Banc 06, Nosy Be: plateau riche en bancs de poissons

Banc 06 is a distinct submerged plateau situated off Nosy Be, presenting a relatively shallow dive profile for the region. The site's main feature is this expansive, flat-topped structure, with its upper edge found at 14 metres and gently sloping down to a maximum recorded depth of 19 metres. This consistent depth range makes it an accessible dive, allowing ample bottom time to explore the plateau's contours and inhabitants.

The primary draw to Banc 06 is the sheer volume of fish life that congregates here. You'll often find yourself surrounded by incredible numbers of schooling fish, forming dense, moving walls of silver and colour. These aggregations can be so dense that at times they almost obscure vision, creating a vivid, pulsating landscape across the plateau. The presence of such vast baitfish schools naturally attracts a diverse predatory ecosystem.

Among the regular inhabitants, you should keep an eye out for larger moray eels that sometimes make a striking appearance against the backdrop of the reef. These eels can be quite substantial, often observed in their natural hunting grounds within the crevices and underhangs of the plateau. Their presence adds another layer of intrigue to the dynamic marine environment found here.

Beyond the resident reef fish and morays, Banc 06 holds the potential for significant pelagic encounters. Divers occasionally report sightings of manta rays (Mobula birostris) gracefully gliding over the plateau, drawn in by the abundant food source. Mobula rays (Mobula thurstoni) are also known to frequent the area, often moving in groups, and the swift, sleek profiles of eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) can offer a memorable surprise during the dive. These larger visitors highlight the productive nature of this underwater landscape.