#FFF 2: The Smooth Trunkfish

Smooth Trunkfish

Welcome back to another episode of #fff or Friday Fish Facts! The smooth trunkfish (Lactophrys triqueter) is a fascinating member of the boxfish family, Ostraciidae. It gets its name from the triangular body shape (when viewed head-on), and its smooth…

Dive into our social media

Bigeye trevally jack tornado baitball

Fish and social media users may live in different worlds, but their behaviors reveal fascinating similarities. Whether it’s finding strength in numbers, flaunting brilliance for attention, or navigating dangers, fish schools and social media tribes share universal truths about connection…

#FFF 1: The French Grunt

French Grunts in a school

Did you know that the French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum), a common reef fish in Fort Lauderdale, gets its name from the sound it makes? These fish grind their teeth to produce a “grunting” noise, which is sometimes heard underwater. They…

Queering the Sea

Scuba Diver with Camera

Tackling Discrimination in Diving The ocean has long symbolized freedom—its vast, boundless waters evoke a sense of endless possibilities and uncharted adventures. For scuba divers, the underwater world represents a space where differences dissolve, and everyone marvels at nature’s grandeur…

Odd Partnerships

Isopod parasite hanging from the gill flap of a creolefish

Symbiotic Relationships Among Marine Species Off Fort Lauderdale In the underwater world off Fort Lauderdale, survival often depends on teamwork. From coral reefs to seagrass meadows, countless marine species have developed symbiotic relationships—unique partnerships where two different organisms benefit from…

South Florida’s Hammerhead Highway

closeup of Hammerhead Shark

The open waters off Fort Lauderdale and across the Gulf Stream to Bimini hold many secrets, but few are as thrilling as the seasonal migration of hammerhead sharks. Known for their distinctive head shape and graceful movements, hammerheads have captivated…

Rainy Sunday doesn’t keep Out Scuba down

Matt Constantine holding his prize, the DryFob

We had our first Out Scuba social on March 30th, and it was a resounding success. Thanks to support from local businesses we gave away over $500 in door prizes, plus got a demonstration on sidemount diving from instructor member…

Star light, star bright…

Bahama Sea Star

The warm, sunlit waters of South Florida are a haven for an impressive variety of marine life. Among the most fascinating inhabitants of these waters are starfish, also known as sea stars. These iconic creatures captivate divers and snorkelers with…

Instructor Spotlight: Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor

There are as many types of scuba instructors as there are types of diving. Some specialize in recreational diving and others in the more technical side. But it all begins with a love of the sport and wanting to convey…

What scuba gear should I buy? And in what order?

scuba gear in a shop

If you’ve decided to break into scuba diving, or get back into it, equipment is almost always the first hurdle that people face. And let’s face it: scuba gear is not cheap. Buying the right gear ensures your safety, comfort…