ENTRY DESCRIPTION
In Indonesia's rich waters, it's not just the variety that is astounding, but the sheer biomass associated with this region. Schooling fish species such as these silversides occur in mind-boggling quantities, sometimes almost completely covering the reef or enveloping divers with their massive numbers. Storms of fish paint the backgrounds of photos to look like vast clouds of silver slivers whirling through the blue. This mass of scaled life is dense enough to block out the sun, creating a living eclipse of fish. Being in the middle of a school of fish exhibiting shoaling behavior is an unforgettable and completely surreal experience. This is one of those occasions where the silence of the sea greatly enhances the view. With no noise to distract the brain, your other senses can better focus on the otherworldly nature of harmoniously becoming part of this complex pattern of movement.

AUTHOR
Alex Rose holds a B.S. in Biology, M.S. in Aquatic Biology, and has a wide variety of experience in the biological sciences. Alex is the Science Editor for Ocean Geographic Magazine, and the Managing Editor for Ocean Geographic Explorers (OGX). Alex is also a professional violinist, photographer, Explorers Club Fellow, PADI Divemaster, public presenter, and lover of all things aquatic. Her driving goal is to find ways to protect our world’s precious marine habitats through diving, writing, photography, education, and research. She founded Blue Ring (www.bluering.blue) at the beginning of 2017 in an effort to create a new method of ocean conservation accessible to and inclusive of everyone who wants to better understand and protect our seas.

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