in the coastal ecosystems of the Great African Seaforest. These Slaters move up and down the intertidal zone, gorging themselves on washed-up kelp, hence acting as a cleaning and nutrient-recycling taskforce. Some people commented that the sheer number of these animals gave them the heebie-jeebies. However, there is nothing dangerous about these animals, as they are completely harmless to humans. When examined at an individual level, they are actually really beautiful, with their armoured exo-skeleton protecting them from small predators. What our initial video did not show is that many of these animals get washed out to sea during these high tides. It’s just how nature works, because these sea slaters are in themselves an important food source for other creatures, especially fish. I find it inspiring when people have positive reactions to all the small creatures of the world, because the absolute majority of species with whom we share our planet are not the big mammals, birds or fish or even octopuses. Indeed, most species have evolved to be small invertebrates, and it is also those animals we at Sea Change want to highlight.

Words and Photo- @jannes_landschoff

#OceanConservation #ProtectWildlife #WildlifeProtection #EndangeredSpecies #MarineLife #CleanSeas #PlasticFree #SustainableLiving #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly #NaturePhotography #ConservationEfforts #ProtectBiodiversity #WildlifePhotography #StopExtinction #NatureConservation #SustainableDevelopment #Landscapes #EarthDayEveryDay #ProtectNature #NaturePreservation #EnvironmentalProtection #EcoWarrior #GreenLiving #ConservationEducation #SaveThePlanet #oceanawareness #1001species

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Creepy. Incredible. Woooooah! These were some of the responses we received to our recent video of a mass of isopods scuttling to safety before a storm hit. ‘But what do they look like close-up?’ many of you asked. Well, here’s a passport photo of the Broad sea slater (Ligia dilatata). One of the most common isopods on the Western Cape’s shores, it plays a vital role in the coastal ecosystems of the Great African Seaforest. These Slaters move up and down the intertidal zone, gorging themselves on washed-up kelp, hence acting as a cleaning and nutrient-recycling taskforce. Some people commented that the sheer number of these animals gave them the heebie-jeebies. However, there is nothing dangerous about these animals, as they are completely harmless to humans. When examined at an individual level, they are actually really beautiful, with their armoured exo-skeleton protecting them from small predators. What our initial video did not show is that many of these animals get washed out to sea during these high tides. It’s just how nature works, because these sea slaters are in themselves an important food source for other creatures, especially fish. I find it inspiring when people have positive reactions to all the small creatures of the world, because the absolute majority of species with whom we share our planet are not the big mammals, birds or fish or even octopuses. Indeed, most species have evolved to be small invertebrates, and it is also those animals we at Sea Change want to highlight.

Words and Photo- @jannes_landschoff

#OceanConservation #ProtectWildlife #WildlifeProtection #EndangeredSpecies #MarineLife #CleanSeas #PlasticFree #SustainableLiving #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly #NaturePhotography #ConservationEfforts #ProtectBiodiversity #WildlifePhotography #StopExtinction #NatureConservation #SustainableDevelopment #Landscapes #EarthDayEveryDay #ProtectNature #NaturePreservation #EnvironmentalProtection #EcoWarrior #GreenLiving #ConservationEducation #SaveThePlanet #oceanawareness #1001species

The isopod. The mask. The legend.
This dashing, aquatic adventurer is more than just a mere crustacean – Joeropsis stebbingi is no playboy of the seas; it`s a scientifically sophisticated creature that takes its role as a marine maverick seriously. It`s a marine isopod, a member of the esteemed order Isopoda, famed for its ability to adapt and conquer the depths. Equipped with its distinct mask, it’s the marine invertebrate world`s very own Zorro.

Ecologically, our ‘Zorro’ isopod takes on the role of a scavenger extraordinaire. It prowls the ocean floor with the elegance of a fencing master, seeking out fallen detritus and discarded morsels like a true epicurean connoisseur. Its chelicerae, or mandibles, are more than tools of destruction – they`re the utensils of a marine gourmet, snipping, slicing, and devouring its meals with finesse.

