California reefs are full of fascinating critters adorned in living color. Our fish are among the most colorful and interesting and as conspicuous as they may be, many divers see only a fraction of the fish in residence. Here are a few tips to see more fish
10) Stay off the bottom. Divers who swim on or right off the bottom kick up a little silt and break many of the reef creatures they came to see. This ruckus also scares every reef creature with a touch of self-preservation instinct either away or back into the reef. Try swimming off the bottom and observe the reef from a distance, and then get close to the fish that attract your attention.
9) Be as quiet as you can. Sound travels particularly well in water, and fish have evolved excellent sound/vibration senses. Breathe smoothly, not erratically, and select a quiet regulator. Position your weightbelt or other metal objects so they don’t bang on your tank. Don’t use sounds to attract or communicate with your buddy.
8) Don’t look that fish in the eye. Throughout the animal world direct eye contact is universally regarded as a sign of aggression. Look at your fish from the corner of your eye. The fish will allow you approach closer and they will hang with you longer.
7) Try approaching fish from a tangential path and not head on. Sometimes the direct approach is the best plan, but not with fish. A direct path tells the fish he is on your menu. You will get much closer by taking an indirect path to your fish.
6) Avoid big groups. All divers cause some disturbance and scare fish regardless of how well they behave. When a herd of divers moves across the reef, only the first few see any fish. A single buddy team is of much less concern to the local fish than a big group.