The Cairns-based Master Reef Guide was leading a group of divers onboard Spirit of Freedom at Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea, (approximately 300km from Cairns), when she and fellow Master Reef Guide, Catherine Logan, came across the striking Leopard Toby fish, which is believed to be one of the first recorded sightings in the Coral Sea.
Speaking of the rare encounter, that took place at the Soft Coral Wall on the Western Side of North Horn at Osprey Reef, Ms Barry said it is breathtaking moments like this that makes her role as a Master Reef Guide one of the magical jobs in the world.
“I am a very blessed Master Reef Guide in that I have been working in some of the wildest places on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Coral Sea for the past few years,” Ms Barry said.
“I have found some incredible species and anytime you find something that makes you stop, pause and just be in the moment, it makes you appreciate how much there is to explore and even more committed to protecting this ecosystem at all costs.”
According to marine biology literature and research, Ms Barry understands the Leopard Toby is noted as commonly inhabiting the waters of the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam and Micronesia.
“My brain took a minute to process what it was. I thought ‘that is definitely a Toby, classic Toby size and shape’ but those markings and the colours were magnificent. That’s when we knew it was something we hadn’t seen here before,” recalled Ms Barry.
“Back onboard Cat (Catherine) looked up the ID listing and I noticed straight away that our region was not specified as being where this fish is commonly found.
“We started digging further and could not find anything connecting the species to the Coral Sea and that’s when we knew our few seconds with this individual was something special.”
Ms Barry was sure to make close observations of the unique markings on the fish to help correctly identify the species.
“The large black leopard patterns across the back stood out straight away, then as my eyes drifted towards the head, I noticed tight swirling patterns around the eyes and top of the head. I’ve seen thousands of fish in my career, and I knew straight away that I had never laid eyes on this species before,” explained Ms Barry.
While it may not be common for Master Reef Guides and dive guests onboard Spirit of Freedom to come across a Leopard Toby, Ms Barry explained this isn’t the first rare species to reveal themselves at Osprey Reef.
“Where the Toby was spotted is a regular stopping point for our dive guests, where the beautiful soft corals hang along the plunging sheer wall. This wall has revealed numerous rare species over the years like frog fish, Leafy scorpionfishes, and a sailfish,” Ms Barry said.
“I’m lucky enough to have had dozens of these ‘take your breath away’ moments during my years as a Master Reef Guide and share them with my guests.
“It’s a powerful reminder for all Master Reef Guides of the important work we do, each and every day when we dive below the surface. Educating guests on the wonders of the underwater world and the efforts being undertaken to protect this diverse, one of a kind ecosystem for future generations.”
For more information on liveaboard dive experiences to Osprey Reef with Spirit of Freedom visit www.spiritoffreedom.com.au and to find out more about the Master Reef Guide program check out www.gbrmpa.gov.au/learn/master-reef-guides.
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