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Article by Jill Holloway Photos by David Holloway W The big guys Potato bass


e first saw the massive brindle bass (Epinephelus lanceolatus)


on the Produce at Aliwal Shoal with veteran shark man Walter Bernardis. They are uncharacteristically timid so we had to sneak in through the hatch at the lowest point (30m), fin cautiously up the drowned companionway and emerge at the entrance to the Cargo Hold – and there they were, massively lurking, the size of a small car, rather shy and absolutely terrifying when they open their huge mouths. He is 5m long, with a


girth to match. They start life as colourful yellow and black infants, and then grow into sleekly elegant females. Once mature they bulk up, lose their minds, turn into males and eventually fornicate themselves to a massively grand old age. They will happily eat lobster, rays and even small sharks if they get too close. Next in size is the diver’s


favourite, the potato bass (Epinephelus Tukula). Generally hospitable toward divers, there are some well known fellows on the Sodwana Bay reefs – Fred on Stringer, Sam on 7-Mile – legendary fish who follow the group and eye divers curiously, grinning affectionately and wondering what the bubbles are all about. They are fiercely territorial and there is generally only one fish to be found in any area. They abound at Sodwana, so they are a DM’s delight. Often found under


ledges and hiding behind shoals of small fry they lurk, almost invisible, waiting in ambush for prey. They will eat any reef fish that gets too close, varying the menu with crabs,


skates and flounders. Often Brindle bass 10


seen cruising the currents in mid water, these fish are always a pleasure to dive with. Next in size is the


September/October 2011


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