Molucca Sea Collection

RF - Ocellate octopus (Amphioctopus mototi) swimming up from the sea floor. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) resting on top of the two halves of an old clam shell on the sandy seabed. These octopus regularly carry pieces of shell so they can use them as protective

Backlit photo of a Robust ghost pipefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus) reveals a small fish that it has just eaten in its stomach. Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Molluca Sea

Portrait of a Giant frogfish (Antennarius commersoni) on a large Yellow elephant ear sponge (Ianthella basta). Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Free swimming mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus). Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) pair spawning. The larger male (behind) is lifting the female into the spawning rise on his pectoral fin, the smaller female (foreground) is releasing eggs

A remote tropical island in the Molucca Sea is fringed by mangrove forest surrounding a shallow lagoon. This island sits amid the Coral Triangle

Common seahorse (Hippocampus kuda) female gripping onto a piece of waterlogged wood with her prehensile tail. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) at night. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Western clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) poses with a large, dominant female behind. The clownfish in the foreground is probably a juvenile. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

RF - A portrait of a stargazer (Uranoscopus sulphureus) lying in ambush in the sand at night. North Sulawesi

Portrait of a Bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) in open water at night. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Orange painted frogfish (Antennarius pictus) fishing. Here the frogfish is illuminated by a snooted strobe and the packground sand lit with a red LED torch. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Thorny seahorse (Hippocampus histrix) gripping onto a sponge. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) emerging from its home in an old clam shell. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Bobbit worm (Eunice sp. ) emerges from its hole in black sand at night to feed. Bitung
Bobbit worm (Eunice sp.) emerges from its hole in black sand at night to feed. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

RF- Wide angle portrait of Hairy frogfish (Antennarius striatus) waiting to ambush prey on black sand slope. Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Molucca Sea

RF - Veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) sheltering in an old clam shell on the sandy seabed. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Longhorn cowfish (Lactoria cornuta) juvenile, swimming over seabed at night, Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Molucca Sea

Common clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) in the tentacles of its host, Magnificent sea anemone (Heteractis magnifica), on a coral reef, Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Molucca Sea

Nudibranch (Chromodoris annae) on a coral reef, Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Molucca Sea

Pair of Nudibranchs (Flabellina exoptata) just prior to mating, the mating apparatus of the one on left is visible, Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Molucca Sea

Warty frogfish (Antennarius maculatus) yawning in its hiding place amongst white sponges, Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Molucca Sea

Map showing the Molucca Islands off Halmahera, 1640 (coloured engraving)
BON111184 Map showing the Molucca Islands off Halmahera, 1640 (coloured engraving) by Jansson, Joannes (1588-1664); 37.6x48.8 cm; Private Collection; Photo eBonhams, London, UK; Dutch

Veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) sheltering in an old clam shell on the sandy seabed. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Shoal of three Bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) in open water at night. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Common seahorse (Hippocampus kuda) female wrapping her prehensile tail around piece of wood on the seabed. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Pair of Western clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) spawning orange eggs on the rock beneath their Magnificent sea anemone (Heteractis magnifica) home on a coral reef

Whitemargin stargazer (Uranoscopus sulphureus) sets an ambush in the sand at night. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Reef lizardifsh (Synodus variegatus) at a cleaning station, being cleaned by Holthuis anemone shrimps (Ancylomenes holthuisi). Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Map showing the Molucca Islands off Halmahera, 1640 (coloured engraving)
XCF291062 Map showing the Molucca Islands off Halmahera, 1640 (coloured engraving) by Jansson, Joannes (1588-1664); 37.6x48.8 cm; Private Collection; Dutch, out of copyright

Close up of tiny (10mm) Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) living disguised in Muricella sp. sea fan. Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Tiny (10mm) pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) sheltering in seafan (Muricella sp)
Tiny (10mm) pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) sheltering in seafan (Muricella sp.) Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait, Molucca Sea

Photo showing detail of the underside and mount of a honeycomb sea star (Pentaceraster alveolatus) with two tiny shrimps (Periclimenes soror). Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

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The Molucca Sea, a hidden gem of marine wonders, unveils its breathtaking inhabitants. Witness the mesmerizing dance of the Ocellate octopus as it gracefully emerges from the depths, captivating all who behold its beauty. Resting atop ancient remnants, the Veined octopus exudes tranquility and wisdom beyond measure. In a stunning display of nature's artistry, a backlit photo reveals the delicate features of the Robust ghost pipefish, showcasing its ethereal existence. The Giant frogfish reigns over its kingdom on a vibrant Yellow elephant ear sponge, an emblem of power and elegance. Behold the masterful disguise of the mimic octopus as it freely swims through these mystical waters in Bitung, North Sulawesi. A Mandarinfish pair engages in an enchanting ritual as they spawn new life into this underwater realm. A Common seahorse clings to waterlogged wood with unwavering determination—a symbol of strength amidst adversity. As darkness falls upon us, witness the gracefulness of Bigfin reef squid gliding through these nocturnal depths in Bitung. The Western clown anemonefish strikes a pose beside its magnificent host—an embodiment of symbiotic harmony that captivates our hearts. In sandy ambush lies a stargazer—its piercing gaze revealing secrets untold beneath layers of sand. Embracing freedom within open waters at nightfall is none other than the Bigfin reef squid—a true testament to resilience and adaptability. Lastly, marvel at nature's ingenuity as an Orange painted frogfish skillfully fishes for survival—a reminder that every creature plays their part in this intricate ecosystem. Welcome to Molucca Sea—where beauty thrives beneath azure waves and where each creature tells tales only whispered by Mother Nature herself.