Title: "Palauan Dreamscape"

Islands of Palau, Micronesia, 1999

TOTAL EDITION: 500

SIZE: 11.5" X 16.5" (29 cm X 42 cm)

The reefs of Palau are among the top diving destinations in the world, boasting rich, colorful coral, diverse marine life, and exciting drift diving along sheer underwate walls.

Large tide changes, along with narrow underwater passes, cause strong currents. Perfect conditions for huge sea fans to grow. This one pictured is over 7 feet across. The sea fans (a type of coral) grow perpendicular to the prevailing current, in order to trap drifting food like a giant net.

Notice the two Spotted Sweetlip Cod taking refuge in the leeward side of the fan. By staying out of the high current flow, they are minimizng energy usage.