That tang is beautiful!

On the flip side, that fishing hook in the turtle is depressing…

WOW, that tang is AWESOME… that would create the ultimate contrast in a reef… especially next to a Zebrasoma rostratum

Cool video……BUT…….Why the heck cant these get their crud together before opening their mouths and inserting their hoof? Thats not an albino. Its got pigmented eyes. Ack…..

Settle down Jeremy…

Eric, do you know if there’s any chance that the diver’s removed the hooks from the turtle? I know you’re not supposed to touch anything when you’re diving, but it seemed like it would’ve at least been worth a try but maybe I’m wrong…maybe that’s too dangerous to do. Makes me very sad because eventually that hook or line will catch on something and do serious damage to that poor turtle. It’s hard to take seeing that kindof stuff. The tang is absolutely stunning…no doubt about that.

@Nicholas, I am not sure. As hard as it would be to let something like that go, I think the best course of action would be just that.

@Eric-I find that sad, but I wonder-do you say that because it would be dangerous for the person who tries to take it out, or do you say that because the diver probably doesn’t have the experience to safely remove it without doing further damage? Would a turtle like that attack you if you touched it?

@Nicholas, I’ve only encountered a Sea turtle once while diving and it was extremely friendly and non-threatening. That said, it’s something best left for someone with marine wildlife experience to handle. Notifying the proper authorities / groups would be best IMO. There’s no telling how deep those hooks are embedded, complications, etc.

You’re absolutely right. It would be extraordinarily hard to walk away from, but probably the best you could do would be to try to cut the line to lessen the chance of it getting caught on something and end up leashing the turtle to whatever it’s caught on. Turtles always seem like such wise, peaceful, noble creatures to me.

Most times, the metal hook rust and dissolves out. The monofilment lines typically the greater issue with such situations.

Bear in mind, wildlife is tougher than we give them credit for. Minor injuries and wounds wont cause a catastrophic event in most cases. These animals have evolved over time to endure. As crappy as it is for this to occur, I doubt the turtle was impaired much at all.

Also, BTW, I had to catch sea turtles for a college internship, and it was insanely difficult. Even if they were easily caught, hey were near impossible to maneuver.

And one more thing- IAN….. I just dont understand why people would publish such a arranged and produced piece like this, and not even bother to check accuracy. So ZIP IT!!!

They should nickname that tang “Powder”. When I saw that picture, it kept reminding me of something but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. All of a sudden it dawned on me that this tang looked like the same color as the guy in the movie Powder…right?

What a vibrant fish! I need to get out the gear and do some diving around those parts.