Layang-Layang Diving

Wrasse Strip

Wrasse Strip is where the tropical sun shines down through shallow transparent waters, creating a colourful reef garden most divers only dream of. How this site became to be named Wrasse Strip is unknown, but it certainly doesn't have more wrasse species than any other Layang Layang dive site.

However, it does have redcheek wrasse and slingjaw wrasse. The slingjaw wrasse is easily identifiable by its long trailing anal fin and red, yellow, black and white body markings. It can extend its upper and lower jaw to more than half of its own overall length, in order to create a tube that's perfect for feeding on crustaceans and small fishes amongst the reef. Take a moment to watch it go about its work, it is quite a sight to behold.

The whole of Wrasse Strip seems to be just a big cleaning station. Everywhere you look you'll find sleek and bignose unicornfish patiently hovering just above the corals stands, allowing the cleaner fish to do their work. The shallows are also a popular spot for juvenile manta rays and eagle rays to pull in for a hygiene appointment too.

The reef is an idyllic sloping bank of predominantly brown, sarcophyton and flowery soft corals with the occasional dense stand of elkhorn corals. There are many rubble patches that host red fire gobies. Presumably these patches of rubble are the left-overs from a turtle or titan triggerfish snack. These triggerfish are fairly common throughout Layang-Layang.

Many of the dives in Layang Layang allow for deep diving and will satisfy even the most zealous shark chaser, but there is something for everyone here on the breathtaking coral slopes to which no written description can do justice. Another unforgettable dive at one of the world's great dive destinations.

Wrasse Strip Reef Basics: Flat coral garden and slope
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 20 - 40m
Currents: Gentle
Surface conditions: Calm
Water temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience level: Beginner - intermediate
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving season: February to October
Distance: 20 minutes north west from Layang Layang Resort pier
Access: Layang-Layang dive resort

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