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erised by the Cod | Photo by my dive buddy with my camera, used with permission.</figcaption></figure>I continued to track the cod as it swam in a wide arc around us. Another two or three joined in. They followed a distinct pattern. Glide past, within inches of us, then move off into clear water and return and repeat.When I am diving I have found that I will often enter a ‘flow state’. A state of mindfulness where you are ultra focussed and completely present in the moment.This particular dive with the Cod was actually the first time I noticed being ‘in flow’. The experience was utterly mesmerising and you could not help but be 100 percent in the moment.These fish are, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful specimens in the entire ocean and to spend time in the water with them was a distinct privilege.I didn’t want this dive to end but eventually my dive computer read 50 bar and it was time to ascend for my safety stop. Three minutes at five meters to decompress.It had been one of the best hours of my life. Thankfully I had my trusty GoPro with me to take plenty of photos to remember the experience by.Although I don’t really need the photographs to remember those moments. They are etched in my mind for eternity. It was a cherished experience that I have since been back to repeat.<figure id="aae6"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*i6nXlgCbOHGOFv8JU5-fIw.jpeg"><figcaption>Potato Cod at the Cod Hole on the Great Barrier Reef | Photographs by Author | © Thurlow 2023</figcaption></figure><figure id="71b0"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*qIOv4XpI6yY9RMzwmqDMLw.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="9f72"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*9NNriuhJdGyAHMC010TFRg.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="e653"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*HqWmONMsT-rXmYsUefIprg.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="a8e9"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.read

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medium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*ig2Zi3wAcYjN42BxDTEkGQ.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="dae9"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*xTB7LjC--8aHkNyzNJChig.jpeg"><figcaption>Photograph by my dive buddy used with permission</figcaption></figure>Now for some interesting facts about the Potato Cod. **I have always found their name rather interesting. It is not obvious why they have been bestowed this moniker but it is on account of the dark blobs that make up part of their unique and beautiful coloration. If you pay close attention these dark blobs roughly resemble the shape of a potato.They are also commonly known as a Potato Groper or Potato Bass and possess the Latin name Epinephelus tukula.They are a very large fish and have been known to grow up to 2m long and 110kg (240lb). That is big! They are the second largest Grouper only behind the truly enormous Queensland Grouper.I have also been lucky enough to encounter a Queensland Grouper on a dive and they are unbelievably big!This fantastic encounter was as part of an ecotourism trip organised by some close friends of mine. They run live-aboard ecotourism trips which centre around swimming with Dwarf Minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef.A great aspect of the trips is that they take researchers on board who are studying the whales. The passengers can help with the scientists research too by donating photographs and documenting your encounters with the whales.I plan to publish an article about swimming with Minke Whales soon. These encounters were even more breathtaking than the Potato Cod.If you enjoy my writing be sure to join my <a href="https://warren-thurlow-writes.ck.page/3b9626089c?source=about_page-------------------------------------">email list</a> to stay up to date with my writing and more.**Source — <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato_grouper">Wikipedia</a></article></body>

Potato Cod – At My Favourite Spot On The Great Barrier Reef

The Cod Hole | Ribbon Reef Number 10 | Australia

A Potato Cod At the Cod Hole | Great Barrier Reef | Photograph by Author | © Thurlow 2023

We were sheltered in behind Ribbon Reef Number 10 on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Paradise on Earth!

I stood on the duck board of the dive boat and did my final checks. I looked up at the surface of the water in front of me, it was calm and clear. I could see the bubbles hitting the surface from the other divers below.

As everyone else was already down I decided on a negative entry. I needed to catch up to my buddy.

I emptied any residual air from my BCD and checked my gauges. Full tank, good to go. My respirator in, I put my right hand up to my mask and mouth piece.

Then I stepped off into that wonderful world below the surface.

I breathed out as I hit the water to ensure I descended immediately. I spotted the group below me and continued my gentle descent toward them.

I was in my happy place now, so quiet and peaceful. Only the sound of my breathing and cool caress of the ocean.

As I descended I could see the big fish this dive spot is famous for, the Potato Cod. Maybe five or six of these magnificent fish were gliding gracefully amongst the divers.

As I reached the bottom I made my presence known to my dive buddy and gave a quick OK hand signal. I then turned and one of the cod swam right up to me, very inquisitive. Its huge eyes fixed on me as it glided past. Wow, first time seeing gone of these, I was speechless. I know, thats a paradox, especially considering I was 14 meters under water with a respirator in my mouth.

Me Mesmerised by the Cod | Photo by my dive buddy with my camera, used with permission.

I continued to track the cod as it swam in a wide arc around us. Another two or three joined in. They followed a distinct pattern. Glide past, within inches of us, then move off into clear water and return and repeat.

When I am diving I have found that I will often enter a ‘flow state’. A state of mindfulness where you are ultra focussed and completely present in the moment.

This particular dive with the Cod was actually the first time I noticed being ‘in flow’. The experience was utterly mesmerising and you could not help but be 100 percent in the moment.

These fish are, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful specimens in the entire ocean and to spend time in the water with them was a distinct privilege.

I didn’t want this dive to end but eventually my dive computer read 50 bar and it was time to ascend for my safety stop. Three minutes at five meters to decompress.

It had been one of the best hours of my life. Thankfully I had my trusty GoPro with me to take plenty of photos to remember the experience by.

Although I don’t really need the photographs to remember those moments. They are etched in my mind for eternity. It was a cherished experience that I have since been back to repeat.

Potato Cod at the Cod Hole on the Great Barrier Reef | Photographs by Author | © Thurlow 2023

Photograph by my dive buddy used with permission

Now for some interesting facts about the Potato Cod. **

I have always found their name rather interesting. It is not obvious why they have been bestowed this moniker but it is on account of the dark blobs that make up part of their unique and beautiful coloration. If you pay close attention these dark blobs roughly resemble the shape of a potato.

They are also commonly known as a Potato Groper or Potato Bass and possess the Latin name Epinephelus tukula.

They are a very large fish and have been known to grow up to 2m long and 110kg (240lb). That is big! They are the second largest Grouper only behind the truly enormous Queensland Grouper.

I have also been lucky enough to encounter a Queensland Grouper on a dive and they are unbelievably big!

This fantastic encounter was as part of an ecotourism trip organised by some close friends of mine. They run live-aboard ecotourism trips which centre around swimming with Dwarf Minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef.

A great aspect of the trips is that they take researchers on board who are studying the whales. The passengers can help with the scientists research too by donating photographs and documenting your encounters with the whales.

I plan to publish an article about swimming with Minke Whales soon. These encounters were even more breathtaking than the Potato Cod.

If you enjoy my writing be sure to join my email list to stay up to date with my writing and more.

**Source — Wikipedia