In february 2020 I had again a visit from my friend Jonathan Bird and his cameraman Todd Kelly, both from the USA and they were here to film another segment for their Youtube channel Jonathan Bird’s Blue World. You can watch it here directly. It is an excellent documentation from these truly unique formations that fascinate me for years and that I truly enjoy diving every time again and again.
In no way do I intend to give the impression that this is a
scientific research. I would like to point out, that I am not taking
samples out of the cenotes, do not catch animals and collect any algae
or any inorganic material in order to analyse them under the microscope –
unless I am invited and within a team of scientist with the
corresponding permits. First and foremost, I am a diver with a strong
interest in caves, especially underwater caves. As a diver, I document
was I see and also would like to put an name to what I have seen. The
verification of certain species is sometimes depending on microscopic
details. But as a diver, I will never be able to distinguish these
species in media aqua. The obvious and apparent is sufficient for me and
I try to make as focused and detailed photographs as possible in an
environment that poses challenges to man and camera. And I am happy if I
can find an explanation, a name, a detail, anything that I hadn’t known
before and there is plenty to learn for me in that respect.
Thank you very much to all diving friends that are so kind to share
their research results and articles about the various species with me.
Besides the few aquaristic books I have at home, they were a valuable
rescource. Especially thankful am I to Dr. Guido Kirsten, Werner
Fiedler, Wolfgang Schilling, Dr. Thomas Iliffe. If I give however
misleading information about some species, then this is of course my
full responsibility.