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About this image:
Floating effortlessly
In a large area known to occasionally be visited by Southern
Stingrays, we wait for the first signs of the approaching
Southern Stingrays. Their venomous tails string out behind
them as they flap and undulate their wings, gliding through
the water like alien craft approaching the Mad Dogs. In all
shapes and sizes, we have hit the jackpot and soon there are
Southern Stingrays everywhere to be seen by our camera. |
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About this image:
“Look! Let’s try out some Dog treats!”
We are submerged in an experience like nothing else.
Completely captivated by the larger Stingray, staring deep
into the probing eyes, I failed to notice the smaller
Stingray as it came over and proceeded to wrap itself around
my leg like an affectionate pet. Snooping around for a
snack, the bottom located mouth acts like a giant underwater
vacuum, searching for a scent of squid snacks and sucking,
with great force, whatever is in the neighborhood. We are
advised by the Captain of our private chartered boat that
“Stingray hickeys” are commonly received from overanxious
Stingrays latching on and sucking on a flat surface, such as
our backs or an exposed stomach. “Okay, let’s not get too
affectionate…” |
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About this image:
“Look deep into my eyes… You are getting sleepy…”
Whoa, this stingray is trying to hypnotize the Mad Dogs and
bring them back to their kingdom as prizes… Okay, so maybe
we shouldn’t hold our breath so long underwater. This
Southern Stingray was floating and hovering mid-water,
looking like a pet, standing-up, begging for a treat, posing
for a photo. It is amazing to watch these creatures float
and move so utterly effortlessly through the water, a quick
flick or small ripple of their wings and “swoosh”, they fly
off at amazing speeds and with incredible dexterity. |
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About this image:
“Yo, give me a hand…”
The feel and texture of a Southern Stingray is unlike
anything you’d expect. Able to swim at great speeds and with
incredible dexterity, we expected the flesh and muscles to
feel hard and firm, however it’s not. Silky soft, flexible
and more reminiscent of a large portabella mushroom, the
experience is extraordinary. These great and docile
creatures are willing to allow you to almost cradle them in
your open arms as their muscles slowly undulate and ripple
their large wings. An afternoon of diving with Southern
Stingrays near Cayman Islands has provided The Mad Dogs with
another experience unlike anything we’ve ever done. |
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