#FFF 8: Yellow Stingray

Yellow Stingray

The yellow stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis) is a fascinating and often overlooked species that thrives in the warm, shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. Its maximum size is only 12″ long/wide and it is frequently seen much smaller. Found along…

Coral City Camera… our favorite YouTube channel

Coral City Camera View

What do you watch on YouTube? We are constantly seeking out underwater cameras and videos, and in our opinion–which may or may not be humble–the very best is Coral Morphologic’s Coral City Camera. Their channel has both a live stream…

#FFF 7: Manatees are… Mermaids?!

Florida Manatee

Friday Fish Facts is straying off the beaten path again to tackle the question are mermaids really manatees? Fort Lauderdale, known for its intricate canal system and beautiful beaches, is also home to one of nature’s most gentle and fascinating…

LGBTQIA+ Consumers and Dive Businesses

LGBTQIA+ Consumers considering a purchase

Out Scuba was founded with a three-part mission, the second part being about advocating for LGBTQIA+ consumers with dive companies and connecting those organizations who want our business with our members. It has been both easier and harder than we…

#FFF 6: The Goliath Grouper

Goliath Grouper

Welcome back to another episode of #fff or Friday Fish Facts!  The Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara), is one of the most fascinating and formidable fish inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its massive size and distinctive appearance, this species has…

Merfolk of Fort Lauderdale: Local Gay Legends and Marine Mythology

fantasy merman basking in sun rays underwater

Merfolk have long graced human storytelling as symbols of allure, independence, and mystery. From the sirens of ancient Greece to Hans Christian Andersen’s tragic tale of the Little Mermaid, these aquatic beings embody themes of yearning, transformation, and uncharted possibilities.…

#FFF 5: The Queen Conch

Queen Conch

Welcome back to another episode of #fff or Friday Fish Facts! Hang onto your booties, cause today’s fish fact is actually a shellfish fact! If you’ve ever snorkeled or dove along the beaches of South Florida, chances are you’ve come…

Coral reefs depend on mangrove forests

Mangrove roots are a fish nursery

As divers, we often get on boats in marinas that are sheltered by mangrove forests and then ride right past them without realizing how critical these areas are. Mangrove forests are the unsung heroes of South Florida’s coastal ecosystems, playing…

The luminous sea: nature’s nighttime magic

bioluminescence in a breaking wave onshore

As the sun sets and twilight falls, an extraordinary phenomenon begins to unfold beneath the waves. In the dim darkness of the ocean, nature’s own light show flickers to life—an enchanting glow of blues, greens, and purples that originates from…

#FFF 4: Spotted Scorpionfish

Spotted Scorpionfish

Welcome back to another episode of #fff or Friday Fish Facts! The spotted scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri) is one of the sneakiest reef-dwelling predators and is found all along the Florida reef tract. Known for its exceptional camouflage, venomous spines, and…

#FFF 3: the Green Moray Eel

Green Moray Eel peeking out from beneath a coral ledge

Welcome back to another episode of #fff or Friday Fish Facts! The green moray eel (Gymnothorax funebris) is a creature that looks like it swam straight out of a alien horror movie. It is one of the largest moray eels…

The Bermuda Triangle and Fort Lauderdale

The SS Sapona in Bimini

The Bermuda Triangle’s allure lies in the countless stories of vessels and aircraft that allegedly disappeared without a trace. Perhaps the most famous is the case of Flight 19, a group of five U.S. Navy bombers that vanished during a…