Underwater Encounters: Fascinating Creatures You Can Spot in Anda, Bohol

andadiving
Jul 28
3 min read

Located on the eastern coast of Bohol Island in the Philippines, the peaceful town of Anda is one of the country's best-kept secrets for scuba diving enthusiasts. Its pristine reefs are bursting with marine life, and every dive brings a chance to encounter rare and mesmerizing species. Whether you love macro life or dream of spotting something big, Anda delivers unforgettable underwater moments.

🦑 Macro Marvels: Tiny and Spectacular

🐌 Nudibranchs

These tiny, colorful sea slugs are everywhere on the reefs of Anda. Each species is like a living jewel, with bright colors and captivating shapes. Some of the species you might encounter include:🟡 Aegires minor (Banana nudibranch)🔵 Chromodoris kuniei🟣 Phyllodesmium spp.🟢 Nembrotha spp.🟠 Chamberlainia...and many more!

🦐 Shrimps

Rare and often well hidden, shrimps are some of the most prized subjects in macro photography.You may come across:✨ Thor amboinensis (sexy shrimp)✨ Peacock-tail shrimp✨ Mushroom coral ghost shrimp (Cuapetes sp.)✨ Smooth-back shrimp (Pontonides unciger), often camouflaged in black corals (antipatharians) or gorgonians.

🦀 Crabs

Discover the amazing orangutan crab (Achaeus japonicus), a small red-haired crab that looks like a fuzzy ball clinging to corals — a favorite for macro enthusiasts. Also watch for the stunning porcelain crabs and harlequin crabs, each more photogenic than the last.

🐟 Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus)

Well-camouflaged among soft corals or algae, these slender, translucent fish are a true challenge to spot. Their graceful movements make them a favorite of underwater photographers.

🐴 Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti)

This tiny seahorse (barely 2 cm long) is one of the smallest known seahorse species. It lives in perfect symbiosis with specific gorgonians (Muricella spp.) and is extremely difficult to detect due to its exceptional camouflage.

🐋 Breathtaking Encounters

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)

Though not a regular visitor, the appearance of a whale shark is a magical moment. This peaceful ocean giant may occasionally surprise divers or snorkelers. If you’re lucky enough to see one — it’s an unforgettable memory.

Sea Turtles (Green and Hawksbill)

Commonly seen around Anda, turtles can often be approached calmly as they feed or rest. Peaceful and photogenic companions on many dives.

Sea Snakes (Laticauda colubrina)

These highly venomous but non-aggressive reptiles glide gracefully through the water. Their striking banded patterns make them a spectacular subject for underwater photography.

🌀 Weird and Wonderful: Nature’s Sci-Fi Creatures

Beneath the surface of Anda, some creatures seem straight out of a science fiction film. Their appearances and behaviors are so bizarre, it's hard to believe they're real...

Frogfish (Antennarius spp.)

These lumpy, slow-moving ambush predators can walk with their fins and change color to blend in. They lie in wait, using a worm-like lure to attract prey — then strike in the blink of an eye. A strange and wonderful marvel.

Octopuses (Octopus spp.)

Anda’s octopuses are as discreet as they are intelligent. They can change color, texture, and shape to vanish into their surroundings. Some are active during the day, others at night, offering magical displays to attentive divers.

👀 One of the most intriguing species is the blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena spp.), which displays glowing blue rings when threatened. Though only 8–12 cm long, it is one of the most venomous animals in the sea. Fortunately, it is shy and non-aggressive — observe it only from a safe distance.

Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)

Armed with two powerful "clubs," this colorful shrimp can smash shells and crabs in milliseconds. Its punch is so fast it causes cavitation — a shockwave that produces light and heat. Divers call it the "reef boxer."

Flamboyant Cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi)

A truly dazzling creature, this small cuttlefish displays vivid, flashing patterns of purple, yellow, and red across its body. Despite its beauty, it carries a potent toxin. Rare and unforgettable for those lucky enough to find it.

📸 Anda: A Playground for Underwater Photographers

With its abundance of camouflaged critters and tiny treasures, Anda is a haven for macro photographers. If you love slow-paced, detail-focused diving and rare species, this is your perfect destination.

🤿 Explore Anda with Us!

At Anda Scuba Diving, our passionate local guides will take you to the best secret spots on the reef, helping you find the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, every dive is an adventure full of wonder and discovery.