Palikir Pass

Palikir Pass is a channel cut through the barrier reef on the north side of Pohnpei, in the Federated States of Micronesia, where the reef opens toward the open Pacific. It is known among divers as a grey reef shark site, with divers hooking into the reef near the pass mouth to watch sharks hold in the current. Depths at the main viewing area run roughly 20 to 30 metres, with the reef top shallower toward the pass edges. Because of the current that gives the pass its shark action, it is generally considered a dive for those with drift and deep diving experience rather than beginners.

Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.

• Lined BristletoothCtenochaetus striatusReported here · unconfirmed
• Indian Bullethead ParrotfishChlorurus sordidusReported here · unconfirmed
• Humpnose Bigeye BreamMonotaxis grandoculisReported here · unconfirmed
• Pacific Orange-spine UnicornfishNaso lituratusReported here · unconfirmed
• Humpback SnapperLutjanus gibbusReported here · unconfirmed
• Redbreast Maori WrasseCheilinus fasciatusReported here · unconfirmed
• Bleeker's ParrotfishChlorurus bleekeriReported here · unconfirmed
• Threadfin ButterflyfishChaetodon aurigaReported here · unconfirmed
• Yellow-barred ParrotfishScarus dimidiatusReported here · unconfirmed
• Bluefin TrevallyCaranx melampygusReported here · unconfirmed
• Small Giant ClamTridacna maximaObserved near here · iNaturalist
• Green Barrel Sea SquirtDidemnum molleObserved near here · iNaturalist
• Tracey's DamselfishChrysiptera traceyiObserved near here · iNaturalist
• Blue LinckiaLinckia laevigataObserved near here · iNaturalist