Now, let`s talk size. Our aquatic hero might not be as large as the whales that pass through the Great African Seaforest, but it`s no minnow either. Zorro isopods achieve a respectable length of about 5mm, which might not sound like much, but in the realm of marine isopods, it`s a true swashbuckling sensation. It`s the perfect size to navigate the underwater alleys and crevices, which makes sense given that they can be found in kelp holdfasts, the root-like structures of the seaforest.

words : @chaitanya_katz
Images: @jannes_landschoff Landschoff

#1001species #1001 #OceanConservation #ProtectWildlife #WildlifeProtection #EndangeredSpecies #MarineLife #CleanSeas #PlasticFree #SustainableLiving #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly #NaturePhotography #ConservationEfforts #ProtectBiodiversity #WildlifePhotography #StopExtinction #NatureConservation #SustainableDevelopment #Landscapes #EarthDayEveryDay #ProtectNature #NaturePreservation #EnvironmentalProtection #EcoWarrior #GreenLiving #ConservationEducation #SaveThePlanet #oceanawareness\/.

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$The isopod. The mask. The legend. This dashing, aquatic adventurer is more than just a mere crustacean – Joeropsis stebbingi is no playboy of the seas; it's a scientifically sophisticated creature that takes its role as a marine maverick seriously. It's a marine isopod, a member of the esteemed order Isopoda, famed for its ability to adapt and conquer the depths. Equipped with its distinct mask, it’s the marine invertebrate world's very own Zorro. Ecologically, our ‘Zorro’ isopod takes on the role of a scavenger extraordinaire. It prowls the ocean floor with the elegance of a fencing master, seeking out fallen detritus and discarded morsels like a true epicurean connoisseur. Its chelicerae, or mandibles, are more than tools of destruction – they're the utensils of a marine gourmet, snipping, slicing, and devouring its meals with finesse. Now, let's talk size. Our aquatic hero might not be as large as the whales that pass through the Great African Seaforest, but it's no minnow either. Zorro isopods achieve a respectable length of about 5mm, which might not sound like much, but in the realm of marine isopods, it's a true swashbuckling sensation. It's the perfect size to navigate the underwater alleys and crevices, which makes sense given that they can be found in kelp holdfasts, the root-like structures of the seaforest. words : @chaitanya_katz Images: @jannes_landschoff Landschoff #1001species #1001 #OceanConservation #ProtectWildlife #WildlifeProtection #EndangeredSpecies #MarineLife #CleanSeas #PlasticFree #SustainableLiving #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly #NaturePhotography #ConservationEfforts #ProtectBiodiversity #WildlifePhotography #StopExtinction #NatureConservation #SustainableDevelopment #Landscapes #EarthDayEveryDay #ProtectNature #NaturePreservation #EnvironmentalProtection #EcoWarrior #GreenLiving #ConservationEducation #SaveThePlanet #oceanawareness\/.$

Can you tell that Mother Nature has a thing for polka dots? Like a work of natural artistry, these charming creatures sport an intricate display of dots and spots that grace their bodies. These spots aren`t just for show, mind you – they`re the underwater equivalent of a luxury camouflage, designed to make our seahare stand out while blending in. It`s like wearing a polka dot gown to a ball where everyone else is in plain black – audacious yet oh-so-practical.
This Spotted seahare, scientifically known as Aplysia oculifera, is not just a fashion icon, but a fascinating example of marine biodiversity. With its herbivorous diet and size reaching up to 15 cm, this underwater celebrity proves that style and science can coexist in the most delightful and quirky ways.

Images: @Jannes Landschoff. Words: @chaitanya_katz

#1001species #1001 #OceanConservation #ProtectWildlife #WildlifeProtection #EndangeredSpecies #MarineLife #CleanSeas #PlasticFree #SustainableLiving #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly #NaturePhotography #ConservationEfforts #ProtectBiodiversity #WildlifePhotography #StopExtinction #NatureConservation #SustainableDevelopment #Landscapes #EarthDayEveryDay #ProtectNature #NaturePreservation #EnvironmentalProtection #EcoWarrior #GreenLiving #ConservationEducation #SaveThePlanet #oceanawareness

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Can you tell that Mother Nature has a thing for polka dots? Like a work of natural artistry, these charming creatures sport an intricate display of dots and spots that grace their bodies. These spots aren't just for show, mind you – they're the underwater equivalent of a luxury camouflage, designed to make our seahare stand out while blending in. It's like wearing a polka dot gown to a ball where everyone else is in plain black – audacious yet oh-so-practical.
This Spotted seahare, scientifically known as Aplysia oculifera, is not just a fashion icon, but a fascinating example of marine biodiversity. With its herbivorous diet and size reaching up to 15 cm, this underwater celebrity proves that style and science can coexist in the most delightful and quirky ways.

