A short distance off South Shellharbour Beach lies a vast, extremely
productive reef system. Legends reef consists of rocky outcrops
surrounded by sand at depths ranging from about 12 metres down to
over 21 metres.
The growth in this area covers every possibility on a temperate reef.
Many sponges including orange fan, goblet and finger are found along
with sea tulips, gorgoneia fans and many varieties of solitary coral.
This area is home for at least one pair of the protected Bleeker’s Blue
Devil fish that can be found along a rocky overhang. The Weedy Sea
Dragon is seen by many divers as they pass over areas of kelp.
The Giant Cuttle, that grows to about a meter in length can
also be seen as it hides along the edges of reef. Other types of
fish seen quite regularly are the Blue Grouper and the Bore
Fish.
Many types of Nudibranch are found all over the reef along
with small feather stars, Basket Stars and the tiny white sea
spider. Very rare types of small abalone have also been found
on this reef.
This area is still mostly unexplored as it is so vast and there is so much life it is an underwater
photographers and naturalists dream.
