Diving Layang Layang

Dogtooth Lair

This Layang Layang dive site is named after the schools of large dog-tooth tuna frequently found cruising here, especially along the drop-off. Watch out for these awesome creatures; you might see juveniles in small groups or the solitary big fellas, over a metre long and with a large set of pointed gnashers to match.

Out in the blue you might also catch sight of small schools of pickhandle barracuda, big-eyed jacks, or more unusually, hammerhead sharks and the elusive sunfish.

The reef itself is a sloping sand bank of predominantly acropora coral fields with sandy channels, just before the site plunges into the 2,000 metre abyss of the South China Sea. As you move round to the north east the slope gets steeper before becoming a wall. There are quite a large number of yellow gorgonians from 20 metres down, and this is where you're likely to spot blue-masked angelfish and schools of round batfish.

In the shallows there are patches of blue and fire coral that attract speckled butterflyfish and clouds of blue anthias. This site, and Layang Layang in general, has some of the most colourful varieties of parrotfish in the ocean, in every conceivable shade of purple, turquoise, yellow and chocolate imaginable. Bluefin trevally roam the area looking of pick off unwary fish. There are lots of lots of pennant butterflyfish, normally found in pairs, but here they're found in droves.

Dogtooth Lair Reef Basics: Coral garden with a drop-off
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 20 - 40m
Currents: Gentle - Moderate
Surface conditions: Calm
Water temperature: 25 - 30°C
Experience level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving season: February to October
Distance: 1 km (5 mins) east from Layang Layang Resort pier
Access: Layang-Layang dive resort

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