Images: @Jannes Landschoff. Words: @chaitanya_katz

#1001species #1001 #OceanConservation #ProtectWildlife #WildlifeProtection #EndangeredSpecies #MarineLife #CleanSeas #PlasticFree #SustainableLiving #ClimateAction #EcoFriendly #NaturePhotography #ConservationEfforts #ProtectBiodiversity #WildlifePhotography #StopExtinction #NatureConservation #SustainableDevelopment #Landscapes #EarthDayEveryDay #ProtectNature #NaturePreservation #EnvironmentalProtection #EcoWarrior #GreenLiving #ConservationEducation #SaveThePlanet #oceanawareness

Dr Jannes Landschoff shared another insightful update from his @saveourseasfoundation project, 1001 Seaforest Species.

Jannes shares the importance of collaboration between organisations and individuals working to make a difference for our blue planet.

Read Jannes` latest update online (link in bio).

Photos by Jannes Landschoff

#southafrica #kelpforest #seachangeproject #1001species #saveourseas #diving #snorkelling #freedivinvg #scuba #scubadiving #divinglife #reef #coralreef #conservation #saveouroceans

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Dr Jannes Landschoff shared another insightful update from his @saveourseasfoundation project, 1001 Seaforest Species.

Jannes shares the importance of collaboration between organisations and individuals working to make a difference for our blue planet.

Read Jannes' latest update online (link in bio).

Photos by Jannes Landschoff

#southafrica #kelpforest #seachangeproject #1001species #saveourseas #diving #snorkelling #freedivinvg #scuba #scubadiving #divinglife #reef #coralreef #conservation #saveouroceans

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TEAM

1001 Seaforest Species is a multifaceted project with ambitious goals, made possible through the hard work, support, and collaboration of many valued contributors

Dr Jannes Landschoff

Sea Change Project Marine Biologist and Project Leader

Jannes is a marine biologist, trained crustacean specialist and ecologist who leads the scientific research for 1001. His interests and talents in the field of natural history span from documentary photography and film to ecological biodiversity research and conservation. He is a Research Fellow at the Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University.

Craig Foster

Sea Change Project Co-Founder and Project Leader

Craig has spent more than a decade practising underwater tracking in the Great African Seaforest. He brings these skills to the project by closely observing the ways of the 1001 species, learning from them, and then using his storytelling background to weave rich tales about their often secret lives.

Emer Prof. Charles Griffiths

Marine Biologist

Emeritus Prof Charles Griffiths is a former Head of the Zoology Department and Director of the Marine Biology Research Institute at University of Cape Town. He has been studying the marine fauna of the region for over 50 years and has described over 100 species new to science. He is author of several guide books to regional fauna and produces a YouTube channel, Explore the Shore ,with his son Matthew. He wrote many of the 1001 Seaforest Species pages.

TRACKING ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Craig would like to acknowledge his original tracking mentors — !Nqate Xqamxebe, Karoha Langwane, and Xlhoase Xlhokhne — who inspired his journey into underwater tracking. This technique, shared with Jannes and the Sea Change team, continues to evolve, has led to numerous scientific discoveries and strongly influences the project, for which we are deeply grateful. We also extend our thanks to master tracker JJ Minye for his invaluable contributions to our intertidal and coastal tracking practices.

!Nqate Xgamxebe

Karoha Langwane

Xlhoase Xlhokhne

JJ Minye

Principal Partners

Over the years we’ve had the privilege to come to know and work with many of the deeply passionate team from the Save our Seas Foundation (SOSF) – our 1001 Seaforest Species principal collaborator and funder. SOSF have spent over 20 years protecting sharks and rays around the world. We feel very grateful to work with this fabulous team of scientists and storytellers, together giving voice to the countless voiceless animals that are our teachers, our inspiration and our life support system.

#0042

Red Roman

Chrysoblephus laticeps

The Red roman is one of the kelp forest’s most iconic fish, known for its curiosity towards divers. These fish start life as females in small groups but, at around 30 cm, transform into males and become territorial over a specific area. In protected environments, they can live for at least 17 years, becoming like kin to those of us who dive there regularly. This large male Red Roman followed us closely on one of our swims, adding to the feeling of being at home in the seaforest.

#0008