Fish Head

An oval protected thila in central North Ari whose top lies at about 10 m, with steep walls cut by caves and overhangs dropping past 35–40 m. Grey reef sharks patrol the edge, schools of fusiliers, blue-lined snapper and jacks swarm the current side, and napoleon wrasse, eagle rays and batfish are regulars. Black coral and gorgonians decorate the overhangs.

Facts

• Region: Maldives – North & Central Atolls
• Area: North Ari Atoll
• Depth: 10–40 m
• Level: advanced
• Current: strong
• Type: pinnacle, drift
• Coordinates: 3.94228, 72.9122
• Highlights: grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasse, fusiliers, blue-lined snapper, jacks, eagle rays, batfish, black coral, gorgonians, swim-throughs/overhangs
• Tips: Currents can be strong: stay in the lee of the pinnacle and carry an SMB. Listed as a protected area by the Maldivian government (fishing and anchoring are not allowed) – do not touch the reef or collect anything.

Sources

• https://www.dive-the-world.com/diving-sites-maldives-ari-atoll.php
• https://resortlife.travel/dive-sites/fish-head-north-ari
• https://www.wannadive.net/spot/Asia/Maldives/Ari/North_Ari_Atoll/Mushimasmigili
• https://statisticsmaldives.gov.mv/yearbook2009/Environment/2.1.htm
• https://www.frontiersin.org/api/v4/articles/540138/file/Data_Sheet_1.PDF/540138_supplementary-materials_datasheets_1_pdf/1