What the Muck Is That?

Muck diving is known for unappealing, muddy ocean habitats and for some, really crazy critters. The mimic octopus is one of the many oddities that can be found in Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait. Thaumoctopus mimicus does more than just blend into its silty surroundings — it can change its appearance and behavior to impersonate other animals. The small octopus, which grows up to 2 feet, has brown and white stripes when out of costume. It can swim with its arms spread wide to imitate a lionfish or bury itself, leaving two arms exposed, sporting the black and yellow bands of a sea snake. Stranger yet, it can hold its arms together and undulate across the bottom like a flatfish. Some of the mimic’s forms are more subjective, and divers love to try to interpret which of Lembeh’s weird inhabitants are being portrayed.

Muck it up at one of these popular muck-diving destinations:

Ambon, Indonesia

Maluku is home to another Indonesian hot spot for muck divers. You may be lucky enough to spot a rare psychedelic frogfish — which was discovered here in 2008 — and the painted frogfish.

Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea

The black-sand beaches of Milne Bay are filled with long-nose hawkfish, stargazers, ghost pipefish, weedy scorpionfish and more. This is the birthplace of the term muck diving, which was coined by PNG diving pioneer Bob Halstead.

Blue Heron Bridge, Riviera Beach, Florida

Go muck diving closer to home, where balloonfish, flying gurnards and frogfish are just a few of the locals at this shore dive.

PLAN WELL

Water Conditions
Temps range from 77 to 83 degrees, and viz from 16 to 60 feet.

What to Bring
A focus light to avoid spooking skittish photo subjects.

What You Need to Know
Visibility during a muck dive can be poor.

When to Go
Year-round, but mimic octopuses have been seen mating Jan.-July.

Where to Go
Lembeh Resort