KALABIA
(the shark)

The Conservation Education Vessel that we will soon* (barring further delays!) be working on is called the KM Kalabia. Our namesake, and mascot, is a funny shark who 'walks' on his pectoral fins. Kalabia is one of the local names (from the original tribe of Raja Ampat, suku Maya) for this shark species. Funnily, the more widely-known local name is 'hiu bodoh', which literally means 'stupid shark' (I guess they figure that any shark that would choose to waddle along slowly on his fins instead of swim must be a little unbalanced)! What's more they seem somewhat lethargic if you happen to see them during the day, when they typically seek shelter under large rocks, ledges or coral formations. They are nocturnal creatures -- much more active, seeking food and moving about, at night.



In fact, they should call him the well-hung, midget walking shark, since he's actually got TWO you-know-what's (that are significantly larger than other sharks of similar species)!!!

This is the little guy who someone (* name yet to be released) pledged 500,000 USD to name at The Blue Auction!

P.S. A few months ago, for the first time, we (ie. Martin) found a Kalabia on the CI Waiwo Field Station House Reef! As you can see, they're quite small... and no danger in handling them (other than to traumatize the poor things!), since they don't have any teeth (they crush molluscs with their strong jaw for food)!