Nusa Penida underwater exploration captures rare marine species

Underwater explorer Barney Dilaston has captured rare footage of marine life at a depth of 170 meters near Nusa Penida, Indonesia. The island, often referred to as the ‘Island of Black Magic’ in Balinese tradition, features deep waters and strong currents that make exploration challenging.

Using an Insta360 Ace Pro 2 camera, Dilaston recorded what is believed to be the first footage of several species in their natural habitat. The footage includes a Squalus altipinnis shark, which is thought to be the first live specimen of this subspecies ever filmed in the wild.

Additionally, the expedition captured a carpet shark from the Orectolobidae family and a rare violet stingray (Myliobatis hamlyni). Dilaston noted that while surface-dwelling creatures often avoid artificial light, deep-sea species accustomed to darkness are frequently attracted to it.